Owners filed 36 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the transmission. It has been recalled 4 times.
When it fails
04500045,000 milesMedian miles at failure
34 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 40,000–50,000 miles.
Most common 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems
17 of the 36 complaints (47%) are about the transmission.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Power Train · transmission
17
0
0
0
Electronic Stability Control (esc) · stability control
11
0
0
0
Fuel System, Gasoline · fuel system
3
0
0
0
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration
1
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
1
0
0
0
Tires
1
0
0
0
Suspension
1
0
0
0
Structure › Body · body and frame
1
0
0
0
4 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and Associated Pulleys14V562000
Filed Sep 12, 2014165,923 vehiclesMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Filed Sep 19, 201310,474 vehiclesMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-inactive09V435000
Filed Nov 5, 200929,353 vehiclesMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Defect. MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 LANCER AND LANCER EVOLUTION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF 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 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN AREAS WHERE HEAVY ROAD SALT IS USED IN THE WINTER, A LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO A MIXTURE OF MELTED SNOW WITH SALT THROWN UP BY THE OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD MAY CAUSE A WATER-SALT MIXTURE TO ADHERE TO THE FRONT IMPACT SENSORS.
Risk. THIS COATING OVER TIME MAY CAUSE CORROSION OF THE SENSOR. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH OF THE TYPE THAT WOULD DEPLOY THE AIRBAGS THIS TYPE OF SHORT-CIRCUIT MAY CAUSE A DELAY IN THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS WHICH COULD RESULT IN DRIVER OR PASSENGER INJURY.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT AIRBAG SENSORS THAT HAVE IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI CUSTOMER RELATIONS DEPARTMENT AT 1-888-648-7820.
Filed Sep 8, 20096,903 vehiclesMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Defect. MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 LANCER EVOLUTION, RALLIART, AND SPORTBACK RALLIART VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TURBOCHARGED ENGINES. THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FUEL RETURN PIPE IS ATTACHED TO THE ENGINE, IN COMBINATION WITH FREQUENT VEHICLE OPERATION AT CERTAIN ENGINE REVOLUTIONS, MAY RESULT IN A RESONANCE THAT, IF CONTINUED OVER TIME, MAY CAUSE A STRESS CRACK TO DEVELOP AT THE FIXED PORTION OF THE FUEL PIPE.
Risk. IF THIS STRESS CRACK DEVELOPS, FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy. THE FUEL RETURN PIPE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW PART AND TWO ADDITIONAL ATTACHMENT BRACKETS WILL BE INSTALLED TO BETTER CONTROL FUEL PIPE VIBRATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-888-648-7820.
All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 25, 2018NY
AYE/ HYDRALIC PUMP WAS NEVER CHANGED OUT WAS TOLD WHEN I WENT TO DO A MANUFACTURING RECAL THAT IT WORKED FINE WHEN IT DIDNT AND AFTER WARDS HIT PAST THE 100,000 MILES AND WAS AUTOMATICALLY UNABLE TO GET THE REPLACEMENT.
Power Train
Filed Mar 22, 201644,000 milesVT
AYC PUMP FAILURE AT 44 THOUSAND MILES.
Power Train
Filed Dec 17, 2014CA
ACD/ AYC PUMP FAILURE, ONE TIME I WAS DOING FLUID INSPECTION ON MY CAR WHEN I NOTICE THE CARS ATF FLUID RESERVOIR IN THE TRUNK IS LOSING OIL. LOOKED AT THE FLOOR FOUND SOME RED OIL DRIPPING. IT MAY HAVE SEEM THAT PUMP MAY HAVE BEEN FAILING TO HOLD PRESSURE AND LOSE OIL. POSSIBLE GASKET FAILURE OR PUMP CRACK. BEEN SEARCHING ONLINE FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS, I FOUND OUT IT SEEMED TO BE MOSTLY EVERY OWNERS PROBLEM. IS THIS SUPPOSE TO BE COVERED BY MANUFACTURER? SEEM LIKE POOR MATERIAL BUILD. *TR
