This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution powertrain problems
moderate 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 10 powertrain complaints filed for the 2006 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
Powertrain accounts for 29% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 4 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 18 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report clutch failures occurring very early—as low as 14,500 miles—with roughly worn-out clutches, grinding or pulsating shifts from 1st through 3rd gear, and pedal drop to the floor. One owner linked clutch failure to a faulty brake master cylinder, which caused loss of hydraulic pressure and secondary damage (thrown-out bearing retaining clip, damaged pressure plate). Another experienced initial difficulty engaging 6th gear, then complete clutch failure within two months of purchase, followed by ongoing trouble even after an aftermarket clutch installation and synchro replacement. Transmission grinding under load (40–65 mph) and synchro failure are documented, with one owner reporting four transmission failures on a single vehicle before a manufacturer buyback. Timing belt area grinding noise at idle and cold start, appearing around 30,000 miles, has recurred after timing belt replacement. Center differential pump failure is cited as common and expensive—one owner faced a $2,500 repair. Clutch repairs run $1,100–$2,600 and are consistently denied warranty coverage as wear items, despite very low mileage at failure. Dealerships have been inconsistent and occasionally dismissive in diagnosis and remedy.
Same Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution powertrain reports on nearby years: 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Clutch premature wear and failure
Clutch wears out excessively early, sometimes by 14,500 miles; pedal drops to floor and engagement is lost. One owner had clutch fail completely within two months of purchase despite normal driving; another experienced recurring failure even after aftermarket clutch replacement. Dealers classify clutch as wear item and deny warranty coverage regardless of mileage.
When: 14,500–35,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch unable to engage 6th gear; Clutch pedal drops to floor; Difficulty disengaging or engaging gears; Complete loss of clutch function
Repairs/costs cited: $1,100–$2,600 clutch replacement; one owner purchased aftermarket clutch; another had flywheel refurbished alongside replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Denied under warranty as wear item; Fresno Bureau of Automotive Repair confirmed clutch not a warranty item per Mitsubishi
Transmission synchro failure
Transmission grinds during shifting under load, and dealer diagnosis points to synchro failure requiring new transmission. One owner had synchro replaced but then developed clutch stuck in 2nd gear. Another at 16,000 miles experienced grinding and was told synchro failed.
When: 16,000 miles; within 2–3 months of original synchro replacement in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise during gear shifts; Inability to shift smoothly, especially under load (40–65 mph); Rough shifting 1st through 3rd gear; Clutch stuck in one gear after synchro replacement
Repairs/costs cited: New transmission quoted; one owner had synchro replaced but problem recurred; dealership unsure of root cause post-repair
Brake master cylinder failure
Brake master cylinder fails, causing loss of hydraulic pressure to clutch and brake systems. One owner notes this is a common issue on forums but rarely reported through dealerships. The failure led to secondary clutch system damage.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch pedal drops all the way to floor; Loss of clutch engagement—will not go into gear; Reduced hydraulic pressure in clutch and brake systems
Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder replacement; subsequently required pressure plate and throw-out bearing retaining clip repair due to secondary damage
Timing belt area grinding noise
Grinding or scraping noise emanates from timing belt area at idle and cold start. Cause varies across dealerships; candidates include timing belt, sensor blade, tensioner, and tensioner pulleys. Replacing timing belt alone provides only temporary relief, with noise returning within 2,500 miles.
When: Around 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding/scraping noise at idle; Grinding/scraping noise on cold start; Recurring noise after timing belt replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Timing belt replacement performed, but noise recurred after 2,500 miles; dealership has not identified root cause (could be sensor blade, tensioner, or pulleys)
Center differential pump failure
Active center differential pump fails, requiring expensive replacement. Owner reports this is a widespread problem among 2006 Lancer Evolution owners and can pose a safety risk if differential corrodes.
When: Mileage not specified; owner drove for one year post-failure before repair attempt
Symptoms owners cite: Center differential pump inoperability; Potential accelerated differential corrosion risk
Repairs/costs cited: $2,500 replacement cost
Multiple transmission failures on single vehicle
One owner experienced four separate transmission failures on the same 2006 Lancer Evolution, eventually leading to manufacturer buyback. A second owner with a replacement Lancer Evolution from the same dealership encountered transmission problems again at 15,000 miles.
When: First vehicle: multiple failures culminating in buyback; second vehicle: 15,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Repeated transmission malfunction requiring replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Manufacturer bought back first vehicle; second vehicle required transmission repairs at 15,000 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer buyback on first vehicle; no warranty coverage indicated for second vehicle
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
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 common with the evo class must be addressed. Many are frustrated with the fact that the dealer is not willing to take…
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
I first noticed that my 2006 Mitsubishi lancer evolution mr started to make a grinding/scrapping noise that seemed to be generating from the timing belt area. The car had approximately 30,000 miles on the odometer. It seemed to be a noise that was present at idle and upon cold start ups. I started to research this on various forums and internet, only to find that it was a common problem with a…
Tl*the contact owns a 2006 Mitsubishi lancer evolution. While driving between 40-65 MPH and attempting to shift gears, the transmission would grind. The dealer stated that a new transmission was needed because the srynco failed. No repairs were made. The current and failure mileages were 16,000.
There is an active center differential pump failure that is becoming common in all lancer evolutions of this year. Mine went out last year and I have been having to drive with it for a year now not knowing whether the differential is corroding at an accelerated rate of not. I did this because after I had my vehicle assessed they told it would be $2500 to replace. I researched online and found…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2006 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 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 14,493 and 38,726 miles, with the median around 16,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 14,493; a quarter make it past 38,726. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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/2006/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.