Makes / Mitsubishi / Lancer Evolution
Mitsubishi Repair • Phoenix, AZ
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Repair in Phoenix, AZ
Common problems, safety recalls and expert service for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (2005 to 2006, 2008 to 2015).
Looking for Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution repair in Phoenix? We work on Mitsubishi vehicles every day and cover the Lancer Evolution across model years 2005 to 2006, 2008 to 2015, with honest diagnostics and quotes you approve before work begins.
To help Lancer Evolution owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 290 owner complaints on file for the Lancer Evolution and 13 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are power train (113), electronic stability control (esc) (40), engine (36).
Most-Reported Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Lancer Evolution (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 113 | 38% | |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 40 | 13% | |
| Engine | 36 | 12% | |
| Electrical System | 26 | 8% | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 26 | 8% | |
| Structure | 19 | 6% | |
| Steering | 19 | 6% | |
| Air Bags | 17 | 5% |
Power Train
113 of the 290 complaints (38%) mention the powertrain. Powertrain complaints can range from rough shifting to loss of drive. We road test, scan for stored codes and inspect fluids before recommending any repair. See our auto repair page.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
40 of the 290 complaints (13%) mention driver-assistance and stability systems. Driver-assistance and stability systems rely on sensors and software. We scan for stored codes and diagnose sensor and wiring faults. See our check engine light diagnostics page.
Engine
36 of the 290 complaints (12%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Complaints by Model Year
The Lancer Evolution model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2010, 2008, 2011. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 16 | |
| 2006 | 34 | |
| 2008 | 59 | |
| 2009 | 2 | |
| 2010 | 79 | |
| 2011 | 45 | |
| 2012 | 3 | |
| 2013 | 4 | |
| 2014 | 22 | |
| 2015 | 26 |
Most Common Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Lancer Evolution. The most-cited is C161E (manufacturer-specific chassis code), mentioned in 7 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| C161E | Manufacturer-specific chassis code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 7 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the Lancer Evolution in these model years, most often involving engine and engine cooling, air bags, visibility. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2018 recall, Visibility (campaign 18V071000): 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.
- 2017 recall, Electrical System (campaign 17V609000): Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Outlander, 2015-2016 Lancer and Outlander Sport, and 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles.
- 2016 recall, Suspension (campaign 16V458000): 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...
- 2016 recall, Air Bags (campaign 16V334000): 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...
- 2015 recall, Electrical System (campaign 15V232000): Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to July 6, 2010, 2009-2010 Outlander vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to August...
- 2015 recall, Visibility (campaign 15V233000): Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Lancer vehicles manufactured March 16, 2009, to March 30, 2011, 2010-2011 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to December 1,...
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Lancer Evolution, 18 involved a crash, 6 involved a fire, 12 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Mitsubishi will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Lancer Evolution that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Lancer Evolution owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution repair service, or choose a service below.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution are power train (113), electronic stability control (esc) (40), engine (36). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Lancer Evolution model years have the most complaints?
The Lancer Evolution model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2010, 2008, 2011. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the codes cited most often are C161E (manufacturer-specific chassis code). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution across model years 2005 to 2006, 2008 to 2015. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Mitsubishi vehicles including the Lancer Evolution, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Mitsubishi Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.