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Dec 8, 201429,768 milesPA
VEHICLE WAS IN COLD WEATHER, AYC SYSTEM LIGHT TURNED ON. I CHECKED THE FORUMS AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE THAT INDICATES THE PUMP IS BAD. THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
Power Train
Filed Nov 20, 201466,000 milesMI
IT WAS A COLD WINTER DAY, I STARTED DRIVING MY EVO TO A NEARBY GROCERY STORE. ENROUTE, THE AWD SYSTEM WOULD THROW A WARNING AND A DASHBOARD LIGHT LIT UP. I WAS CONCERNED, STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND NO LEAKS OR NO WEIRD NOISES. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT INTO SNOW/TARMAC/GRAVEL MODE. FORTUNATELY I WAS NOT STRANDED ON THE ROAD SIDE. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I CAME TO KNOW THAT THE ACD PUMP FAILED AND HENCE IT THREW AN AWD ERROR. ITS COSTING ABOUT 2200 DOLLARS TO FIX THIS ISSUE. *TR
Power Train
Filed Oct 2, 201467,000 milesNY
WHEN STARTING MY 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION GSR, I RECEIVED A WARNING MESSAGE ON THE CLUSTER DISPLAY SHOWING A YELLOW-ORANGE SYMBOL THAT SHOWS 4 WHEELS CONNECTED BY AXLES AND THE MIDDLE-SHAFT, WHERE THE FRONT TWO WHEELS ARE FACING AT AN ANGLE TO THE SIDE. THE ERROR CODE READ AS C161E: DTC C161E: ELECTRIC PUMP RELAY CIRCUIT SYSTEM (STUCK). THIS HAS BECOME A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THE 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION. SO COMMON THAT WHEN YOU SEARCH FOR THE CODE C161E, YOU CAN FIND COUNTLESS FORUM DISCUSSIONS ON MULTIPLE WEBSITES COMMENTING ON THE FREQUENCY OF THIS ISSUE. INCLUDING MYSELF, A SINGLE DISCUSSION IDENTIFIES AT LEAST 48 UNIQUE CARS, 42 OF WHICH ARE THE 2008 MODEL YEAR, WHERE THE ACD PUMP FAILED, ALL OF WHICH HAVING DRIVEN FEWER THAN 75,000 MILES AND NEARLY 60% WITH LESS THAN 50,000 MILES (HTTP://WWW.EVOXFORUMS.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=58221&HIGHLIGHT=C161E&PAGE=1). SEVERAL OF THESE VEHICLES REQUIRED MULTIPLE REPLACEMENTS OF THE SAME PART. THIS PROBLEM AFFECTS THE SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE VEHICLE'S ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE SYSTEM, LIKELY INCLUDING THE VEHICLE'S TRACTION CONTROL AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY. *TR
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jul 3, 201447,000 milesWI
LOSS OF ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL. AYC/ACD PUMP FAILURE DUE TO POOR ENGINEERING. CAR HAS NO STABILITY CONTROL AND DRIVER IS MORE LIKELY TO LOSE CONTROL IN SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS. *TR
Power Train
Filed Jun 4, 201440,000 milesUT
ACTIVE YAW CONTROL (AYC) AND ACTIVE CENTER DIFFERENTIAL (ACD) PUMP FAILED. NOT COVERED UNDER POWER TRAIN WARRANTY PUMP WAS CORRODED AND COULD NO LONGER PRODUCE ENOUGH PRESSURE. PUMP IN LOCATED DIRECTLY BEHIND PASSENGER REAR WHEEL EXPOSED TO WATER, SALT, AND OTHER ROAD DEBRIS. *TR
Power Train
Filed May 27, 201448,071 milesNY
WENT TO DEALER FOR TRANSMISSION CHECK AND AFTER A MILE AWC LIGHT CAME ON THEY SAID IT HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH COMPUTER UPDATE THEY DID.MIND YOU MY TRANNY WAS GOING BAD AND DEALER DID NOT WANT NOTHING TO DO WITH IT EVEN UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed May 12, 201445,000 milesOH
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL / S-AWC (TARMAC/GRAVEL/SNOW) INOPERABLE. TERRAIN SELECTION CAN BE PERFORMED AT 0MPH HOWEVER WHEN THE CAR IS PLACED IN MOTION: FORWARD / REVERSE, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATES THERE IS SERVICE REQUIRED IN THE AWD TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM. THIS IS APPARENTLY A COMMON PROBLEM, FROM THE MULTITUDE OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE POSTED HERE. *TR
