The 2009 Evo X is a high-strung performance machine with the 4B11T turbo engine and SST dual-clutch or 5-speed manual. Abuse history is the biggest wildcard—track days, launch control abuse, and deferred maintenance turn common wear items into expensive repairs.
SST Dual-Clutch Transmission Failure
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh shifts, clunking into gear, especially when hot, Slipping between gears under acceleration, Trans temp warning light, limp mode, Burnt clutch smell from vents
Fix: Clutch pack replacement requires trans removal, 8-12 hours labor. If driven in limp mode too long, pump and mechatronic unit also fail. Many opt for updated Dodson or Shep trans components during rebuild. Fluid changes every 15k mi can extend life but most used examples were neglected.
Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500
Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle for 2-3 seconds, sounds like marbles, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes (P0016, P0017), Loss of power, rough idle, Metal shavings in oil
Fix: 4B11T timing chain system is known weak point. Chain stretches, guides crack, tensioner fails. Requires front engine teardown, 10-14 hours labor. Often find cam lobe wear and lifter damage once inside, adding cylinder head work. OEM kit plus labor runs high; some shops recommend updated aftermarket tensioners.
Estimated cost: $2,800-5,000
Turbocharger Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud whistling or grinding noise on boost, Blue smoke from exhaust on decel, Oil consumption increases significantly, Loss of boost pressure, sluggish acceleration, P0299 underboost code
Fix: Factory TD05H-16G turbo fails from oil starvation (coked feed lines) or compressor wheel damage from intake debris. Turbo R&R is 6-8 hours due to exhaust manifold access. Many owners upgrade to aftermarket unit during replacement. Critical: replace oil feed/return lines and inspect PCV system or new turbo dies fast.
Estimated cost: $2,200-4,000
Transfer Case and Rear Differential Wear
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking or binding on tight turns, Vibration at highway speed, Whining noise from center or rear axle, ACD warning light (active center diff)
Fix: ACD pump seals leak, contaminating fluid. Transfer case bearings wear from hard launches. Rear diff sees abuse from aggressive driving. Fluid changes every 30k mi help but damage is often done. Transfer case rebuild 8-10 hours, rear diff rebuild 5-7 hours. Used examples rarely have service records for diffs.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Fuel Pump and Fuel System Issues
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Hard starting, long crank before fire, Stumble or hesitation under hard acceleration, Lean codes, misfires at high RPM, Fuel smell in cabin or trunk area
Fix: In-tank fuel pump fails, often related to running low on fuel frequently. Pump replacement 3-4 hours including tank drop. Recall 12V-505 addressed fuel delivery hose cracking—check if completed. Fuel filter is in-tank and part of pump assembly. Many tuned cars run aftermarket pumps that later fail from poor installation.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Engine Mount and Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive engine movement on launch or shifts, Clunking when engaging clutch or changing gears, Vibration through shifter and cabin at idle, Drivetrain lash, sloppy feel
Fix: Factory hydraulic mounts fail early, especially with spirited driving. Upper engine mount and trans mount most common. Replacement 2-3 hours total. Many owners upgrade to poly or solid mounts for longevity but increase NVH. Check all mounts during PPI—they're all likely original and tired.
Estimated cost: $400-800
Sunroof Drain Clogs and Water Intrusion
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Water pooling in footwells, especially passenger side, Musty smell, mold on carpet, Sunroof cassette full of water, Electrical gremlins (BCM, seat controls)
Fix: Drain tubes clog with debris, overflow backs up into cabin. Recall 13V-066 addressed sunroof drain tube routing but many cars pre-date fix. Cleaning drains takes 1-2 hours. If water damaged BCM or wiring, repair escalates quickly. Prevent by clearing drains annually and parking under cover.
Estimated cost: $150-500
Owner tips
Verify SST transmission fluid changes every 15k mi—this trans will not survive 'lifetime' fluid myth
Budget for timing chain service by 100k mi regardless of symptoms; waiting for noise means engine damage
ACD and diffs need dedicated fluid every 30k mi—GL-5 gear oil in rear, special ACD fluid in center
Always inspect PPI for modification history and oil analysis; tuned or tracked cars have 50% shorter component life
Replace turbo oil feed line with braided stainless unit preventively to avoid $3k turbo failure
Buy only with full service records and PPI by Evo-specialist shop—unmodified low-mile examples are unicorns, and neglected ones are money pits that start at $5k in deferred maintenance.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
Consequence: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS · 18V069000
2018-01-26
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive belt to detach.
Consequence: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-001.
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY · 18V071000
2018-01-26
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · 15V232000
2015-04-20
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to July 6, 2010, 2009-2010 Outlander vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to August 27, 2010, 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to June 8, 2010, and 2010 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to August 4, 2010. The affected vehicles have an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. Due to a manufacturing error, the voltage inside this ECU may be unstable.
Consequence: Unstable voltage could result in intermittent failure of the vehicle's head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. If the headlights and/or windshield wipers fail, the driver could have reduced visibility. If the tail lights fail, the vehicle could be less visible. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected ECU, free of charge. The recall began on June 15 ,2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-002.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Lancer vehicles manufactured March 16, 2009, to March 30, 2011, 2010-2011 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to December 1, 2010, 2010-2011 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to January 7, 2011, 2009-2011 Outlander vehicles manufactured February 10, 2009, to June 22, 2011, and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to November 19, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the blower motor may fail.
Consequence: Failure of the blower motor may reduce the performance of the windshield defroster, diminishing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-003.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS · 14V562000
2014-09-12
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.
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION · 13V446000
2013-09-19
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE · 09V435000
2009-11-05
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY · 09V349000
2009-09-08
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE · 09V077000
2009-03-10
MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 39,711 MY 2008-2009 OUTLANDER AND LACER VEHICLES. INCORRECT MATERIAL COMPOSITION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE MAY CAUSE THE CHECK VALVE TO STICK CLOSED WHEN THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RE-STARTED AND PUT INTO MOTION, UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS (VERY SLOW VEHICLE MANEUVERS), THERE MAY BE INSUFFICIENT INITIAL BRAKING ASSIST.
Consequence: THIS MAY TEMPORARILY INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE OF THE VEHICLE AND THEREFORE INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
Performance
Horsepower
291hp
Torque
300lb-ft
0–60 mph
4.6sec
Quarter mile
13.3sec
Top speed
155mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
17mpg
Highway
22mpg
Combined
19mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
Capability & size
Curb weight
3,549lb
EPA class
Compact Cars
Wiper blades
Evo X generation. Sedan body style has no rear wiper.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 2.0L I4 Turbo 4B11T and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.