RoadVitals

2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
11
Latest Dec 7, 2017
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Apr 20, 2015
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 11 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), driver assistance and electrical categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 83 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Powertrain (other)741.2%
  • Driver assistance317.6%
  • Electrical211.8%
  • Fuel system211.8%
  • Other / unspecified15.9%
  • Seat belts15.9%
  • Suspension15.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR

Apr 20, 2015
76,958 units potentially affected
The defect: 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, 2010, 2010-2011 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to January 7, 2011, 2009-2011 Outlander vehicles manufactured February 10, 2009, to June 22, 2011, and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to November 19, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the blower motor may fail.
The risk: Failure of the blower motor may reduce the performance of the windshield defroster, diminishing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-003.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.Manufacturer number SR-15-003View on NHTSA.gov

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

Sep 12, 2014
165,923 units potentially affected
The 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.
The risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.Manufacturer number SR-14-009View on NHTSA.gov

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Sep 19, 2013
10,474 units potentially affected
The 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.
The 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.
The 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.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.Manufacturer number SR-13-009View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Fuel system
Filed Dec 7, 2017

AFTER FILLING UP ON GASOLINE, MY 4 YEAR OLD MENTIONED THAT SHE SMELLED GAS IN THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY GOT HOME AND PULLED INTO MY GARAGE AND SMELLED IT, TOO. THEN NEXT MORNING, MY GARAGE WAS OVERWHELMED WITH THE FUMES. AFTER HAVING A MECHANIC INSPECT THE CAR, HE FOUND GAS WAS LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK, WHERE THE FUEL PUMP GOES. APPARENTLY, IT WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED, WHICH CAUSED THE PLASTIC FUEL PUMP HOUSING ATTACHED TO IT TO CRACK AND SUBSEQUENTLY LEAK FUEL EVERYWHERE. THIS FUEL PUMP HOUSING IS LOCATED DIRECTLY BENEATH MY SON'S CAR SEAT, ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BACK SEAT. THIS IS A SERIOUS FIRE HAZARD. AFTER REACHING OUT TO OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME VEHICLE, APPARENTLY THIS CORROSION IS VERY COMMON. BUT MY CAR IS NOT EVEN 6 YEARS OLD, WITH ONLY 48K MILES (PURCHASED IT NEW ON 12/27/2011). THIS SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING ON SUCH A RELATIVELY NEW CAR.

NHTSA ID
11053369
Incident
Dec 6, 2017
Mileage
48,000 mi
Fuel system
Filed Dec 8, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED AT ANY SPEED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 44,000.

NHTSA ID
10933941
Incident
Jul 7, 2016
Mileage
44,000 mi
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 21, 2015

ACD/AYC PUMP HAS COMPLETELY STOP WORKING IN MY VEHICLE. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO BE SERVICE AND THE PERSON WHO WAS DOING THE SERVICE ON MY CAR TOLD ME THAT THE ACD/AYC PUMP HAS GONE OUT AND I NEED A REPLACEMENT. I FOUND THAT WEIRD, BECAUSE I HAVE NOT DRIVEN MY CAR FOR ROUGHLY ABOUT A MONTH AND FOR AN ISSUE TO POP UP WAS VERY WEIRD. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, I SEEMS THAT MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WERE THESE PUMPS GO OUT UNEXPECTED. THERE ARE ONLY 1400-1600 OF THESE CARS MADE YEAR IN THE STATES AND TO SEE MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM IN THE U.S. AND AROUND THE WORLD MIND BOGGLING TO MANY OF US. MITSUBISHI NEEDS TO FIND ANOTHER SOLUTION OR REMEDY TO THIS ISSUE. SINCE I LIVE IN THE SOUTH, MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP IS NOT WANTING TO COVER THIS AND I TRAVEL ALONG THE EAST COAST WITH MY CAR.

NHTSA ID
10735401
Incident
Jul 15, 2015
Mileage
69,000 mi
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 26, 2014

THE AYC PUMP FAILED BY DISPLAYING A BLINKING TARMAC LIGHT. IT CONSTANTLY FLASHES WHILE DRIVING. THE AYC PUMP CORRELATES WITH THE STEERING AND STABILITY CONTROL FOR THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. THIS IS A BIG HAZARD. THE AYC PUMP SHOULD BE RELOCATED TO THE TRUNK COMPARTMENT SO IT IS NOT EXPOSED TO WEATHER CONDITIONS LIKE SNOW AND RAIN. THIS WILL PROTECT THE AYC PUMP FROM FAILING. THE WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER THIS FAILED PUMP AT ALL. *TR

NHTSA ID
10650095
Incident
Oct 24, 2014
Powertrain (other)Suspension
Filed Sep 26, 2014