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed May 5, 201464,000 milesCA
ACD (ACTIVE CENTER DIFFERENTIAL) PUMP HAS FAILED AND WITHOUT THIS PUMP PROVIDING PRESSURE TO THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM, THE VEHICLE GETS STUCK ON DRIVEWAYS AT A STOP WHERE THE TIRE AND WHEEL PACKAGES ARE ON DIFFERENT ELEVATED SURFACES. THE REASON THE PUMP HAS FAILED IS DUE TO PLACEMENT OF THE PUMP ON THE VEHICLE. MITSUBISHI HAS DESIGNED THE VEHICLE TO HAVE THE PUMP TO BE LOCATED DIRECTLY BEHIND THE REAR PASSENGER WHEEL. DUE TO THIS, WHILE DRIVING ON SEVERE WEATHER ROADS (PARTICULARLY SNOW SALTED ROADS), THE DIRT, WATER AND SALT GETS KICKED UP TO THE POSITION OF THE PUMP WHICH CORRODES THE FITTINGS AND THE PUMP ITSELF. THIS THEN CAUSES THE PUMP TO FAIL OVER TIME. IT COULD HAVE BEEN EASILY REMEDIED BY RELOCATING THE PUMP OR ANTI-CORROSION PROTECTION AND BETTER SEALING. BEING LOCATED IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, I WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT THIS WOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED TO ME, BUT EVEN DRIVING ONLY TWICE THROUGH SNOW ROADS IN THE PAST 3 YEARS HAS CORRODED THE PUMP TO FAILURE. MITSUBISHI HAS DENIED THAT THIS IS PART OF THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY, WHICH MEANS IT WILL BE A $2000+ DOLLAR FIX. *TR
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Apr 10, 201443,000 milesVT
ACD (ACTIVE CENTER DIFFERENTIAL) PUMP FAILURE AT 43000 MILES. WAS REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY BUT FAILED AGAIN 2 MONTHS AGO (LESS THAN 60000 MILES) JANUARY 2014. SO THE NEW PUMP INSTALLED DID NOT LAST FOR MORE THAN 15000 MILES. THIS IS A COMMON AND KNOWN ISSUE FOR ALL MITSUBISHI MODELS EQUIPPED WITH THAT ACD STABILITY CONTROL. *TR
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Apr 8, 2014106,000 milesIL
AS MANY EVOLUTION OWNERS WHO LIVE IN THE MIDWEST CAN ALSO ATTEST, MY EXAMPLE NOW JOINS THE CLUB OF MODELS WITH DEFECTIVE ASC/AYC PUMP FAILURE. THE PUMP FAILS WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES RUN CLOSE TO FREEZING, ON TOP OF THE UNIT CORRODING, AND EVOLUTION OWNERS ARE BEING FORCED TO SHELL OUT $1800 MINIMUM TO MITSUBISHI FOR THE PUMP ALONE, NOT INCLUDING LABOR. I BELIEVE THIS HAS ONLY OCCURRED TO MY MITSUBISHI AFTER SIX YEARS BECAUSE I'VE BEEN VERY GOOD ABOUT KEEPING THE UNDERBODY CLEAN, AND IT'S NEARLY ALWAYS PARKED IN A HEATED GARAGE. WITHOUT THE PROPER FUNCTIONING OF THIS INTEGRAL DRIVETRAIN EQUIPMENT, WE AREN'T ABLE TO CONTROL POWER DELIVERY FRONT TO BACK AND THE VEHICLE COMPUTER GOES INTO A TYPE OF LIMP MODE WHERE NO CONTROL OF THE DELIVERY OF POWER TO THE WHEELS IS POSSIBLE. OF COURSE THE BRAKES WORK AND THE THROTTLE WORKS, BUT WHEREAS THE VEHICLE USED TO BE SELECTABLE FOR SNOW OR GRAVEL MODES, GREATLY IMPROVING TRACTION AND THE ABILITY TO LIMIT SLIPPAGE OF THE REAR WHEELS, WE INSTEAD STARE AT A DIGITAL READOUT INSTRUCTING US TO SERVICE THE UNIT THAT'S CORRODED AND THE PUMP HAS OVERHEATED AND ALSO FAILED AS A RESULT. WWW.EVOXFORUMS.COM AND WWW.EVOLUTIONM.NET HAS PLENTY OF OTHER CUSTOMERS WHO ARE BELONG FRUSTRATED WITH THIS ISSUE THAT MITSUBISHI DOESN'T WANT TO ADDRESS. NEARLY ALL OF US HAVE SPENT GOOD MONEY ON A VEHICLE WE THOUGHT WOULD BE A SOLID PERFORMER IN BOTH THE DRY, WET, AND SNOW AND INSTEAD, SOME OWNERS HAVE TO PAY NOT ONCE TO REMEDY THIS UNIT THAT'S FAILING ON ALL OU
Power Train
Filed Mar 25, 201467,546 milesUT
CAR SYSTEMS ACD PUMP SYSTEM HAS FAILED. *TR
Power Train
Filed Jan 29, 201453,500 milesOH
