Mitsubishi

Lancer Evolution (2006)

2006 · Sports Car · 1 engine
Best Engine ⚠️ Caution (2.4)
34 NHTSA Complaints
2 Recalls
0 Fire Reports
0 Crash Reports
View all 7 generations of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution → 📋 Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Unidentified Engine

⚠️ Caution (2.4)
34 complaints 34.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
13
transmission
11
cooling
10
electrical
4
suspension
3

Known Issues

Engine Issues (13 complaints)
Transmission Issues (11 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (10 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution regardless of engine variant.

Engine Issues (13 complaints)
engine cosmetic
Transmission Issues (11 complaints)
transmission cosmetic
Cooling System Issues (10 complaints)
cooling cosmetic

Recalls (2)

16V458000Jun 22, 2016serious
Suspension

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.

16V334000May 22, 2016critical
Air Bags

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Lancer and Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured June 29, 2005, to June 19, 2007, equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Alternatives in Sports Car

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2006-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems?

The 2006-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has accumulated 34 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Transmission, Cooling System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution engine is most reliable?

The 2006-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was offered with 1 engine option. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Unidentified Engine has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2006-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution a good used car?

The 2006-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 34 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have?

The 2006-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has 34 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2006-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?

There are 2 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2006-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?

Before buying a used Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Transmission, Cooling System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the Lancer Evolution have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 34 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

© 2026 The Weekly Driver