What year Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, 2010 and 2014 are the years to avoid within the 2010-2015 range, with complaint index scores of 100 and 80 respectively. 2010 has the most complaints (28) and recalls (5).

Is the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliable?

The 2011 model is flagged as a caution year, with 11 complaints, a complaint index of 60, and 3 recalls, ranking third worst among the years covered.

Which Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution year has the fewest reported problems?

The 2012 model year has the lowest complaint index (0) with just 3 complaints and 1 recall, followed by 2015 with a complaint index of 20 and 3 complaints.

What is the most common problem area across Lancer Evolution years?

Transmission & Powertrain issues are the top problem area overall, accounting for 37 of 55 total complaints (67%) across all years covered, 2010-2015.

Does the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have any safety recalls?

Yes, NHTSA lists 8 total recall campaigns across the 2010-2015 model years, covering components like fuel system, steering, electrical system, HVAC, and visibility/wipers.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Best and Worst Years (2010–2015)

Among Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution model years 2010-2015, 2010 and 2014 rank worst, with complaint index scores of 100 and 80. 2010 leads with 28 complaints and 5 recalls, mostly transmission and powertrain issues. No year in this range earns a Best rating; 2012 and 2015 have the fewest reported problems.

Avoid 2010 Avoid 2014

Model years: 6; 2010–2015
NHTSA complaints: 55
Recall campaigns: 8
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 3
Top problem area: Transmission & Powertrain

Lancer Evolution Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Avoid	100	28	0	1	5	Transmission & Powertrain	18.5	—
2011	Caution	60	11	0	0	3	Transmission & Powertrain	19	—
2012	No verdict	0	3	0	0	1	Transmission & Powertrain	19	—
2013	No verdict	40	4	0	1	1	Transmission & Powertrain	19	—
2014	Avoid	80	6	1	1	2	Brakes	19	—
2015	No verdict	20	3	0	0	2	Transmission & Powertrain	19	—

Lancer Evolution years to avoid: what went wrong

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Index 100 · 28 complaints · 5 recalls

The 2010 Lancer Evolution has the highest complaint index (100) of any year in this range, with 28 total complaints and 5 recall campaigns. Transmission & Powertrain issues dominate, making up 71% of complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 43,000 miles. Owners also reported brake problems (29% share, median 40,500 miles) and fuel system odor complaints inside the cabin. Recalls cover sunroof glass detachment, an ECU replacement, and a blower motor replacement. Given 28 complaints and 5 recalls, this is the year to be most cautious about within the Evolution lineup covered here.

2010 transmission & powertrain problems →

2014 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Index 80 · 6 complaints · 2 recalls

The 2014 Lancer Evolution ranks second worst with a complaint index of 80, 6 complaints, and 2 recall campaigns. Brakes and Transmission & Powertrain each account for half of the year's complaints, with brake-related median failure mileage at 60,000 miles and transmission-related issues at a median of 32,769 miles. One crash and one fire were reported for this model year. Recalls address a parking brake cable and fuel tank inspection, plus a power steering tube clearance issue. Compared with other years covered, 2014 shows more brake-related reports alongside continued transmission concerns.

Most common Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Transmission & Powertrain37 (67%)
Brakes15 (27%)
Engine10 (18%)
Fuel System6 (11%)
Other5 (9%)
Electrical System4 (7%)
Steering4 (7%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (5%)
Seat Belts1 (2%)
Structure & Body1 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

What year Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, 2010 and 2014 are the years to avoid within the 2010-2015 range, with complaint index scores of 100 and 80 respectively. 2010 has the most complaints (28) and recalls (5).
Is the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliable?: The 2011 model is flagged as a caution year, with 11 complaints, a complaint index of 60, and 3 recalls, ranking third worst among the years covered.
Which Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution year has the fewest reported problems?: The 2012 model year has the lowest complaint index (0) with just 3 complaints and 1 recall, followed by 2015 with a complaint index of 20 and 3 complaints.
What is the most common problem area across Lancer Evolution years?: Transmission & Powertrain issues are the top problem area overall, accounting for 37 of 55 total complaints (67%) across all years covered, 2010-2015.
Does the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have any safety recalls?: Yes, NHTSA lists 8 total recall campaigns across the 2010-2015 model years, covering components like fuel system, steering, electrical system, HVAC, and visibility/wipers.