VERY COLD DAY OUT, ABOUT -15 F, WARMED UP MY VEHICLE FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES PLUS. ONCE I BEGAN DRIVING, ABOUT 10 MPH MY SERVICE REQUIRED LIGHT CAME ON FOR MY AYC PUMP. DEALER SAID THAT IS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MITSUBISHI HAS KNOWN THAT IS A COMMON ISSUE IN COLD CLIMATES THAT USE SALT ON THE ROADS. THE SALT CORRODES THE PUMP AND MAKES IT FAULTY/MALFUNCTION. THIS IS A SAFETY ITEM THAT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED DUE TO THE KNOWLEDGE THAT AN EVO DRIVER HANDLES THEIR CAR [THAT THEY PURCHASED AS SUCH] AND LOOSES THAT RIGHT WITH A FAULTY AYC PUMP. *TR
Power Train
Filed Jan 7, 201467,500 milesIN
I STARTED MY CAR AND THE AWC SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON. IT WAS ABOUT 0 DEGREES OUT THAT DAY, WHICH IS A VERY UNUSUAL TEMPERATURE FOR S. INDIANA. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR IT SCREECHED FOR JUST A SECOND AND THEN POPPED UP THE CODE. I RESTARTED THE CAR, JUST AS THE MANUAL HAD SAID AND WHEN I RESTARTED IT THE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CODE READ IT THREW A C161E CODE WHICH IS AN ACD/AYC PROBLEM. AFTER DOING A LOT OF RESEARCH I FOUND OUT ITS A COMMON PROBLEM AND ITS AN EXPENSIVE PROBLEM, ABOUT $2,000+. I CALLED THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD MY WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER THIS, IT IS NOT PART OF THE POWER TRAIN. *TR
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Dec 30, 201348,500 milesCT
I STARTED MY CAR AND THE AWC SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON. I CAME TO A CONTROLLED STOP, AND RESTARTED THE CAR PER THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE VEHICLE MANUAL. UPON RESTART, THE SAME SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER THE DEALER RAN A DIAGNOSTIC, IT WAS FOUND THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE PUMP FOR THE ACTIVE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM HAD FAILED. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS PART WAS NOT PART OF THE DRIVE TRAIN AND WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE DAY THE PUMP FAILED IT WAS VERY COLD AND THERE WAS PACKED SNOW ON THE ROADWAYS. IF I WAS DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND THIS PUMP HAD FAILED, I BELIEVE THE AUTOMOBILE WOULD NOT HAVE BEHAVED AS EXPECTED WITH THE AWC STABILITY ACTIVE. *TR
Power Train
Filed Dec 24, 201350,800 milesNH
THIS IS REPORT OF A KNOWN FAILURE BY MITSUBISHI MOTOR CORP. AT 50,800 MILES ON 12/17/2013 MY CARS SUPER-ACTIVE CENTER DIFFERENTIAL (S-ACD) STARTED BLINKING AT ME. IT WOULD NOT ALLOW CHANGING OF THE SETTINGS ANYMORE FOR TARMAC/GRAVEL/SNOW. IMMEDIATELY THERE AFTER, THE DRIVER INFORMATION PANEL POPPED UP WITH A YELLOW "AWD SERVICE REQUIRED" INDICATOR. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO NASHUA, NH MITSUBISHI/HYUNDAI FOR DIAGNOSIS ON 12/19/2013. THERE THEY APPLIED TSB-SC11-002. THIS UNFORTUNATELY DID NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE. I WAS THEN INFORMED THAT THE CAR REQUIRED A REPLACEMENT ACD PUMP AND WAS QUOTED $1,995 FOR THE REPAIR, WHICH CONFUSED ME DUE TO THE FACT THAT MY CAR WAS STILL UNDER MANUFACTURERS POWER TRAIN WARRANTY, AND A PUMP, THAT CONTROLS THE AWD SYSTEM OF A CAR, SEEMS TO BE POWER TRAIN RELATED, AT LEAST IN MY EYES. THE NORTH EAST REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE WAS CONTACTED ON MY BEHALF BY THE DEALERSHIP TO REQUEST COVERAGE OF THIS ITEM, WHICH WAS ULTIMATELY DENIED. THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE, AS THE CAR NO LONG HANDLES PROPERLY IN CONDITIONS IT WAS DESIGNED FOR. I AM NO LONGER ABLE TO SELECT THE CAR FOR SNOW, LIVING IN THE NORTH EAST, DRIVING A CAR MARKETED IN THE NORTH EAST, THIS IS A HUGE PROBLEM. TO FURTHER THE ISSUE, THIS PROBLEM IS WELL KNOWN BY MITSUBISHI, IT HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED WELL, TRACING ALL THE WAY BACK TO CARS MANUFACTURED IN 2006. 90% OF ALL PUMP FAILURES COULD BE COMPLETELY ELIMINATED BY ADDING A SEAL TO STOP CORROSION INSIDE THE PUMP WHICH LEADS TO THE UNTIMELY FAILURES. IF
