Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 34 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.4/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 4 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Complaint *10261125*-this complaint is 100% accurate, Mitsubishi has recalled many outlander suvs on this same issue, please investigate, horrible experience, turn signals, high beam, low beam, horn, fog lights, engine, everything works at random and cannot be stopped, my engine…
I own a 2006 Mitsubishi lancer evolution ix with approximately 14,500 miles. The clutch seems to have worn out far too soon; furthermore shifting is very rough from 1st through 3rd gear and causes the car to pulsate. It is at its worst in first gear. Apparently, this quite…
My 2006 Mitsubishi evolution 9 started to make abnormal engine noises audible within the cab. The car has been serviced regularly and is more than well kept... The noise comes from within the timing belt cover and sounds much like a washing machine. This noise is also…
Owned 1 2006 lancer evolution, and transmission failed 4 times. Manufacture bought back, purchased 2nd lancer evo, same dealership, transmission problem s again after 15 k miles. *tr
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.4 out of 10 based on 34 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
On the NHTSA data, the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.4/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 12 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 35,740 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 35,740 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 34 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.