Which Years Of Used Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions Are Most Reliable?
We've rounded up four of the most reliable Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution years. See which ones (and which Lancer Evolution years to avoid) so you can make a smart preowned decision.
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, better known as the Evo, has earned a cult following among automotive enthusiasts despite its humble origins as a compact sedan. From its inception in 1992 to its final bow in 2016, the Evo has undergone numerous iterations, each with its own strengths and quirks.
While celebrated for its rally-bred performance, the question of reliability across different model years is crucial for potential buyers in the used car market. The Evo’s turbocharged engine, sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, and performance-oriented components can be a source of thrill and potential maintenance concerns.
If you’re in the market for a used Evo, it’s best to know the most reliable Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution year. After all, the last iteration of the Lancer Evo was launched nearly a decade ago. As such, you’ll want to end up with a reliable car that will serve you for years more than the alternative.
Which is the Most Reliable Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Year?
As mentioned, it has been a while since the final production model of the Evo was released. So, it’s vital to be more picky, especially with regard to reliability. Below, I’ve made a breakdown of the most reliable Evo years as well as the ones to avoid due to reliability reasons.
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Avoid: 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
While the 2003 Lancer Evolution was exciting for enthusiasts as the first Evo VIII in the US market, it came with significant reliability concerns. Its transmissions, both manual and automatic, were particularly problematic. The manual gearbox often suffered premature failure due to faulty bearings, while the automatic version was prone to sudden, catastrophic breakdowns.
Adding to these woes, the manual models’ clutch assemblies were notably weak, frequently requiring replacement at just 30,000 miles. These issues led to unexpected and costly repairs, making the 2003 Evo risky for used car buyers seeking a dependable, high-performance vehicle.
Buy: 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
The 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is a more reliable option for used car buyers than its predecessors. While no vehicle is without issues, this model year received fewer complaints overall. The suspension system, often a trouble spot in high-performance cars, garnered minimal negative feedback from owners. This suggests improved durability and design compared to earlier models.
However, potential buyers should be aware of a few recalls, including one for the airbag inflator and another for the lower control arm. Despite these recalls, the 2005 Evo generally offers a solid balance of performance and reliability.
Buy: 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
The 2007 Lancer Evo offers solid long-term reliability, with notably few owner complaints on record. However, it’s important to note the single significant recall affecting this model year. This recall addressed a potentially dangerous airbag inflator issue, which could rupture and project metal fragments in a crash. Despite this recall, which Mitsubishi addressed free of charge, the 2007 Evo remains a strong choice for used buyers.
Avoid: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
If you’re in the market for the most reliable Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution year, the 2008 version is not it. Chief among these is the vulnerability of the ACD/AYC pump, a critical component of the car’s advanced all-wheel-drive system. This pump was reported to be prone to corrosion, particularly in regions with harsh winters and salted roads, leading to S-AWC system failures well before the 75,000-mile mark.
Transmission woes also plagued this model year, with the SST gearbox exhibiting issues from jerky shifts to complete breakdowns, even in low-mileage examples. Furthermore, the transfer case proved susceptible to premature wear, which resulted in troubling fluid leaks and disturbing noises.
THE MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION YEARS TO AVOID
Which Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution years to avoid that had the most complaints and worst reliability ratings from owners and critics?
Avoid: 2010-2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Unfortunately, the 2010 and 2011 Lancer Evolution models carried over several reliability issues that made them questionable choices for used car buyers. The 2010 Evo continued to suffer from the problematic ACD/AYC pump, a crucial part of the S-AWC system. This component often failed before reaching 60,000 miles, compromising the car’s renowned handling and traction. Adding to the woes, the 2010 model also experienced brake system problems, with faulty ABS pumps leading to expensive repairs and disabled safety features.
On the other hand, while the 2011 Evo showed some improvement, it wasn’t free from troubles. The persistent ACD/AYC pump issue remained, with its vulnerable location behind the passenger rear wheel exacerbating the problem. Owners faced the prospect of costly repairs, potentially recurring every few years due to the component’s susceptibility to corrosion.
Buy: 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
The 2012 Lancer Evolution presents itself as a more reliable option for used car buyers, with fewer reported issues than earlier models. While not entirely free from problems, this year’s Evo shows marked improvement in overall dependability. Some owners have noted drivetrain concerns, particularly with the AYC pump in cold-weather states and occasional transmission quirks at lower speeds. However, these complaints are less frequent than in previous years.
The 2012 model’s reduced number of reported issues suggests Mitsubishi had refined the Evo’s design by this point. For enthusiasts seeking a balance of performance and reliability in a used Evo, the 2012 model year stands out as a solid choice, provided proper maintenance has been performed.
ARE MITSUBISHIS GOOD CARS?
How common or well-known a vehicle brand is doesn’t tell you one important thing: are Mitsubishis good cars?
Buy: 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
As we have recommended in our previous write-up about the Lancer Evo years to avoid, the final production 2015 model year is your best bet in terms of reliability.
The 2015 Lancer Evolution marks the twilight of this iconic model, offering a refined package for used car enthusiasts. As Mitsubishi’s swan song for the Evo, this year saw improvements in overall build quality and reliability. While some owners have reported isolated powertrain issues, such as clutch wear or AYC pump concerns, these problems are less prevalent than in earlier iterations.
The 2015 model of the Evo has clearly benefited from years of engineering refinements, resulting in a more dependable daily driver without sacrificing performance. Its turbocharged engine and advanced all-wheel-drive system have proven robust when adequately maintained. For buyers seeking the Evo experience with reduced worry about frequent repairs, the 2015 model year is a winner.
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