Power Train
Filed Nov 15, 201335,000 milesMI
(COMPLAINT IS APPLICABLE ONLY TO GSR TRIM EQUIPPED WITH A 5MT TRANSMISSION) - DIFFICULTY SHIFTING FIRST TO SECOND GEAR, AND SECOND TO THIRD. GEARSHIFT IS NOTCHY AND HARD TO ENGAGE. CAUSES LONGER THAN DESIRABLE TIME-GAP IN POWER TO THE WHEELS, RESULTING IN LOSS OF SPEED DURING ACCELERATION PHASE FROM A STOP. - GEARSHIFT IS NOT SMOOTH IN GENERAL. KEYWORDS : NOTCHY, GRINDING. - IT IS A WIDELY REPORTED PROBLEM IN THIS PARTICULAR MODEL AS EVIDENT FROM OWNER SURVEYS ON A PROMINENT INTERNET FORUM (SEE HTTP://FORUMS.EVOLUTIONM.NET/EVO-X-ENGINE-TURBO-DRIVETRAIN/333385-OFFICIAL-EVO-X-NOTCHY-GRINDING-TRANSMISSION-THREAD.HTML). *TR
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Sep 15, 201318,200 milesMA
BECAUSE OF THE LOCATION (REAR WHEEL WELL) AND DESIGN OF MITSUBISHI'S ACTIVE CENTER DIFFERENTIAL PUMP, THEY ARE PRONE TO FAILURE. SEVERAL FACTORS AID IN THE GALVANIZED CORROSION OF THE PUMP'S INTERNAL PLATE, SOME OF WHICH INCLUDE TEMPERATURE FLUCTUATION AND WEATHER. VEHICLES THAT ARE IN SERVICE THROUGHOUT THE SNOW BELT STATES IN THE US AND WELL INTO CANADA SEEM TO BE THE MOST AFFECTED. MY VEHICLE WAS JUST OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE WARRANTY RANGE FOR TIME BUT VERY WELL INSIDE THE RANGE FOR MILEAGE. *TR
Power Train
Filed Sep 15, 201323,000 milesNY
THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AN ACTIVE CONTROL DIFFERENTIAL (ACD) WHICH IS ACTUATED BY THE ACD HYDRAULIC PUMP. THE ACD IS A PART OF THE VEHICLE'S ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM. AFTER GIVING THE ENGINE AN 8 MINUTE WARM UP ON IDLE, THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON A 20F OF AMBIENT TEMPERATURE. THE VEHICLE WAS ON A STOP LIGHT, AND UPON GENTLY ACCELERATING THE CAR ON GREEN LIGHT A WARNING LIGHT CAME UP ON THE VEHICLE'S DASH BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE NEAREST MITSUBISHI SERVICE SHOP 4 DAYS AFTER THE INCIDENT WITH THE WARNING LIGHT STILL ON THE VEHICLE'S DASH BOARD. AFTER SERVICE TECHNICIAN WORKED ON THE VEHICLE, THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID THAT THE ACD PUMP IS THE PROBLEM WHICH NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND WILL COST $2100 OF PARTS AND LABOR. 8 MONTHS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT, THE MITSUBISHI SERVICE SHOP RE-FLASHED MY VEHICLE'S ALL WHEEL DRIVE ECU TO SPECIFICALLY PREVENT THE FAILURE OF THE PUMP ESPECIALLY IN COLD ENVIRONMENTS. MITSUBISHI REPLACED THE ACD PUMP AT MY EXPENSE, AND IT'S BEEN APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS THAT MY VEHICLE IS ON THE REPLACEMENT PUMP. THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THE COMBINATION OF THE HYDRAULIC FLUID BECOMING THICK ON COLD WEATHER AND THE CORROSION ON THE HYDRAULIC PUMP THAT THE SALTED WINTER ROADS BRING IS WHAT MAKES THE ACD PUMP FAIL. AFTER RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET CAR FORUMS, THIS OCCURRENCE WHERE THE ACD PUMP FAILS ON COLDER REGIONS IS NOT UNCOMMON EVEN WITH THE PREVIOUS GENERATIONS OF THIS VEHICLE THAT ARE EQUIPPED WITH THIS ACD SYSTEM. *TR
Power Train
Filed Jul 14, 201345,000 milesIL
STARTED MY CAR 1N 30 DEGREE WEATHER AND LET IT IDLE FOR A COUPLE MINUTES PULLED OUT ON MY STREET WHERE I LIVE AND MY ACD/AYC QUIT WORKING I HAD A PICTURE OF ALL FOR WHEELS ON MY INFO CENTER WITH THE FRONT WHEEL ON AN ANGLE . TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID MY ALL WHEEL DRIVE PUMP WAS BAD AND THAT SINCE MY CAR IS AN EVO IT WAS NOT COVERED.I PAID TO HAVE IT FIXED AND GOT MY CAR BACK AND MY TIMING CHAIN BROKE DEALER SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED ALSO SINCE IT WAS AN EVO 3500.00 IN 1 MONTH. *TR
