Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: which model years draw the most owner complaints?
228 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, model years 2003 to 2015. One model year stands out for the engine or transmission: 2003 (transmission). Counts of unverified owner reports, compared only with other years of the same model; not failure rates.
Complaints by model year
| MODEL YEAR | COMPLAINTS | VS OTHER YEARS | STANDS OUT | RECALLS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 Lancer EvolutionFEW REPORTS | 97 | transmission | 2 | |
| 2005 Lancer EvolutionFEW REPORTS | 14 | — | 2 | |
| 2006 Lancer EvolutionFEW REPORTS | 24 | — | 2 | |
| 2008 Lancer EvolutionFEW REPORTS | 36 | — | 4 | |
| 2009 Lancer EvolutionFEW REPORTS | 2 | — | 5 | |
| 2010 Lancer EvolutionFEW REPORTS | 28 | — | 5 | |
| 2011 Lancer EvolutionFEW REPORTS | 11 | — | 3 | |
| 2012 Lancer EvolutionFEW REPORTS | 3 | — | 1 | |
| 2013 Lancer EvolutionFEW REPORTS | 4 | — | 1 | |
| 2014 Lancer EvolutionFEW REPORTS | 6 | — | 2 | |
| 2015 Lancer EvolutionFEW REPORTS | 3 | — | 2 |
"Stands out" = 40 or more complaints naming that system and at least twice the model's quiet (lower-quartile) year, or twice the share seen across every vehicle of that model year. Newer years have had less time on the road. "Quiet" ranks only years with 7+ years on the road and 20+ complaints. NHTSA data through November 2026.
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Other Mitsubishi models
Mitsubishi Diamante · Mitsubishi Eclipse · Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder · Mitsubishi Endeavor · Mitsubishi Galant · Mitsubishi Lancer · Mitsubishi Mirage · Mitsubishi Montero · Mitsubishi Montero Sport · Mitsubishi Outlander · Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. All makes and models.
Source: NHTSA public complaints, recalls, service bulletin and investigation databases, data received through November 2026. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not failure rates: sales volumes are unknown, so a model year is only compared with other years of the same model. Not a diagnosis and not financial advice. PulsCar is not affiliated with NHTSA. Year pages: