2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems & reliability
24 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, alongside 2 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution vehicles were involved in 1 fatal crash with 1 occupant death. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling → | 10 | 42% |
| Engine | 3 | 13% |
| Power Train | 3 | 13% |
| Suspension | 3 | 13% |
| Electrical System | 2 | 8% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 2 | 8% |
| Structure | 2 | 8% |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 4% |
| Steering | 1 | 4% |
| Unknown OR Other | 1 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 35,500 miles (middle 50% between 20,750 and 60,120 miles), based on 20 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Rear subframe where the rear differential and suspension bolts onto is rusted, just like the front subframe . Many owners 2003-2006 mitsubishi lancer evolution owners are having this same issue. Mitsubishi recently issued a recall on the front subframe due to rust. The rear subframe is also a concern and is worst than…”
Suspension · filed Oct 14, 2018
“The rear subframe of my vehicle exhibits significant corrosion perforation where the rear axle and suspension mounts to the body. The rust is so bad, that I'm worried if I hit a pothole the entire rear subframe assembly / control arms could detach, resulting in an accident. The vehicle has been incredibly well…”
Suspension · filed Mar 26, 2018
“I have a recall on my 2006 mitsubishi for corrosion on subframe, I called my local dealer, they checked the car and ordered the cross member, so we made an appoint to take car into dealer for replacement, left the car with the dealer for the day, later that day I gotten a call stating they cannot get the bolts loose…”
Structure · filed Oct 21, 2016
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
30 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The 10 most recent:
This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
DEALER LETTER · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 21, 2023
This is a revised Safety Recall bulletin sent to dealers informing them of new Takata inflator return procedures.
SR-18-005REV · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 23, 2023
This is a revised Safety Recall bulletin sent to dealers informing them of new Takata inflator return procedures.
SR-17-004REV · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 23, 2023
This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
TSB-23-00-004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 24, 2023
This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more than 1.5 percent of…
TSB-23-00-001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 24, 2023
This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
DEALER LETTER · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 21, 2023
This is a Technical Information Notice sent to all dealers informing them that affected owners in Virginia were sent a reminder to have a Takata recall completed on their vehicle. The letters were printed with State of…
TIN-22-00-013 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 21, 2022
This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a defective/broken part.
TSB-22-54-003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 7, 2022
This Technical Information Notice was sent to dealers informing them of the limited-time promotional offer for customers affected by the TAKATA Airbag recall and also urged dealers to accurately capture customer data…
TIN-21-52B-001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 1, 2021
This TSB provides the addition of Hood Air Outlet Maintenance Procedure due to a change in suppliers.
TSB-20-42A-007 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 30, 2020
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 35,500 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.