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jul 9, 201386,600 milesPA
THE S-AWC OR SUPER ALL WHEEL CONTROL SYSTEM ON THE MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION HELPS THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE TO ACTUALLY WORK. I HAD A SERVICE MESSAGE POP UP ON MY CAR WITH THE S-AWC SYSTEM BEING INDICATED. AFTER REVIEWING THE CAR'S MANUAL AND THE INTERNET TO HELP DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE OF WHY IT WAS CAUSING IT, I'M TOLD THERE IS AN EVER-INCREASING NUMBER OF VEHICLES WITH THIS S-AWC PUMP FAILURE EITHER IN SUPER COLD CONDITIONS OR VERY HOT CONDITIONS. THIS HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE VERY DANGEROUS IF THE PUMP ENDS UP GOING OUT WHEN SOMEONE IS MAKING A TURN OR IS RELYING ON THE ALL-WHEEL DRIVE TO ACTUALLY WORK IN ADVERSE CONDITIONS. THE ONLY NOTABLE CHANGE IS A DIFFERENCE IN STEERING FEEL AND THE SERVICE MESSAGE POPPING UP AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES OF DRIVING, THOUGH DUE TO SAFETY REASONS, I AM TRYING NOT TO PUSH THE CAR TOO HARD UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS ADDRESSED. *TR
Power Train
Filed Jul 5, 201336,000 milesMN
AWC PUMP STARTED TO FAIL. IT IS NOW COMPLETELY FAILED AND NOT WORKING. AFTER SOME RESEARCH DETERMINED THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THESE VEHICLES DUE TO NOT BEING SEALED PROPERLY AND CORROSION GETTING IN TO DAMAGE THE PUMP MOTOR. PART SHOULD BE RECALLED/REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY BUT THEY REFUSE TO DO SO. *TR
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jun 21, 201349,000 milesNV
THE CAR IS DISPLAYING AN S-AWC SERVICE LIGHT, IT HAS YET TO BE DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALERSHIP BUT I HAVE BROUGHT IT IN PREVIOUSLY FOR THE SAME ISSUE. LOOKING ONLINE THERE IS A WHOLE MASS OF FORUMS STATING THAT AT 40,000+ MILES THE AYC PUMP BREAKS. THIS SEEMS RATHER SUSPECT GIVEN SO MANY INDIVIDUALS ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM WITHIN THE SAME TIME SPAN. MITSUBISHI HAS BEEN REPORTEDLY TURNING DOWN WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THIS UNDER THEIR POWER-TRAIN WARRANTY, WHILE I AM UNSURE IF THEY WILL DO THE SAME FOR ME, THE ISSUE IS SEEMINGLY PREVALENT ENOUGH THAT THEY SHOULD KNOW ABOUT IT. *TR
Suspension
Filed May 9, 201329,700 milesPA
ON MONDAY 2013 APRIL 22 I [XXX] (OWNER OF VEHICLE) WAS GETTING OFF MY SHIFT AT APPROXIMATELY 0700 HOURS FROM BETHEL TWP PD; WHERE I WORK AS A PATROLMAN. THE TEMPERATURE WAS FAIRLY MILD 60-65F, I STARTED MY 2008 MITSUBISHI EVOLUTION 10 TO LET IT WARM UP LIKE I ALWAYS HAVE FOR APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES. I PUT MY EVO IN GEAR AND ON THE CENTER L.E.D. SCREEN I RECEIVED THE C161 MESSAGE WHICH INDICATES S-AWC FAILURE OR SUPER ALL WHEEL CONTROL. THIS EFFECTS EVERYTHING WITH THE CARS' SUSPENSION STABILITY, YAW CONTROL, AND THE "SMART BREAKING" FEATURE. FOR AN UN-EXPERIENCED DRIVER THIS COULD BE CATASTROPHIC. KNOWING THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS I WAS FORCED TO BRING THE CAR TO SPRINGFIELD MITSUBISHI IN SPRINGFIELD, PA. 1(484)574-8434. NOW I'M STUCK WITH A $2132.00 BILL AND THE CAR IS STILL IN THE LOT BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE THE $2132.00 TO "SHELL" OUT. I WENT TO TWO SEPARATE FORUMS WWW.EVOXFORUMS.COM AND WWW.EVOLUTIONM.NET, AND I DON'T KNOW WHATS SCARIER THE THOUSANDS THAT HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND ARE TOLD BY THEIR LOCAL DEALER ITS SAFE TO OPERATE IN THAT CONDITION OR THE FACT THAT NO BODY IS DOING ANYTHING TO ASSIST OR FIX THE PROBLEM. PLEASE BE THE ONES WHO MAKE THE DIFFERENCE HERE..... THANK YOU [XXX] PS I APOLOGIZE I AM WRITING YOU AGAIN, I NEVER RECEIVED ANY RESPONSE THE FIRST TIME....... INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Power Train
