Home / Common Problems / Mitsubishi Lancer

Mitsubishi Lancer Problems & Known Issues

The most common Mitsubishi Lancer problems ranked by severity — what to watch for, what it costs to fix, and what happens if you ignore it.

Generations

CY — CY (2007-2017)
2007–2017
1.5 MIVEC, 1.6 MIVEC, 1.8 MIVEC, 1.8 DI-D
Evo X — Lancer Evolution X
2008–2016
2.0 Turbo

Top issues to watch for

The most serious Mitsubishi Lancer problems ranked by severity. We track 9 known issues — here are the ones you need to know about first.

Dangerous
SST gearbox issues (Evo X)
Evo X4B11T2008–201640k–100k miles
The SST (Sports Shift Transmission) is Mitsubishi's twin-clutch automated manual gearbox fitted to all UK Evo X models. The clutch packs wear rapidly under enthusiastic driving and the hydraulic control system is prone to valve body failures. Early symptoms include juddering during gear changes and delayed engagement. Complete failure leaves the car undriveable and repair costs routinely exceed the vehicle's value. This is the primary reliability concern for Evo X ownership and should be thoroughly assessed before purchase.
What happens if ignoredComplete SST failure renders the car undriveable. Clutch pack replacement requires transmission removal and costs £4,000-£6,000 including labour. Valve body failures add another £1,000-£2,000. Many owners elect to break the car for parts rather than repair the transmission.
Specialist
£4,000–£6,000
Main dealer
£5,000–£8,000
Parts only
£2,000–£3,500
Major
Turbo failure (Evo X)
Evo X4B11T2008–201660k–150k miles
The IHI turbocharger on the 4B11T engine is prone to bearing failure and compressor wheel damage, particularly on cars that have been modified or driven hard. Oil starvation during rapid deceleration from high RPM is a known cause. Symptoms progress from loss of boost pressure to complete turbo seizure with metal debris entering the intake system. Replacement with OEM units is expensive but aftermarket options are readily available.
What happens if ignoredComplete turbo failure can send metal debris into the engine internals, requiring additional repairs beyond turbo replacement. A seized turbo may also damage the exhaust manifold. Total repair costs including fitting range from £1,500-£3,000 depending on additional damage.
Independent garage
£1,200–£2,000
Specialist
£1,500–£2,500
Main dealer
£2,000–£3,500
Parts only
£800–£1,500
Major
Transfer case wear (Evo X)
Evo X4B11T2008–201660k–150k miles
The AYC (Active Yaw Control) transfer case distributes torque between the rear wheels and is integral to the Evo's handling characteristics. The unit contains complex hydraulic valving and clutch packs that wear with age and mileage. Failure symptoms include loss of rear differential lock, unusual handling characteristics, and grinding noises from the rear of the car. The transfer case shares fluid with the rear differential and requires specialist knowledge to diagnose correctly.
What happens if ignoredAYC failure significantly affects the car's handling and may compromise safety during enthusiastic driving. Complete transfer case replacement is the only reliable fix. The car remains driveable but loses its characteristic handling balance and may develop expensive secondary failures if driven hard.
Specialist
£1,000–£1,800
Main dealer
£1,500–£2,500
Parts only
£500–£1,000
Major
Suspension component failure (CJ/CY)
CJ/CY4A91, 4A92, 4B102007–201720k–150k miles
The CJ/CY Lancer suffers from premature failure of suspension bushes, particularly the front lower arm bushes and rear trailing arm bushes. MOT data shows this model failing at 372.9x the fleet average for suspension component fractures, with failures occurring across all mileage bands including very low mileage examples. The rubber compound used appears unsuited to UK conditions, leading to splitting and separation that affects handling and safety.
What happens if ignoredFailed suspension bushes compromise vehicle handling and can lead to dangerous loss of directional stability. Worn bushes cause rapid and uneven tyre wear. In extreme cases, suspension components may detach from the subframe, creating an immediate safety hazard.
Independent garage
£200–£400
Specialist
£250–£500
Main dealer
£350–£650
Parts only
£80–£200

5 more known issues tracked

Including further major faults, wear items, electrical niggles, and generation-specific problems. Check a specific car to see which issues apply to its age and mileage.

Check a Mitsubishi Lancer →

MOT failure hotspots

Based on DVSA MOT test data. These are the items where the Mitsubishi Lancer fails at a significantly higher rate than the average car.

Emissions failure
Exhaust & Emissions · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 469x the fleet average
Sample: 677 tests
Anti-roll bar links worn
Suspension · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 373x the fleet average
Sample: 882 tests
Light unit fault
Lights & Electrics · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 83x the fleet average
Sample: 1,288 tests
Exhaust system damage
Bodywork · 40-60k miles
MOT failure rate: 39x the fleet average
Sample: 732 tests
Structural corrosion
Bodywork · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 38x the fleet average
Sample: 375 tests
Suspension component damaged or corroded
Suspension · 20-40k miles
MOT failure rate: 37x the fleet average
Sample: 766 tests

Buying a Mitsubishi Lancer?

Check a specific car's service history to see if it's been looked after — franchised dealer records with dates, mileage, and work done.

Check Mitsubishi Lancer service history

£6.99 · Full refund if no records found

Related

Mitsubishi Lancer reliability FAQs

What are the most common problems with the Mitsubishi Lancer?

The Mitsubishi Lancer has 9 known issues across 3 severity levels. The most serious are: SST gearbox issues (Evo X).

Is the Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?

The Mitsubishi Lancer has 1 dangerous and 7 major known issues. Most can be avoided with a thorough pre-purchase check and full service history.

How much does it cost to fix Mitsubishi Lancer problems?

Costs vary by issue. Independent garages are typically 30-50% cheaper than main dealers for most repairs.

Which Mitsubishi Lancer generation is most reliable?

The CY (2007–2017) has the fewest dangerous issues (0). However, condition and service history matter more than generation — a well-maintained earlier car can be more reliable than a neglected newer one.