YearToAvoid

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

No verdict

Complaint Index

10/100

#10 most-complained of 11 Lancer Evolution years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has a complaint index of 10, the second-lowest among the 11 model years with data, with only 2 complaints and 5 recalls on file with NHTSA. It ranks as one of the lower-risk years for this model, well below years like 2008 and 2010.

Complaints
2
Recalls
5
Crashes / fires
0 / 0
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
18.5
16.5 city / 22 hwy

Top 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine1 (50%)
  2. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (50%)

What owners report

  • Drive belt makes a loud squeaking noise before the vehicle stalls while turning the steering wheel, reported at 90,000 miles.
  • A dealer refused to service the vehicle when the owner brought in the stalling and belt noise complaint.
  • Tire sidewalls cracked after two years of use, requiring replacement.
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution complaints: complaints filed per month1Apr 2020Nov 2020
2 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2020 to Nov 2020; peak Apr 2020 (1).

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recalls

5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 18V071000Jan 26, 2018Visibility & Wipers56,641 vehicles

    Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Outlander, 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Evolution, and 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles equipped with sunroofs. The sunroof glass may detach from the sunroof assembly, becoming a road hazard to other vehicles.

    Risk: If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-003.

  2. NHTSA 14V562000Sep 12, 2014Engine165,923 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleys

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4B1 engines, have an engine pulley and belt arrangement for turning the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (if equipped). These pulleys may experience unusual wear and allow for belt detachment.

    Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-009.

  3. NHTSA 13V446000Sep 19, 2013Transmission & Powertrain10,474 vehicles

    Power train:manual transmission

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured from December 12, 2007, through March 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the clutch master cylinder can fail.

    Risk: Failure of the clutch master cylinder reduces the ability to shift the vehicle into or out of gear, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected clutch master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2013. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's campaign number for this recall is SR-13-009.

See all 5 recalls for the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution →

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution fuel economy and fuel cost

City
16.5 MPG
Highway
22 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.

2009 compared with other Lancer Evolution years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020052006200720082009201020112012201320142015
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2007No verdict001—
2008Avoid9036418.5
2009No verdict102518.5
2010Avoid10028518.5
2011Caution5011319

All Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2009 model has a complaint index of 10, the second-lowest rank among the 11 years of data, indicating fewer reported problems than most other Lancer Evolution years.
What year Lancer Evolution should I avoid?
NHTSA data flags 2005, 2008, and 2010 as Avoid years for the Lancer Evolution, with complaint indexes of 80, 90, and 100 respectively, all higher than the 2009 model's index of 10.
Does the 2009 Lancer Evolution have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns covering the 2009 model, including sunroof glass detachment, drive belt failure, clutch master cylinder, airbag sensor corrosion, and fuel return pipe attachment issues.
What is the top reported problem on the 2009 Lancer Evolution?
NHTSA complaint data lists Engine as the top problem area, accounting for 50% of the 2 complaints filed, with a median mileage at failure of 90,000 miles.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.