Filed Apr 30, 201343,000 milesAZ
A FEW MONTHS AFTER I PURCHASED MY USED EVO X WITH 30,000 MILES AND A 5 YR/ 60,000 MILE WARRANTY, I NOTICED A PUDDLE OF FLUID ACCUMULATING WHILE IT WAS PARKED IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I SOON DID RESEARCH TO DETERMINE WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. I LEARNED MY AYC/ACD PUMP IS LEAKING, AFTER FURTHER INVESTIGATING IT TURNS OUT THIS PUMP IS NOTORIOUS FOR LEAKING AND FAILING. THE MITSUBISHI DEALER DENIED MY WARRANTY CLAIM AND I WAS NEVER GIVEN A REASON, EVEN AFTER ASKING WHY. I HAVE SINCE THEN CONTACTED A THIRD PARTY DISPUTE CENTER. THIS PUMPS THE NECESSARY FLUID TO THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE ASSEMBLIES. IF THIS PUMP FAILS, IT WILL ULTIMATELY DESTROY THE ENTIRE DRIVE TRAIN/ ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM. RESULTING IN IT LOCKING UP, CAUSING THE DRIVER TO LOOSE CONTROL. AS FAR AS I KNOW, THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE IS UNABLE TO CAUSE THIS PART TO BE FAULTY, UNLESS IT IS DAMAGED, THEREFORE IS A DEFECTIVE PART AND SHOULD BE REPLACED OR FIXED TO INSURE THE SAFETY OF ITS DRIVER AND OTHERS ON THE ROAD. *TR
Power Train
Filed Apr 22, 201347,850 milesIL
SATURDAY MORNING I WARMED UP MY CAR FOR 5 MINUTES. STARTED TO DRIVE MY CAR FOR ABOUT 15 SECONDS, AWD SERVICE REQUIRED POPPED UP ON MY DISPLAY. I STOPPED THE CAR AND BROUGHT IT BACK HOME. LOOKED UP WHAT THE ISSUE COULD BE AND FOUND OUT THAT THE ACD PUMP HAS FAILED. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM FROM MITSUBISHI FOR THESE CARS AND THEY HAVE NOT ISSUED A RECALL OR REAL FIX. WITHOUT THE ACD PUMP FUNCTIONING, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE CAR CAN LOSE TRACTION IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS OR DAMAGE THE ENTIRE DRIVETRAIN SYSTEM. MITSUBISHI CLAIMS THAT ITS NOT PART OF THE DRIVETRAIN SO THERE IS NO WARRANTY AND IT'S ALSO A "LUXURY" SYSTEM. CONTROLLING WHEEL TRACTION IS NOT A LUXURY ITS A SAFETY FEATURE. *TR
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Apr 8, 201235,000 milesFL
THERE IS A STRONG FUEL SMELL IN THE CABIN WHEN I AM ON THE HIGHWAY DOING 70MPH, I HAVE TRIED TO CHECK IT OUT BUT THERE ARE NO APPARENT FUEL LEAKS, MY MECHANIC SUSPECTS THE EVAPORATOR SYSTEM. *TR
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 10, 201150,145 milesTX
2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION MR CABIN FUEL FUMES / STRONG SMELL. WHEN AIR TEMPERATURES RISE ABOVE 100* THE CAR HAS A STRONG FUEL SMELL, TO THE POINT OF NOT BEING ABLE TO SAFELY DRIVE THE CAR DUE TO THE FUEL SMELL INSIDE THE PASSENGER CABIN. *TR
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Aug 6, 201132,000 milesNV
THE SMELL OF RAW FUEL ENGULFING THE INSIDE OF THE CAR MAKING IT NEAR UNBEARABLE TO DRIVE WITHOUT FEELING DIZZY OR SICK. THIS CAN'T BE SAFE. NO VISIBLE LEAKS AND THE DEALER CANNOT FIGURE OUT WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. THIS IS UNSAFE AND I'M ASSUMING CAN LEAD TO A FIRE. IT CAN ALSO INCAPACITATE THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS DUE TO THE FUMES WHICH COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IF THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. *TT
Tires
Filed Apr 20, 201139,000 milesCA
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION EQUIPPED WITH DUNLOP DIREZZA SPORT ZI TIRES, TIRE SIZE 255/35R18. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN A LOUD FLAPPING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING AT A REDUCED SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT TIRE CENTER WHERE THEY INFORMED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE EXHIBITED SEVERE TREAD SEPARATION AND THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000. THE DOT NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN.
