This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution powertrain problems
severe 4 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
4
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 4 powertrain complaints filed for the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 20 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
I purchased a brand new 2005 Mitsubishi lancer evolution, and two months later @ 1847 miles, the clutch went out. Mitsubishi refused to warranty repair the failure, so I started investigating their clutches. It turns out six local repair shops as well as 4 Mitsubishi technicians advised me the clutches are weak/defective from the factory, and Mitsubishi is aware of the problem on my model, but…
While driving I had all 3 acd lights come on. Upon further investigating and a trip to the dealership I was told my acd pump was bad and I would need a new one. This is a common problem in these cars that still hasn't been fixed with the newer models. I was quoted 2400 dollars just for the pump, not including labor, and that doesn't guarantee that it won't happen again. *tr
I own a 2005 Mitsubishi evolution lancer that has 9,661 miles on it and the clutch is already needing to be replaced. Mitsubishi acknowledges that there have been numerous complaints regarding this problem that dates back to the 2003 lancer, but yet they still refuse to confront the issue and take care of it. *nm
Traveling on freeway in number 3 lane, front drive train locked up. Car skidded for approx 60 feet and than veered to the left and was struck in the number 1 lane. *kb
Had powertrain trouble with your 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
It's a meaningful issue. 4 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 4 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 39,107 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Mitsubishi/Lancer Evolution.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.