Owners have filed 19 complaints
about the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution with NHTSA between 2013 and 2017.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 7 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 22
Against the median year of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 75
44% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2011 compares with every other Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Transmission & Drivetrain
736.8%
Median failure at 28,000 miles
Stability & Traction Control
315.8%
Median failure at 47,783 miles
Fuel & Propulsion
210.5%
Median failure at 46,000 miles
Electrical System
210.5%
Median failure at 38,500 miles
Other & Unspecified
15.3%
Median failure at 69,000 miles
Equipment & Accessories
15.3%
Median failure at 81,000 miles
Seat Belts
15.3%
Median failure at 38,500 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
15.3%
Suspension
15.3%
Median failure at 21,900 miles
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
212.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
425.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
425.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
318.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
318.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2013peak 3Dec 2017
Recalls on the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201858880,610 units in Canada
Visual System
On certain vehicles, water may drain from the windshield cowl area onto the front wiper link ball joint. Over time, this could result in corrosion and/or wear to the joint, which could result in the separation of the wiper link ball. If separation were to occur, the windshield wipers could become inoperative, which could limit the driver’s visibility under certain operating conditions which may increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the wiper link rod with a countermeasure one, and will replace the wiper motor crank arm with a new one.
Recall 201638266,076 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles operated in areas of heavy road salt usage, a mixture of snow, water and road-salt solution may infiltrate between the front impact sensor and the bracket that attaches it to the vehicle. Over time, repeated freezing/thawing cycles could cause a crack to develop in the sensor case allowing water intrusion and short circuit of the sensor. In the event of a crash, this could result in delayed deployment of the driver and passenger front airbags which would increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the front impact sensor and replace it if it is found to be cracked. An updated designed bracket and cover will also be installed.
Recall 201439749,227 units in Canada
Engine
On certain vehicles, the drive belt material may cause abnormal pulley wear. If the vehicle is driven under this condition, the drive belt may become damaged from the worn pulley and detach, affecting electrical charging system and cooling system function and would illuminate the engine warning lamp(s) on the instrument panel. This could result in battery depletion and an overheated engine, resulting in a loss of motive power. Vehicles equipped with a hydraulic power steering system could also experience loss of power steering assist. These issues could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the drive belt, and the pulley will be replaced if it is found worn beyond a certain level.
Recall 20133161,009 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the clutch master cylinder may fail, resulting in an inability to disengage the clutch or to shift gears. This could result in unintended vehicle movement, increased stopping distances and engine stalling. Such an occurrence could increase the risk of a crash causing injury or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the clutch master cylinder.
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 48,000 milesAurora, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
AFTER FILLING UP ON GASOLINE, MY 4 YEAR OLD MENTIONED THAT SHE SMELLED GAS IN THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY GOT HOME AND PULLED INTO MY GARAGE AND SMELLED IT, TOO. THEN NEXT MORNING, MY GARAGE WAS OVERWHELMED WITH THE FUMES. AFTER HAVING A MECHANIC INSPECT THE CAR, HE FOUND GAS WAS LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK, WHERE THE FUEL PUMP GOES. APPARENTLY, IT WAS COMPLETELY CORRODED, WHICH CAUSED THE PLASTIC FUEL PUMP HOUSING ATTACHED TO IT TO CRACK AND SUBSEQUENTLY LEAK FUEL EVERYWHERE. THIS FUEL PUMP HOUSING IS LOCATED DIRECTLY BENEATH MY SON'S CAR SEAT, ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE BACK SEAT. THIS IS A SERIOUS FIRE HAZARD. AFTER REACHING OUT TO OTHER OWNERS OF THE SAME VEHICLE, APPARENTLY THIS CORROSION IS VERY COMMON. BUT MY CAR IS NOT EVEN 6 YEARS OLD, WITH ONLY 48K MILES (PURCHASED IT NEW ON 12/27/2011). THIS SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING ON SUCH A RELATIVELY NEW CAR.