Power Train
Filed Feb 23, 201159,000 milesVA
I HAVE A 2008 LANCER EVOLUTION. THE SERVICE REQUIRED LIGHT FOR THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM CAME ON. I ONLY HAD AROUND 59000 MILES ON THE CAR WHEN THIS HAPPEN. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS AN INTERNAL FAULT IN THE AWC PUMP. THEY SAID IT WOULD COST $2250 PLUS TAX TO REPLACE. SO I CALLED MITSUBISHI TO SEE IF THEY WOULD REPLACE THE PUMP FOR FREE SINCE IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN. THEY SAID NO SINCE MY 3 YEAR OR 36000 MILE WARRANTY WAS UP. A LOT OF EVOLUTIONS IN COLDER CLIMATES HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS SAME PROBLEM. THE COLD WEATHER MAKES THE FLUID IN THE AWC PUMP TO THICK AND IT CAUSES IT TO BURN UP. WITHOUT THE PUMP WORKING THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM IS NOT FUNCTIONING RIGHT AND MAY CAUSE A WRECK IF IT LOCKS UP. MITSUBISHI EVEN RELEASED AN AWC ECU REPROGRAMMING FLASH TO TRY TO KEEP THE PUMPS GOING OUT IN COLD WEATHER. I LIVE IN VIRGINIA WHICH WAS ONE OF THE STATES THEY LISTED FOR THE REFLASH. THEY KNOW THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BUT REFUSE TO REPLACE MY PUMP WITH THE NEW MODEL. THIS IS THEIR FAULT. I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR A NEW PUMP. *TR
Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 26, 201010,000 milesMO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI EVOLUTION X (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, HE DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE PEDAL FRACTURED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE STUB WAS STILL INTACT AND HE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE BY APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE STUB. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED THAT THEY HAD NOT RECEIVED ANY COMPLAINTS SIMILAR TO HIS AND WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NEITHER DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Oct 12, 200919,000 milesCA
MITSUBISHI MOTORS OF AMERICA HAS A AWD ECU SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR VEHICLES SPECIFICALLY DRIVEN IN COLD CONDITIONS. DEALERSHIPS AND MITSUBISHI CORPORATE HAVE DENIED MY CLAIM TO OBTAIN THIS SOFTWARE BECAUSE MY CAR WAS SOLD IN CALIFORNIA AND THEY HAVE SAID IT IS NOT ELIGIBLE. I TAKE MY VEHICLE EVERY YEAR UP IN THE SIERRA NEVADA MOUNTAIN RANGE WHERE TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS ARE SIMILAR TO ANY OF THE NORTHERN STATES WITHIN THE SERVICE BULLETIN. THE MITSUBISHI SERVICE BULLETIN NUMBER IS SC-09-002 ALSO AVAILABLE HERE ON GOOGLE DOCS TO READ ( HTTP://DOCS.GOOGLE.COM/FILEVIEW?ID=0BZNIGP9LGBK8NTU5OTRINJGTZTJHMC00MJY0LWI2NMMTOWZHZJU1NZFKNDCZ&HL=EN) IT STATES THAT "THIS REPROGRAMMING PROCEDURE WILL MODIFY THE ALL-WHEEL-CONTROL (AWC) ECU SOFTWARE TO ACCURATELY MATCH THE OPERATIONS CHECK OF THE AYC/ACD MOTOR WITH CURRENT AMBIENT CONDITIONS. EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER CAUSES INCREASED EXCESSIVE LOAD ON THE MOTOR, WHICH COULD RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE MOTOR. THIS BULLETIN DESCRIBES PROCEDURES TO REPROGRAM THE AWC ECU WITH NEW SOFTWARE PARAMETERS TO PREVENT THIS CONDITION." THE SAFETY CONCERN IS THAT IF I'M USING MY AWD VEHICLE IN COLD CONDITIONS AND THE CRITICAL AWD COMPONENTS FAIL DUE TO DRIVING IN COLD CONDITIONS AS STATED IN THE SERVICE BULLETIN AND CAUSE ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT OR EVEN HURTING OTHERS WHICH CAN BE PREVENTED WITH A 20 MINUTE SOFTWARE UPDATE THAT IS AVAILABLE NOW. *TR
Structure › Body
Filed Oct 6, 20094,400 milesFL
PURCHASE MY 2008 MITSUBUSHI EVOLUTION X ABOUT ONE MONTH AGO WITH 2,900MILES. I DON'T DRIVE IT OFTEN SINCE I HAVE A COMPANY CAR. MY CURRENT MILES IS 4,400MILES. I AM BEGINNING TO NOTICE ALOT OF SMALL CHIPS TOWARD THE BACK DOORS BOTTOM CORNER NEAR QUARTER PANEL ON BOTH SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. BEEN ON MANY FORUMS AND ALOT OF EVO X OWNER ARE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PAINT PROBLEM.THE ROAD CONDITION HERE ARE IN GOOD SHAPE, SO I DON'T SEE WHY THE PAINT IS CHIPPING AWAY. IM AFRAID WHEN I REACH 10,000MILES, THE CAR INTERIOR WOULD STILL BE FAIRLY NEW BUT THE EXTERIOR WOULD HAVE PAINT CHIPPED EVERYWHERE. ANOTHER ISSUE ARE THE RECARO SEAT FABRIC ARE COMING OUT NEAR THE HEAD REST PART. THE FABRIC ARE CONING OUT RIGHT WHERE THE FABRIC TUCK UNDER INTO THE CARBON FIBER LOOKING PLASTIC PIECE NEAR THE HEADREST. YOU ARE ABLE TO SEE THE STAPLES THAT ARE COMING OUT. THIS IS HAPPENING TO BOTH SEATS, DRIVER AND PASSENGER. I HAVE READ SEVERAL FORUMS BUT OWNERS WHO HAVE SPOKE TO MITSUBISHI ABOUT THE PAINT ISSUE WERE TURN DOWN.THOSE OWNER SAID MITSUBISHI ARE NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE. *TR
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Sep 12, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.