NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 2 owner complaints for the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Most complaints involve engine (1) and tires (1). The EPA rates it 18–19 mpg combined.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Outlander, 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Evolution, and 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles equipped with sunroofs. The sunroof glass may detach from the sunroof assembly, becoming a road hazard to other vehicles.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4B1 engines, have an engine pulley and belt arrangement for turning the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (if equipped). These pulleys may experience unusual wear and allow for belt detachment.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured from December 12, 2007, through March 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the clutch master cylinder can fail.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVE BELT WAS MAKING A LOUD SQUEAKING NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO UNIVERSAL MITSUBISHI (1125 CENTRAL AVE, DUARTE, CA 91010) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS REJECTED TO BE SERVICE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TWO INDEPENDENT MECHANICS AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TENSIONER PULLEY CAUSED THE DRIVE BELT TO LOOSEN AND CUT BY THE EDGES OF THE PULLEY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V069000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.”
“THE SIDE WALL CRACKED ON MY TIRES AFTER TWO YEARS OF USE, I NEEDED TO REPLACE THEM.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancer Evolution Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | $4,050 | 468 |
| Lancer Evolution Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,300 | 494 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
5 safety recalls as of Nov 7, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (1), tires (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution at 18–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).