NHTSA complaint #11053369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 milesMiami, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED AT ANY SPEED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 44,000.
NHTSA complaint #10933941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesGoose Creek, SC
POWER TRAIN
ACD/AYC PUMP HAS COMPLETELY STOP WORKING IN MY VEHICLE. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO BE SERVICE AND THE PERSON WHO WAS DOING THE SERVICE ON MY CAR TOLD ME THAT THE ACD/AYC PUMP HAS GONE OUT AND I NEED A REPLACEMENT. I FOUND THAT WEIRD, BECAUSE I HAVE NOT DRIVEN MY CAR FOR ROUGHLY ABOUT A MONTH AND FOR AN ISSUE TO POP UP WAS VERY WEIRD. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, I SEEMS THAT MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WERE THESE PUMPS GO OUT UNEXPECTED. THERE ARE ONLY 1400-1600 OF THESE CARS MADE YEAR IN THE STATES AND TO SEE MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM IN THE U.S. AND AROUND THE WORLD MIND BOGGLING TO MANY OF US. MITSUBISHI NEEDS TO FIND ANOTHER SOLUTION OR REMEDY TO THIS ISSUE. SINCE I LIVE IN THE SOUTH, MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP IS NOT WANTING TO COVER THIS AND I TRAVEL ALONG THE EAST COAST WITH MY CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10735401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesGoose Creek, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
ACD/AYC PUMP HAS COMPLETELY STOP WORKING IN MY VEHICLE. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO BE SERVICE AND THE PERSON WHO WAS DOING THE SERVICE ON MY CAR TOLD ME THAT THE ACD/AYC PUMP HAS GONE OUT AND I NEED A REPLACEMENT. I FOUND THAT WEIRD, BECAUSE I HAVE NOT DRIVEN MY CAR FOR ROUGHLY ABOUT A MONTH AND FOR AN ISSUE TO POP UP WAS VERY WEIRD. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, I SEEMS THAT MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WERE THESE PUMPS GO OUT UNEXPECTED. THERE ARE ONLY 1400-1600 OF THESE CARS MADE YEAR IN THE STATES AND TO SEE MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM IN THE U.S. AND AROUND THE WORLD MIND BOGGLING TO MANY OF US. MITSUBISHI NEEDS TO FIND ANOTHER SOLUTION OR REMEDY TO THIS ISSUE. SINCE I LIVE IN THE SOUTH, MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP IS NOT WANTING TO COVER THIS AND I TRAVEL ALONG THE EAST COAST WITH MY CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10735401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesGoose Creek, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ACD/AYC PUMP HAS COMPLETELY STOP WORKING IN MY VEHICLE. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO BE SERVICE AND THE PERSON WHO WAS DOING THE SERVICE ON MY CAR TOLD ME THAT THE ACD/AYC PUMP HAS GONE OUT AND I NEED A REPLACEMENT. I FOUND THAT WEIRD, BECAUSE I HAVE NOT DRIVEN MY CAR FOR ROUGHLY ABOUT A MONTH AND FOR AN ISSUE TO POP UP WAS VERY WEIRD. AFTER DOING RESEARCH, I SEEMS THAT MULTIPLE PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WERE THESE PUMPS GO OUT UNEXPECTED. THERE ARE ONLY 1400-1600 OF THESE CARS MADE YEAR IN THE STATES AND TO SEE MANY PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEM IN THE U.S. AND AROUND THE WORLD MIND BOGGLING TO MANY OF US. MITSUBISHI NEEDS TO FIND ANOTHER SOLUTION OR REMEDY TO THIS ISSUE. SINCE I LIVE IN THE SOUTH, MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP IS NOT WANTING TO COVER THIS AND I TRAVEL ALONG THE EAST COAST WITH MY CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10735401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hamburg, NJ
