2009 Mitsubishi Lancer evolution problems

General information about Mitsubishi-Lancer evolution
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, popularly referred to as the 'Evo', is a sports sedan and rally car based on the Lancer that was manufactured by Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors from 1992 until 2016. There have been ten official versions to date, and the designation of each model is most commonly a Roman numeral. All generations use two-litre intercooled turbo inline four-cylinder engines and all-wheel drive systems.

The Lancer was originally intended only for Japanese markets, but demand on the "grey import" market led the Evolution series to be offered through Ralliart dealer networks in the United Kingdom and in various European markets from around 1998. Mitsubishi decided to export the eighth generation Evolution to the United States in 2003 after witnessing the success Subaru had in that market the previous year with the Subaru Impreza WRX.

All domestic-market versions, until the release of the Evolution IX in 2005, were limited by a gentlemen's agreement between Japanese car manufacturers to advertise no more than 280 PS (206 kW; 276 hp). However, sources say Mitsubishi had already been producing cars with more power but had been underrating the official power outputs in order to comply with the agreement. Therefore, each subsequent version has unofficially evolved above the advertised power figures, with the Japanese-market Evolution IX reaching an alleged output of around 321 PS (236 kW; 317 hp). Various special versions available in other markets, particularly the UK, have official power outputs up to 446 PS (328 kW; 440 hp).

The tenth and final generation of the Lancer Evolution, the Evolution X, was launched in Japan in 2007, and overseas markets in 2008. The Evolution X was produced for almost 10 years until Mitsubishi retired the Lancer Evolution in April 2016.

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Common 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer evolution problems

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 2009 has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. One of the most frequently reported issues is the paint quality, with the clear coat peeling away, which is not uncommon for cars around that time. This problem is attributed to the paint and the only fix is to repaint the car.

Another common problem is related to the electrical equipment, which can fail after three to five years, with the most unpleasant thing being that it fails in winter. This can affect the car's climate control, audio installation, and display, and even cause the airbags to malfunction in cars older than 2009

The 1.5-liter 4A91 gasoline engine, which the Lancer got from the Colt model of 2004, is also known to have issues. In 30% of cars equipped with this engine, the piston rings lose their mobility in advanced cases, leading to oil consumption going off scale for four to five liters per 10,000 kilometers

The timing chain drive is also known to have issues, with malfunctions occurring in cars older than 2010, causing the oxygen sensor to suffer from condensation. This can cause the car to make unusual noises and snort like a...

The front crankshaft oil seal also begins to snot due to the fault of the ignition coils malfunctions in the ignition system, causing the car to suffer from condensation

The Mitsubishi Lancer's body is resistant to the harmful effects of an aggressive environment and is not prone to corrosion, but the paintwork is soft and easily scratched. On older specimens, owners sometimes notice red spots at the bottom of the front fender behind the wheel, which is caused by the accumulation of dirt. Corrosion affects the lower wing mounting bracket, and the salon of the Mitsubishi Lancer X begins to Creak over time due to the creek of plastic and the rattling of the hood stop at the point of attachment to the body

The fuel level gauge may also start to fail after 200 to 250,000 kilometers, and the heater motor may make noise or fail. There are also malfunctions in the air conditioning system, with the compressor clutch bearing failing or the radiator failing after 200 to 250,000 kilometers

The generator may also need repairs, with brushes and bearings wearing out over time. The 1.5-liter engine for a 91, in particular, is known to start to eat up oil after 100 to 150,000 kilometers due to the occurrence of rings, and scoring is also found in the cylinders in some cases

The valve clearance adjustment in all engines is carried out by selecting pushers, and the gaps can go beyond the permissible limits in the range of 100 to 150,000 kilometers, leading to burnout of the valve. All Lancer engines have a timing chain drive with a resource of more than 300,000 kilometers

The 5-speed manual gearbox installed on Mitsubishi Lancers with a 1.5-liter engine until 2008 had design defects and was not very reliable. Common faults include leaking drive seals, extraneous noise, and failure of the first gear synchronizer

Many owners of a Mitsubishi Lancer 10 with a manual transmission complain about a jerk when shifting from first to second gear or biting the shift leader lever in the first gear position

The clutch usually serves over 150 to 200,000 kilometers, but the oem clutch is prone to experience abnormal wear and premature failure, especially if the vehicle is driven hard or the engine has been modified or fitted with a larger turbocharger. It is recommended to replace the stock clutch set and stock flywheel with a high performance kit that can handle more power and severe driving conditions

Some of these vehicles tend to stall randomly while driving, and the problem is caused by a defective crankshaft position sensor. The oem clutch master cylinder is also failure prone and is recommended to replace the plastic oem unit with a high quality aftermarket replacement made with better materials

The oem struts tend to wear out relatively fast, causing poor handling characteristics and clunking sounds when driving on uneven roads. It's recommended to replace the stock struts with better quality replacements like the bilstein set shown on the screen for better handling and longer life

Many of these vehicles tend to suffer from wheel alignment problems as the suspension and the steering components start to wear. The most common complaint is the vehicle pulling to one side when driving on a straight road

These are some of the most common problems reported by owners of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 2009. While the car is generally regarded as a fairly cost-effective and dependable vehicle, it's important to be aware of these potential issues when considering purchasing one.

What is the most common problems with Mitsubishi Lancer?

