Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution years to avoid and best years

There are not enough Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution years yet to compare newer ones with older ones. 2012 has the most complaints per year, at 1 (3 complaints). 2012 through 2013 are in that same range. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2013 at 0 (from 4 complaints) and 2012 at 1 (from 3 complaints). On the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, 1 of 3 complaints name Powertrain.

Data as of .

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Photo by Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, resized from the original. Wikimedia Commons CC0
Most complaints

2012

1 per year · 3 complaints

Fewest complaints

2013

0 per year · 4 complaints

Fewest complaints

2012

1 per year · 3 complaints

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliability by year

Most Fewest Other
12012201320142015

Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. How we count.

By model year

Year Per year on the road Complaints Recalls Most-filed complaint Avg. combined MPG
2015 0 0 2 — —
2014 0 0 2 — —
2013 Fewest 0 4 1 Powertrain —
2012 Most 1 3 1 Powertrain —

Years with a → link have a full model-year page.

What owners file about

Powertrain
3
Engine
1
Powertrain, Electronic stability control (ESC)
1
Seats
1
Suspension
1

Generations

Evolution X (final years) 2012–2015
2012201320142015
Body styles
Sedan
Oil
SAE 5W-30 (ILSAC certification mark; API SN or higher if ILSAC unavailable) · 5.3 qt capacity
Tire size
205/60R16, 215/45R18, 245/40R18

Known issues for this generation

Recall 17V-609 covers certain 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles (also certain Outlander, Lancer, and Outlander Sport): defective relays can stall the engine, reduce power, or cause overheating; dealers replace the affected relays.

Frequently asked questions

Which Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution years have fewer owner complaints?

Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2013 at 0 (from 4 complaints) and 2012 at 1 (from 3 complaints).

Which Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution year has the most owner complaints?

2012 has the most complaints per year, at 1 (3 complaints). 2012 through 2013 are in that same range. On the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, 1 of 3 complaints name Powertrain.

How do Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution owner complaints compare by year?

There are not enough Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution years yet to compare newer ones with older ones.

What engine oil does a US Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution use?

SAE 5W-30 (ILSAC certification mark; API SN or higher if ILSAC unavailable) With filter, about 5.3 qt is commonly listed for this generation—confirm in the owner manual.

What tire sizes fit a US Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?

Published US specs commonly list front 205/60R16, 215/45R18, 245/40R18 and rear 205/60R16, 215/45R18, 245/40R18; confirm on the door jamb placard for your trim.

What NHTSA recalls affect the US Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?

Recall 17V-609 covers certain 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles (also certain Outlander, Lancer, and Outlander Sport): defective relays can stall the engine, reduce power, or cause overheating; dealers replace the affected relays.