POWER TRAIN
THE AYC PUMP FAILED BY DISPLAYING A BLINKING TARMAC LIGHT. IT CONSTANTLY FLASHES WHILE DRIVING. THE AYC PUMP CORRELATES WITH THE STEERING AND STABILITY CONTROL FOR THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. THIS IS A BIG HAZARD. THE AYC PUMP SHOULD BE RELOCATED TO THE TRUNK COMPARTMENT SO IT IS NOT EXPOSED TO WEATHER CONDITIONS LIKE SNOW AND RAIN. THIS WILL PROTECT THE AYC PUMP FROM FAILING. THE WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER THIS FAILED PUMP AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #10650095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hamburg, NJ
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE AYC PUMP FAILED BY DISPLAYING A BLINKING TARMAC LIGHT. IT CONSTANTLY FLASHES WHILE DRIVING. THE AYC PUMP CORRELATES WITH THE STEERING AND STABILITY CONTROL FOR THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. THIS IS A BIG HAZARD. THE AYC PUMP SHOULD BE RELOCATED TO THE TRUNK COMPARTMENT SO IT IS NOT EXPOSED TO WEATHER CONDITIONS LIKE SNOW AND RAIN. THIS WILL PROTECT THE AYC PUMP FROM FAILING. THE WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER THIS FAILED PUMP AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #10650095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hamburg, NJ
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THE AYC PUMP FAILED BY DISPLAYING A BLINKING TARMAC LIGHT. IT CONSTANTLY FLASHES WHILE DRIVING. THE AYC PUMP CORRELATES WITH THE STEERING AND STABILITY CONTROL FOR THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. THIS IS A BIG HAZARD. THE AYC PUMP SHOULD BE RELOCATED TO THE TRUNK COMPARTMENT SO IT IS NOT EXPOSED TO WEATHER CONDITIONS LIKE SNOW AND RAIN. THIS WILL PROTECT THE AYC PUMP FROM FAILING. THE WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER THIS FAILED PUMP AT ALL.
NHTSA complaint #10650095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,900 milesRockville, MD
POWER TRAIN
TARMAC ICON BLINKS INCESSANTLY ON THE DISPLAY PANEL, AS ONE DRIVES. THE BLINKING CAN CAUSE PHOTOSENSITIVE EPILEPSY (PSE), WHICH IS A FORM OF EPILEPSY SEIZURES TRIGGERED BY VISUAL STIMULI THAT FORM PATTERNS IN TIME OR SPACE, SUCH AS FLASHING LIGHTS, BOLD, REGULAR PATTERNS, OR REGULAR MOVING PATTERNS. I FOUND OUT LATER, THE BLINKING IS AN INDICATOR THE ACD PUMP - ACTIVE CENTER DIFFERENTIAL - IS FAILING AND IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE COMPONENT COMPLETELY GIVES OUT. MANY, MANY INDIVIDUALS FROM THE COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES THE ACD PUMP FAILURE DUE TO DESIGN AND PLACEMENT OF THE COMPONENT IN AN INOPPORTUNE LOCATION. AS SUCH, CORROSION FROM MOISTURE AND SALT DEPOSIT ON THE ROAD CAN EASILY INFILTRATE INTO THE PUMP COMPONENT, CAUSING FAILURE IN DUE TIME. FURTHER POOR SEALING, LACK OF WEATHER PROTECTION (ANTI-CORROSION SPRAY) AND POOR PLACEMENT ALL CONTRIBUTES TO THE SYSTEMATIC, PREMATURE FAILURE OF A $1500 PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10639384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 21,900 milesRockville, MD