TARMAC ICON BLINKS INCESSANTLY ON THE DISPLAY PANEL, AS ONE DRIVES. THE BLINKING CAN CAUSE PHOTOSENSITIVE EPILEPSY (PSE), WHICH IS A FORM OF EPILEPSY SEIZURES TRIGGERED BY VISUAL STIMULI THAT FORM PATTERNS IN TIME OR SPACE, SUCH AS FLASHING LIGHTS, BOLD, REGULAR PATTERNS, OR REGULAR MOVING PATTERNS. I FOUND OUT LATER, THE BLINKING IS AN INDICATOR THE ACD PUMP - ACTIVE CENTER DIFFERENTIAL - IS FAILING AND IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE COMPONENT COMPLETELY GIVES OUT. MANY, MANY INDIVIDUALS FROM THE COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES THE ACD PUMP FAILURE DUE TO DESIGN AND PLACEMENT OF THE COMPONENT IN AN INOPPORTUNE LOCATION. AS SUCH, CORROSION FROM MOISTURE AND SALT DEPOSIT ON THE ROAD CAN EASILY INFILTRATE INTO THE PUMP COMPONENT, CAUSING FAILURE IN DUE TIME. FURTHER POOR SEALING, LACK OF WEATHER PROTECTION (ANTI-CORROSION SPRAY) AND POOR PLACEMENT ALL CONTRIBUTES TO THE SYSTEMATIC, PREMATURE FAILURE OF A $1500 PUMP. *TR

NHTSA ID
10639384
Incident
Sep 24, 2014
Mileage
21,900 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Aug 11, 2014

MONDAY 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

NHTSA ID
10621577
Incident
Jul 7, 2014
Mileage
14,567 mi
Driver assistanceOther / unspecifiedPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 9, 2014

THE AYC PUMP FAILED AS NOTED BY A TROUBLE CODE. THE AYC PUMP DIRECTLY CORRELATES WITH THE STEERING AND STABILITY CONTROL FOR THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. *TR

NHTSA ID
10609206
Incident
Jul 1, 2014
Mileage
81,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed May 26, 2014

WHEN COLD TEMPERATURE COMES (AROUND 20F) OR BELOW YOU CAN HEAR A VERY LOUD WHINE COMING FROM THE AYD/ACD PUMP LOCATED IN THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WHEN FIRST STAYING VEHICLE. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THERE WILL BE A MOMENT WHERE THE TARMAC/GRAVEL/SNOW INDICATOR LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD BLINK AND PUTS THE PUMP INTO FAILSAFE MODE. IF YOU DRIVE WHILE THE PUMP IS IN FAILSAFE MODE THE HANDLING IS TERRIBLE AND ANY ENGINE BRAKING IS NON EXISTENT. OVER THE PAST FEW WINTERS I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS UP UNTIL THIS WRITE UP. NOW IN WARMER WEATHER (70F) OR ABOVE THE PUMP IS STUCK IN FAIL SAFE MODE AND DOES NOT RETURN TO NORMAL OPERATION LIKE IT SOMETIMES WOULD IN WINTER MONTHS. THIS PUMP PROVIDES THE FRONT AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY WITH THE FLUID NEEDED TO PROVIDE NORMAL AND ADEQUATE DRIVING. VEHICLE NOW HAS 41000 MILES AND NEEDS THIS PUMP REPLACED WHICH IS JUST OVER 2,000 USD. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND WEATHER AND/OR SALT/SANDY ROADS TO CAUSE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THIS PUMP. I BELIEVE MY PUMP WENT AS A COMBINATION OF BOTH BECAUSE OF POOR PLACEMENT BY MITSUBISHI TO LOCATE THIS PUMP JUST BEHIND THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL UNDER THE VEHICLE. I NOW HAVE A HEFTY BILL TO LOOK FORWARD TO EVERY 3-4 YEARS IN PUMP REPLACEMENT COSTS ALONE IF I KEEP THIS HAZARD OF A CAR. *TR

NHTSA ID
10594032
Incident
Dec 4, 2012
Mileage
33,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TSB-16-54-001REV

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Technical Service Bulletin instructs the dealer to update the Hands Free Module software to improve the Bluetooth connection when certain devices are connected to Wi‐Fi.

TSB-24-27-001

POWER TRAIN

Service Manual Revision - This Technical Service Bulletin provides the replacement procedure for the Differential Mount Bracket Bush of the Rear Axle Differential Carrier Assembly in the applicable Service Manual sections.

DEALER LETTER

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.

TSB-23-22-001

POWER TRAIN

This Technical Service Bulletin provides service manual corrections and additional information for the transaxle assembly removal and installation of the roll stopper bracket.

TSB-23-00-001

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more than 1.5 percent of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or 100 lbs.

TSB-23-00-004

STRUCTURE

This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2015321
2014621
2013411
2012310
2011Viewing113039.4
2010285045.8
2009250
2008364042.8
2007010
2006242038.6
2005142047.7
2004010
2003982043.6

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.