2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has a Complaint Index of 70 and ranks 4th worst out of 11 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate, making up 58% of its 24 complaints, with two recalls covering suspension corrosion and airbag inflators.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 70/100
- #4 of 11 Lancer Evolution years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 24
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18.5
- 16.5 city / 22.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine14 (58%)
- Brakes3 (13%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires3 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (13%)
- Electrical System2 (8%)
- Structure & Body2 (8%)
- Other1 (4%)
- Steering1 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report a grinding or scraping noise near the timing belt area, most noticeable at idle and on cold start-up.
- Some describe the noise persisting or returning even after the timing belt idler pulley was replaced by a dealer.
- A wiring harness grommet near the driver's side front fender lets water in, causing electrical faults that owners say nearly started a fire.
- Random and uncontrollable electrical failures were reported, including turn signals, headlights, horn, and fog lights acting up along with a no-start condition.
- Owners report active center differential (ACD) pump failure during normal driving.
- A rear spring seat broke at the weld joint, letting the spring drop and rub against the tire.
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V458000Jun 23, 2016Suspension, Wheels & Tires194,674 vehicles
Suspension:front:control arm:lower arm
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
Risk: A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.
- NHTSA 16V334000May 23, 2016Airbags38,628 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Lancer and Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured June 29, 2005, to June 19, 2007, equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 19, 2016. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-002.
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16.5 MPG
- Highway
- 22.5 MPG
- Combined
- 18.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,325
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2006 compared with other Lancer Evolution years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliable?
- NHTSA lists 24 complaints for the 2006 model year with a Complaint Index of 70, ranking it 4th worst among 11 model years and earning a Caution verdict relative to other Evolution years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2006 Lancer Evolution?
- Engine problems account for 58% of complaints, most often a grinding or scraping noise near the timing belt with a median failure mileage of 33,000. Brakes, suspension, and transmission issues each made up 13% of complaints.
- Does the 2006 Lancer Evolution have any recalls?
- Yes, two recalls: one for corrosion of the front cross member on 2002-2007 Lancer and related models, and one for a defective passenger frontal air bag inflator on 2006-2007 Lancer and Lancer Evolution vehicles.
- How does the 2006 model compare to other Lancer Evolution years?
- The 2006 model's Complaint Index of 70 is lower than 2005 (80), 2008 (90), and 2010 (100), all rated Avoid, but higher than years like 2009 (10) and 2012 (20).
- What mileage do engine problems typically show up at in the 2006 Evolution?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 33,000 miles at failure for engine-related complaints in the 2006 Lancer Evolution.