SUSPENSION
TARMAC ICON BLINKS INCESSANTLY ON THE DISPLAY PANEL, AS ONE DRIVES. THE BLINKING CAN CAUSE PHOTOSENSITIVE EPILEPSY (PSE), WHICH IS A FORM OF EPILEPSY SEIZURES TRIGGERED BY VISUAL STIMULI THAT FORM PATTERNS IN TIME OR SPACE, SUCH AS FLASHING LIGHTS, BOLD, REGULAR PATTERNS, OR REGULAR MOVING PATTERNS. I FOUND OUT LATER, THE BLINKING IS AN INDICATOR THE ACD PUMP - ACTIVE CENTER DIFFERENTIAL - IS FAILING AND IT'S ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THE COMPONENT COMPLETELY GIVES OUT. MANY, MANY INDIVIDUALS FROM THE COMMUNITY EXPERIENCES THE ACD PUMP FAILURE DUE TO DESIGN AND PLACEMENT OF THE COMPONENT IN AN INOPPORTUNE LOCATION. AS SUCH, CORROSION FROM MOISTURE AND SALT DEPOSIT ON THE ROAD CAN EASILY INFILTRATE INTO THE PUMP COMPONENT, CAUSING FAILURE IN DUE TIME. FURTHER POOR SEALING, LACK OF WEATHER PROTECTION (ANTI-CORROSION SPRAY) AND POOR PLACEMENT ALL CONTRIBUTES TO THE SYSTEMATIC, PREMATURE FAILURE OF A $1500 PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10639384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 14,567 milesMcdonough, GA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
MONDAY MORNING I WARMED UP MY CAR FOR 5 MINUTES. STARTED TO DRIVE MY CAR FOR ABOUT 15 SECONDS, AWD SERVICE REQUIRED POPPED UP ON MY DISPLAY. I STOPPED THE CAR AND BROUGHT IT BACK HOME. LOOKED UP WHAT THE ISSUE COULD BE AND FOUND OUT THAT THE ACD PUMP HAS FAILED. THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM FROM MITSUBISHI FOR THESE CARS AND THEY HAVE NOT ISSUED A RECALL OR REAL FIX. WITHOUT THE ACD PUMP FUNCTIONING, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE CAR CAN LOSE TRACTION IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS OR DAMAGE THE ENTIRE DRIVETRAIN SYSTEM. MITSUBISHI CLAIMS THAT ITS NOT PART OF THE DRIVETRAIN SO THERE IS NO WARRANTY AND IT'S ALSO A "LUXURY" SYSTEM. CONTROLLING WHEEL TRACTION IS NOT A LUXURY ITS A SAFETY FEATURE.
NHTSA complaint #10621577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesSpanaway, WA
POWER TRAIN
THE AYC PUMP FAILED AS NOTED BY A TROUBLE CODE. THE AYC PUMP DIRECTLY CORRELATES WITH THE STEERING AND STABILITY CONTROL FOR THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL.
NHTSA complaint #10609206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesSpanaway, WA
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
THE AYC PUMP FAILED AS NOTED BY A TROUBLE CODE. THE AYC PUMP DIRECTLY CORRELATES WITH THE STEERING AND STABILITY CONTROL FOR THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL.
NHTSA complaint #10609206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesSpanaway, WA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THE AYC PUMP FAILED AS NOTED BY A TROUBLE CODE. THE AYC PUMP DIRECTLY CORRELATES WITH THE STEERING AND STABILITY CONTROL FOR THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL.