Mitsubishi Lancer Common Problems and Solutions

Slow Fan Speed and Ventilation Loss. Problem: ...
Steering is Pulling. Problem: ...
Brake Failure. Problem: ...
Engine Stalling. Problem: ...
Check Engine Light and 'Slow Down' Warning. Problem: ...
Oil Leak. Problem: ...
Starting problems. Problem: ...
Air conditioning failure. Problem:

Is a 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer ES a good car?

Edmunds says

The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer is a solid and sporty alternative to economy sedan best-sellers, even if it doesn't quite match their overall refinement.

How reliable are Mitsubishi Lancer Evolutions?

Despite what you may have heard, the Evo X has a stellar reputation for reliability. The stock aluminum 4B11T engine can easily handle 400-plus horsepower with a larger-than-stock turbo and decent tune. Non-modified cars will soldier on well past 100,000 miles with only minimal maintenance–and lots of new tires.

What is the problem with the Evo 9 engine?

Mitsubishi Evo IX engine

One possible problem is noisy hydraulic tappets which can take a while to quieten down if the engine hasn't been run for a few days. Lack of frequent oil changes is the usual reason, causing blockages in the oilways and air to stay trapped in the tappets.

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer evolution car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mitsubishi Lancer evolution problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Engine problems
Tires problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer evolution vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer evolution complaints

The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer evolution.

2020-11-24

ENGINE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-01-15
VIN: JA3AV66V19U
Components: ENGINE
Summary: 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.

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2020-04-01

TIRES PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-03-15
Components: TIRES
Summary: THE SIDE WALL CRACKED ON MY TIRES AFTER TWO YEARS OF USE, I NEEDED TO REPLACE THEM.

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2009 Mitsubishi Lancer evolution recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer evolution.

2018-01-26

Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Components: VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-003.

2014-09-12

Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-009.

2013-09-19

Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Components: POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION
Summary: 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.
Consequence: Failure of the clutch master cylinder reduces the ability to shift the vehicle into or out of gear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected clutch master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2013. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's campaign number for this recall is SR-13-009.

2009-11-05

Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Summary: MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 LANCER AND LANCER EVOLUTION VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF 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 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN AREAS WHERE HEAVY ROAD SALT IS USED IN THE WINTER, A LONG TERM EXPOSURE TO A MIXTURE OF MELTED SNOW WITH SALT THROWN UP BY THE OTHER VEHICLES ON THE ROAD MAY CAUSE A WATER-SALT MIXTURE TO ADHERE TO THE FRONT IMPACT SENSORS.
Consequence: THIS COATING OVER TIME MAY CAUSE CORROSION OF THE SENSOR. IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH OF THE TYPE THAT WOULD DEPLOY THE AIRBAGS THIS TYPE OF SHORT-CIRCUIT MAY CAUSE A DELAY IN THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAGS WHICH COULD RESULT IN DRIVER OR PASSENGER INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FRONT AIRBAG SENSORS THAT HAVE IMPROVED CORROSION RESISTANCE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 27, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI CUSTOMER RELATIONS DEPARTMENT AT 1-888-648-7820.

2009-09-08

Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY
Summary: MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 LANCER EVOLUTION, RALLIART, AND SPORTBACK RALLIART VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TURBOCHARGED ENGINES. THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FUEL RETURN PIPE IS ATTACHED TO THE ENGINE, IN COMBINATION WITH FREQUENT VEHICLE OPERATION AT CERTAIN ENGINE REVOLUTIONS, MAY RESULT IN A RESONANCE THAT, IF CONTINUED OVER TIME, MAY CAUSE A STRESS CRACK TO DEVELOP AT THE FIXED PORTION OF THE FUEL PIPE.
Consequence: IF THIS STRESS CRACK DEVELOPS, FUEL LEAKAGE MAY OCCUR. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: THE FUEL RETURN PIPE WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW PART AND TWO ADDITIONAL ATTACHMENT BRACKETS WILL BE INSTALLED TO BETTER CONTROL FUEL PIPE VIBRATION. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-888-648-7820.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer evolution problems:

Common Problems? | Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Forum

https://www.evoxforums.com/threads/common-problems.398286/

Dec 24, 2018 ... I did a quick search on the forum but didn't find much. The specific one I am looking at right now is a 2012 Evo GSR with 100k kms (62,000 miles ...

what are the common problems for evo? - EvolutionM - Mitsubishi ...

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/evom-new-member-faqs-evom-rules/579913-what-common-problems-evo.html

Oct 19, 2011 ... EvolutionM - Mitsubishi Lancer and Lancer Evolution Community ... Common Evolution Problems · Common Evo ... Jun 2009. Location. va. Posts: 820.

Is the Evo X reliable as a long term daily driver? | Mitsubishi Lancer ...

https://www.evoxforums.com/threads/is-the-evo-x-reliable-as-a-long-term-daily-driver.143249/

Aug 17, 2013 ... Those are known issues with the car - bet almost every car on the market has issues like this. There are things you will never get away from, ...

Common problems for Evo X - EvolutionM - Mitsubishi Lancer and ...

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/evo-x-general/546643-common-problems-evo-x.html

Mar 24, 2011 ... Evo X General - Common problems for Evo X - Hello people, yup, this is the NOOB. I did some research, and found that Evo X has some painting ...