What is the 2003-2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution AYC Rear Differential Pump Failure?

The Active Yaw Control (AYC) hydraulic pump on the Lancer Evolution rear differential is a known failure point. The pump motor burns out or the internal gears strip, disabling the active torque vectoring rear differential and triggering warning lights. Repairs typically run $800-$2,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2008-2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Accessory Drive Belt Detachment from Worn Pulleys (Recall 14V562000)?

Mitsubishi recalled 2008-2011 Lancer models built with 4B1-series engines because the engine pulley and belt arrangement that drives the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (where fitted) can wear abnormally. As the pulleys wear, the drive belt is no longer he… Severity: high.

What is the 2008-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Front Cross Member Corrosion Can Let Lower Control Arm Detach (Recall 20V279 / SR-20-003)?

Mitsubishi recalled 2008-2010 Lancer sedans (and the 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback) that were originally sold in, or ever registered in, road-salt states for corrosion of the front cross member. Salt-water exposure from winter road salt eats away at the cross member, and once it is… Severity: high.

What is the 2009-2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Drive Belt Tensioner Flange Cracks, Belt Detaches and Engine Stalls (Recall 18V069)?

Mitsubishi recalled 2009-2012 Lancer sedans built with the 4B11 or 4B12 engine because the automatic tensioner for the accessory drive belt can crack at its flange. Once the flange cracks, the tensioner no longer holds the belt properly and the accessory drive belt can come off t… Severity: high.

What is the 2008-2017 Mitsubishi Lancer CVT Transmission Failure (Non-Evo)?

Non-Evolution Lancer models with the CVT experience premature transmission failure, with the CVT belt and pulleys wearing out between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. The transmission develops slipping, shuddering, and eventually complete failure. Repairs typically run $2,500-$5,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2003-2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII/IX/X Active Center Differential (ACD) Transfer Case Wear?

The Lancer Evolution Active Center Differential (ACD) transfer case develops internal failures, particularly under hard launching and track use. The ACD clutch pack wears prematurely, and the transfer case bearings can fail, causing grinding noises and loss of AWD function. Repairs typically run $1,500-$4,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2008-2017 Mitsubishi Lancer 4B11 Timing Chain Stretch?

The 4B11 engine timing chain stretches over time, particularly when oil changes are neglected. Chain stretch leads to retarded cam timing, rough idle, and potential engine damage if the chain jumps a tooth on the sprockets. Repairs typically run $800-$2,000. Severity: high.

Mitsubishi · Known Issues

2003-2017 Mitsubishi Lancer Problems: 7 Known Issues

2003-2017 model years · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated August 2026

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According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2003-2017 Mitsubishi Lancer has 7 documented known issues, with 7 rated critical. The most serious are Evolution AYC Rear Differential Pump Failure ($800-$2,500 repair), Accessory Drive Belt Detachment from Worn Pulleys (Recall 14V562000), Front Cross Member Corrosion Can Let Lower Control Arm Detach (Recall 20V279 / SR-20-003), Drive Belt Tensioner Flange Cracks, Belt Detaches and Engine Stalls (Recall 18V069), CVT Transmission Failure (Non-Evo) ($2,500-$5,500 repair), Evo VIII/IX/X Active Center Differential (ACD) Transfer Case Wear ($1,500-$4,000 repair) and 4B11 Timing Chain Stretch ($800-$2,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $800 to $5,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 7 Known Issues

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mitsubishi Lancer problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2003-2017 Mitsubishi Lancer has 7 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Evolution AYC Rear Differential Pump Failure, Accessory Drive Belt Detachment from Worn Pulleys (Recall 14V562000), Front Cross Member Corrosion Can Let Lower Control Arm Detach (Recall 20V279 / SR-20-003). Of these, 7 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?

The 2003-2017 Mitsubishi Lancer has 7 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 7 issues are rated critical: Evolution AYC Rear Differential Pump Failure and Accessory Drive Belt Detachment from Worn Pulleys (Recall 14V562000) and Front Cross Member Corrosion Can Let Lower Control Arm Detach (Recall 20V279 / SR-20-003) and Drive Belt Tensioner Flange Cracks, Belt Detaches and Engine Stalls (Recall 18V069) and CVT Transmission Failure (Non-Evo) and Evo VIII/IX/X Active Center Differential (ACD) Transfer Case Wear and 4B11 Timing Chain Stretch. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Mitsubishi Lancer problems?

Repair costs for known Mitsubishi Lancer issues range from $800 to $5,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Evolution AYC Rear Differential Pump Failure, typically costs $800-$2,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What year Mitsubishi Lancer is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Mitsubishi Lancer. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2003-2017 Mitsubishi Lancer with 7 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.

All 7 Known Issues

Accessory Drive Belt Detachment from Worn Pulleys (Recall 14V562000)#

Drive Belt Tensioner Flange Cracks, Belt Detaches and Engine Stalls (Recall 18V069)#

4B11 Timing Chain Stretch#

Evolution AYC Rear Differential Pump Failure#

Evo VIII/IX/X Active Center Differential (ACD) Transfer Case Wear#

Front Cross Member Corrosion Can Let Lower Control Arm Detach (Recall 20V279 / SR-20-003)#

CVT Transmission Failure (Non-Evo)#

Other Mitsubishi Models