2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Safety Report

2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: Low Complaint Volume, But Serious Airbag Non-Deployment and Structural Rust Concerns

26Complaints
2Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
5Crash Reports
3Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (5)Air Bags (4)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (3)Unknown Or Other (2)Electrical System (2)Engine (1)Structure (1)Seat Belts,Engine (1)Power Train,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Steering,Power Train,Engine (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution presents a mixed safety picture, with a relatively low number of total complaints (26) but several critical safety concerns highlighted within those complaints and associated recalls. NHTSA did not provide specific crash test ratings for this model, making it difficult to assess its performance in controlled crash scenarios. However, the complaint data reveals a concerning pattern of airbag non-deployment in at least three reported crashes, including incidents at 35 mph and 72 mph, and a rollover event. This suggests a potentially severe flaw in the vehicle's occupant protection system, despite the absence of a specific airbag recall for this model year. Recall history includes two significant issues: one for defective starter assembly relays affecting the electrical system, which could lead to engine stalling and increased crash risk, and another for potential fuel tank rust and leakage, posing a fire hazard. Several complaints directly reference stalling issues, aligning with the electrical system recall. Furthermore, a notable pattern of premature clutch failure and transmission issues, particularly with the CVT (though the Evo typically has a manual or SST transmission, some Lancer complaints mention CVT), is evident in the complaints, with some owners reporting failures at very low mileages (e.g., 10,000 miles, 22,000 miles). Beyond these, structural integrity concerns, specifically severe rusting of the rear subframe/crossmember, are reported by multiple owners, with one noting a crack. This raises serious questions about long-term structural safety, especially given the vehicle's performance-oriented nature. While the overall complaint volume is low, the nature of the reported problems—airbag failures, stalling, structural rust, and transmission issues—indicates significant potential safety risks that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Reliability Score

The 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Airbag Non-Deployment
Multiple complaints detail airbags failing to deploy in significant crashes, including frontal impacts and rollovers, raising serious occupant protection concerns.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Engine Stalling/Hesitation
Vehicles stalling or hesitating during acceleration, sometimes on highways, aligning with a recall for defective starter assembly relays.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Rear Subframe/Crossmember Rust
Severe and premature rusting of the rear subframe/crossmember, with reports of cracking, posing a structural integrity risk.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Clutch/Transmission Failure
Premature clutch failure and transmission issues reported at low mileages, with some owners needing multiple replacements.		 High Occasional 10000-28000 miles
Ayc/Acd Pump Failure
Failure of the Active Yaw Control (AYC) / Active Center Differential (ACD) pump due to corrosion, impacting all-wheel-drive functionality.		 Medium Occasional 33000 miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution:

Power Train 19% of complaints

Issues related to transmission, clutch, and stalling during acceleration.

Air Bags 15% of complaints

Multiple reports of airbags failing to deploy in crash incidents.

Electrical System 12% of complaints

Problems including stalling, flickering lights, and vehicle shutting off, linked to a recall for starter relays.

Structure 8% of complaints

Severe rusting of the rear subframe/crossmember.

Engine 4% of complaints

Reports of engine failure and stalling.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Is the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has a low number of overall complaints (26), but several critical safety issues have been reported. Most concerning are multiple instances of airbags failing to deploy in crashes, and reports of severe structural rust on the rear subframe. There are also recalls for potential engine stalling and fuel tank leaks. While NHTSA did not provide crash test ratings, these reported failures indicate significant safety risks.

What are common problems with the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?

The most reported issues for the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution include power train problems (19% of complaints), such as premature clutch and transmission failures, and engine stalling. Airbag non-deployment in crashes accounts for 15% of complaints, and electrical system issues, including stalling and flickering lights, make up 12%. Structural problems, specifically severe rusting of the rear subframe, are also noted.

Are there any recalls for the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?

Yes, the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has two recalls. One recall addresses defective starter assembly relays in the electrical system, which can cause the engine to stall and increase crash risk. The second recall is for potential rust and leakage in the fuel tank assembly, which could lead to a fire hazard.

How does the 2015 Lancer Evolution perform in crash tests?

NHTSA did not provide specific overall, frontal, side, or rollover crash test ratings for the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Therefore, its performance in controlled crash scenarios cannot be assessed through official ratings.

Should I be concerned about rust on the 2015 Lancer Evolution?

Yes, you should be concerned about rust. Several complaints specifically mention severe and premature rusting of the rear subframe/crossmember, with one report of a crack. This is a significant structural concern that could compromise the vehicle's safety and integrity over time.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the critical safety concerns like airbag non-deployment, structural rust, and significant powertrain issues, a pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is essential, focusing on the subframe, transmission, and electrical system. Verify all recalls have been addressed.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The data includes 26 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 5 reported crashes, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.