2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: Problems & Reliability
CAUTION2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: CAUTION — 45 owner complaints, 1.9× the Lancer Evolution median year by raw count; top issue: powertrain / transmission (13 complaints).
CarWhere's verdict score for the 2011 is 1.35, where 1.00 is a typical Lancer Evolution year once complaints are weighted for severity and spread over time on the road; caution starts at 1.25 and avoid at 1.60. Severity drives it: 71% of those complaints report a crash, fire or injury or involve a safety-critical system (engine, powertrain, steering, brakes or fuel).
Sources: NHTSA owner complaints (ODI), recall campaigns and manufacturer service bulletins, CarWhere verified buyer prices · Model years 2005–2015 compared · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research · Methodology
45
NHTSA complaints
1.9×
vs. median Lancer Evolution year
83
Service bulletins
3
Recall campaigns
Most-reported 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems
Powertrain / transmission leads a spread-out record, named in 29% of complaints.
| Component | Complaints | Share of 2011 complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain / transmission | 13 | 29% |
| Engine | 8 | 18% |
| Electrical system | 6 | 13% |
| Structure | 4 | 9% |
| Unknown or other | 4 | 9% |
A complaint can name more than one component, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recalls
3 recall campaigns on federal record for the 2011, reported between Sep 19, 2013 and Apr 20, 2015.
2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution service bulletins
The manufacturer has filed 83 technical service bulletins with NHTSA for the 2011 — close to the 72 of the median Lancer Evolution year from 2005 to 2015. Coded bulletins most often cover electrical system (22), powertrain / transmission (16), engine & cooling (13). Bulletins are repair instructions for dealer technicians, not recalls.
The 2011 vs. the year before and after
From the 2010 to the 2011, owner complaints fell 43% (79 → 45) — an improvement. The 2012 that followed fell by more than half (45 → 3), so the 2012 has the lighter record so far.
| Model year | Verdict | Complaints | Bulletins | Recalls | Avg. buyer-paid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Lancer Evolution | AVOID | 79 | 87 | 5 | — |
| 2011 (this page) | CAUTION | 45 | 83 | 3 | — |
| 2012 Lancer Evolution | TOO FEW REPORTS | 3 | 76 | 1 | — |
Prices are averages of CarWhere verified buyer transactions (shown when 3+ deals exist for the year). Full year-by-year table: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution years to avoid.
What to check on a used 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Powertrain / transmission (13 complaints on the 2011): test-drive from cold through every gear and feel for slipping, harsh or delayed shifts and shudder; ask whether the transmission fluid has been serviced.
Engine (8 complaints on the 2011): cold-start it yourself and listen for ticking or knocking; check for oil leaks, low coolant and a lit check-engine light, and ask for oil-change records.
Electrical system (6 complaints on the 2011): test every light, window, lock, the infotainment screen and the charging system, and have the car scanned for stored fault codes.
Structure (4 complaints on the 2011): look under the car for rust or damage around the subframe and rockers, open every door and the liftgate, and check panel gaps for signs of repair.
Seat belts (4 complaints on the 2011): pull each belt fully, make sure it retracts and latches, and check the belt warning light.
Recalls: confirm all 3 campaigns above were completed on this VIN.
Nearby Lancer Evolution years with a better rating: 2014.
Know what to pay for the right 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution — then negotiate it
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FAQ
Is the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliable?
2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: CAUTION — 45 owner complaints, 1.9× the Lancer Evolution median year by raw count; top issue: powertrain / transmission (13 complaints). CarWhere's verdict score for the 2011 is 1.35, where 1.00 is a typical Lancer Evolution year once complaints are weighted for severity and spread over time on the road; caution starts at 1.25 and avoid at 1.60.
What are the most common 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported areas on the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution are powertrain / transmission (13, 29%), engine (8, 18%), electrical system (6, 13%). The manufacturer has 83 service bulletins on file for this model year.
How many recalls does the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have?
3 recall campaigns on federal record for the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, most recently 15V233000 (Apr 20, 2015, visibility); 14V562000 (Sep 12, 2014, engine & cooling); 13V446000 (Sep 19, 2013, powertrain / transmission). Recall completion is VIN-specific, so check the exact car.
How do I check a specific 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution before buying?
Decode the VIN free at carwhere.com/tools/vin-decoder to confirm the build, then run the $9.99 CarWhere Full VIN Report for the exact VIN — recall, complaint, and service-bulletin record for this model year, the original window sticker where the manufacturer publishes one, and a market price check from verified buyers. One-time purchase, no subscription.
Sources & method
Complaint, recall and service-bulletin counts for the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution come from NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation; the verdict is CarWhere’s severity-weighted, time-on-road-adjusted score compared with the model’s own median year. Complaints are owner allegations, not verified defects. Full methodology.