Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: Years to Avoid and Best Years to Buy
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: 5 model years scored from 100 NHTSA owner complaints and 9 recall campaigns. Worst year 2011, best year 2011.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: which years to avoid
Across 5 scored model years the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution ranges from 77/100 in 2011 to 94/100 in 2013 — a 17-point spread, so which year you buy matters. The weakest year’s complaints concentrate in Power Train (13 of them).
Safest years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 — scored 70 or better.
Scored from NHTSA complaints per year of exposure and recall campaigns. How the score works · every car’s years to avoid.
Year-by-year data table
| Year | Score | Verdict | Running cost / yr | NHTSA complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 81 | BUY | $5,974 | 26 | 2 |
| 2014 | 84 | BUY | $6,104 | 22 | 2 |
| 2013 | 94 | BUY | $6,216 | 4 | 1 |
| 2012 | 93 | BUY | $6,454 | 3 | 1 |
| 2011 | 77 | BUY | $6,647 | 45 | 3 |
Running cost is fuel or energy plus the maintenance band midpoint for that car at its age today, re-priced to your country. Purchase price, insurance and depreciation are not included.
Photographs and every generation of the Lancer Evolution, through the years →
Lancer Evolution sub-models & family
What goes wrong on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Across every Lancer Evolution model year in our index, owners report these component groups most often. The cost beside each one is the representative repair for that group at a US independent shop, re-priced to your country.
- Power Train34 complaints across all Lancer Evolution years · typical job: Transmission service or clutch-pack repair$1,290–$4,040
- Engine17 complaints across all Lancer Evolution years · typical job: Cooling-system or timing-drive repair$1,040–$2,220
- Unknown Or Other13 complaints across all Lancer Evolution years · typical job: Diagnosis and mixed repair$360–$940
- Electrical System12 complaints across all Lancer Evolution years · typical job: Alternator, battery-drain or body-module diagnosis and replacement$540–$1,310
- Air Bags10 complaints across all Lancer Evolution years · typical job: Airbag module, clockspring or sensor replacement$600–$1,700
- Structure9 complaints across all Lancer Evolution years · typical job: Body, subframe or corrosion repair$1,070–$2,920
Flat-rate labour hours x local shop rate plus a parts band. An estimate of what this class of failure costs, not a quote. Formula.
FAQ
What are the best Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution years to buy?
2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 all score 70 or better. The strongest is the 2013 at 94/100, on 4 complaints and 1 recall campaigns.
What is the most common Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problem?
34 of the complaints filed against the Lancer Evolution across all its model years sit in the Power Train group — more than any other component.
Sources: NHTSA, EPA · Methodology · Updated 2026-10-04