NHTSA complaint #10609206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 33,000 milesPalmer, MA
POWER TRAIN
WHEN COLD TEMPERATURE COMES (AROUND 20F) OR BELOW YOU CAN HEAR A VERY LOUD WHINE COMING FROM THE AYD/ACD PUMP LOCATED IN THE PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL WELL WHEN FIRST STAYING VEHICLE. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THERE WILL BE A MOMENT WHERE THE TARMAC/GRAVEL/SNOW INDICATOR LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD BLINK AND PUTS THE PUMP INTO FAILSAFE MODE. IF YOU DRIVE WHILE THE PUMP IS IN FAILSAFE MODE THE HANDLING IS TERRIBLE AND ANY ENGINE BRAKING IS NON EXISTENT. OVER THE PAST FEW WINTERS I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS UP UNTIL THIS WRITE UP. NOW IN WARMER WEATHER (70F) OR ABOVE THE PUMP IS STUCK IN FAIL SAFE MODE AND DOES NOT RETURN TO NORMAL OPERATION LIKE IT SOMETIMES WOULD IN WINTER MONTHS. THIS PUMP PROVIDES THE FRONT AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY WITH THE FLUID NEEDED TO PROVIDE NORMAL AND ADEQUATE DRIVING. VEHICLE NOW HAS 41000 MILES AND NEEDS THIS PUMP REPLACED WHICH IS JUST OVER 2,000 USD. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND WEATHER AND/OR SALT/SANDY ROADS TO CAUSE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THIS PUMP. I BELIEVE MY PUMP WENT AS A COMBINATION OF BOTH BECAUSE OF POOR PLACEMENT BY MITSUBISHI TO LOCATE THIS PUMP JUST BEHIND THE PASSENGER REAR WHEEL UNDER THE VEHICLE. I NOW HAVE A HEFTY BILL TO LOOK FORWARD TO EVERY 3-4 YEARS IN PUMP REPLACEMENT COSTS ALONE IF I KEEP THIS HAZARD OF A CAR.
NHTSA complaint #10594032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 23,000 milesMinnetonka, MN
POWER TRAIN
MY CAR BEGAN TO HAVE A FLASHING ACTIVE YAW CONTROL LIGHT ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT AYC/ACD PUMP WAS FAILING DUE TO SEVERE CORROSION. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE AWD STOPS FUNCTIONING, SO THE CAR IS NOW IN TWO WHEEL DRIVE MODE. MITSUBISHI MOUNTED THE AYC PUMP IN THE REAR FENDERWELL AREA WHERE IT IS OPENLY EXPOSED TO THE WINTER ELEMENTS SUCH AS SNOW, SALT AND SAND. THIS IS A VERY WELL KNOWN PROBLEM AND THE DEALER I WENT TO HAS DONE ABOUT 6 CARS IN THE LAST MONTH OR SO JUST FOR THIS PROBLEM. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MITSUBISHI DEALER FOR WARRANTY REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS VERY HELPFUL AND WAS GOING TO REPLACE THE PUMP UNDER WARRANTY, BUT WHEN WAS DENIED THE REQUEST DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE ENGINE HAD HAD A "TUNE" ON IT. SO, THE PUMP WILL HAVE TO BE REPAIRED AT COST TO MYSELF. THE REASON I AM BRINGING THIS TO YOUR ATTENTION IS BECAUSE THIS IS A VERY APPARENT DESIGN FLAW. PLACING A CRITICAL PART LIKE THIS PUMP OPENLY EXPOSED TO SNOW, SALT AND SAND THROWN UP BY THE TIRES WHICH IN TURN CORRODES THE PUMP, IS A SAFETY HAZARD. THIS STOPS THE AWD TO FUNCTION AND RENDERS THE CAR TO BE ONLY DRIVEN IN TWO WHEELED DRIVE MODE WHEN THE CAR IS IN FACT, DESIGNED FOR ALL WHEEL DRIVE. THERE ARE SO MANY WELL DOCUMENTED CASES OF THIS PROBLEM, AT SOME POINT IN TIME, MITSUBISHI WILL HAVE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS AND DO SOMETHING TO MITIGATE THE SEVERE CORROSION OF THE AYC PUMP.
NHTSA complaint #10542370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesEssex Junction, VT
POWER TRAIN
ACD PUMP FAILED AND DEALERSHIP WOULDN'T COVER IT CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY!!
NHTSA complaint #10514953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 8,000 milesEssex Junction, VT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ACD PUMP FAILED AND DEALERSHIP WOULDN'T COVER IT CAR WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY!!
NHTSA complaint #10514953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,500 milesSanta Clara, CA
SEAT BELTS
THE DRIVERS SIDE SEATBELT MECHANISM WILL NOT LATCH PROPERLY. IT IS NOT SECURE AND DANGEROUS.
NHTSA complaint #10493622 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.