The final evolution of a rally-bred legend. Iconic all-wheel-drive performance sedan with sophisticated S-AWC torque vectoring. The 4B11T aluminum engine is generally robust and can handle serious power, but timing chain stretch on pre-2012 models is a known issue. The SST dual-clutch transmission (MR models) is complex and expensive to repair - manual GSR variants are more reliable and engaging. AYC pump failures are extremely common due to corrosion exposure. Buy a well-maintained 2012+ GSR with full service history and budget for enthusiast ownership costs.
Pump corrodes internally from road salt and moisture exposure · more· less
The Active Yaw Control pump on the Evo X is extremely exposed underneath the car and gets constant road debris, salt, and moisture thrown at it. Water penetrates between aluminum sections causing corrosion that swells the housing, increases tolerances, and kills pressure output. This is the most common Evo X failure - pumps often fail between 40,000-80,000 km, sometimes as early as 30,000 km. New OEM pump costs €2,200-2,400, but specialists offer refurbished units with upgraded motors for €2,000-2,100. Some owners relocate the pump to the boot area or seal it heavily with grease to prevent corrosion. Without a functioning AYC pump, the car loses its signature torque-vectoring capability and isn't safe to drive hard.
Getrag DQ200 first-gen DCT has valve body splitting, fork failures, clutch pack wear · more· less
The TC-SST 6-speed is a first-generation Getrag dual-clutch unit with known reliability issues. Common failures include shift fork 3 breaking (most common), valve body cracking, mechatronic unit faults, and premature clutch pack wear from aggressive driving or insufficient warm-up. Problems typically surface between 40,000-80,000 km. The transmission needs 15-30 minutes of highway driving to fully warm up - driving hard before this damages clutches. SST requires only OEM SSTF-1 fluid. Dealers quote €9,000-12,000 for replacement, but specialists can rebuild for €3,000-5,000. Used transmissions run €3,000-4,000. Manual GSR variants completely avoid this expensive headache and are more engaging to drive.
Tensioner loses pressure overnight causing cold-start rattle, can damage oil squirter · more· less
The 2008-2010 Evo X uses an older-spec timing chain known to stretch. The tensioner's release valve weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off overnight. This causes a distinctive rattle for 1-30 seconds on cold starts. Timing chain stretch has been reported as early as 33,000 km and commonly occurs between 60,000-100,000 km. If ignored, the chain can damage an oil squirter leading to catastrophic engine failure. Mitsubishi released an upgraded timing chain in 2011 which is now fitted during all replacement jobs. Full replacement includes timing chain, oil pump chain, guides, tensioners, and labor for €1,200-1,600. Prevention: frequent oil changes (every 5,000 km). 2012+ models have the improved chain from factory.
Fuel pump relay failure€15 - €100
Cheap relay fails to switch to high-speed mode causing dangerous lean running · more· less
The fuel pump relay on 2008-2015 Evo X is notoriously weak. When it fails, the fuel pump stays stuck in low-speed mode which causes dangerously lean running at wide-open throttle - this can blow your engine. Mitsubishi has gone through multiple relay versions (black, green, blue, orange) trying to fix this. The latest orange relay (part 8627A049) is currently the best but still fails eventually. Many specialists recommend replacing the relay every 10,000 km as preventative maintenance. Symptoms include P0087 code (low fuel rail pressure) and lean running. The relay costs €15-30 but can save you from €10,000+ in engine damage. Located in the main fuse box near the battery. Some tuners include an upgraded relay harness kit for more reliable voltage supply.
Center differential pin failure (pre-2011 models)€800 - €3,000
Soft metal pins snap from lubrication issues, can destroy transmission case · more· less
Pre-2011 Evo X models used softer metal for the center differential pins due to cost-cutting. These pins are prone to snapping from inadequate lubrication - the faster you drive, the less oil reaches the assembly due to poor design. When pins break, they damage the transmission case by wearing holes through it. Mitsubishi won't sell pins separately, forcing expensive full differential or case replacement. Specialists like Jack's Transmissions offer upgraded pin kits with better materials, modified shafts for improved oil flow, and oil scoops that force more lubrication at high speed. Their upgrade includes lifetime warranty against center diff failure. 2011+ models have this issue resolved from factory. If caught early (just snapped pin), repair costs €800-1,200. If case is damaged, costs climb to €2,000-3,000+.
Exhaust manifold cracking€500 - €1,500
Poor heat management causes cracks in stock cast manifold, also internal divider failures · more· less
The stock Evo X exhaust manifold has poor casting quality and terrible heat management. Cracks develop from heat cycles, commonly appearing externally and sometimes across the internal twin-scroll divider. Welding is not a long-term solution. OEM replacement manifold costs around €500 plus €450 labor. Many owners upgrade to aftermarket tubular manifolds (€600-900) which are far more durable. The OEM manifold-to-turbo studs are also terrible - they corrode and seize, often requiring drilling out during removal. Upgrade to titanium stud kits (€80-150) for lighter weight, better strength, and no corrosion. Symptoms include exhaust leaks, ticking sounds, and loss of boost pressure.
Turbocharger failure€1,600 - €3,200
Shaft play develops, actuator sticks from carbon buildup on low-intensity driving · more· less
The OEM turbo can develop shaft play requiring replacement. More commonly, the turbo actuator sticks if the car is driven gently or only on short trips, allowing carbon buildup. This causes EPC light and limp mode. VW won't sell the actuator separately. Actuator-only repairs at specialists cost €500-600, but if turbo internals are damaged, full replacement is €1,600-2,500 for OEM equivalent or €1,800-3,200 for upgraded units. Using premium fuel and regular spirited driving (Italian tune-up) helps prevent actuator sticking by burning off carbon deposits. The stock turbo is adequate for 300+ hp, but many owners upgrade for faster spool and more power.
Bilstein damper knocking noise€80 - €600
Front strut top bearings wear causing knocking on undulations, common issue · more· less
The stock Bilstein dampers, particularly the fronts, develop a knocking noise over bumps and undulations. According to Bilstein UK, it's not the valve but the bearing at the top of the shock that causes the noise. All Bilstein dampers on the Evo X reportedly suffer from this, so replacing with OEM units just delays the problem. Temporary fix: spray PTFE lube on the strut (€10) which confirms the fault and quiets it for a while. Permanent fix: Bilstein UK offers strut refurbishment for €80 per strut, replacing the single top bearing with two higher-quality bearings. Full service for all 4 struts (top mount rebuild, bushes, compression/rebound testing) costs around €150-200. This is a wear item rather than a defect but is very common on higher-mileage Evos.
High-performance clutch wears from hard use, plastic master cylinder can fail · more· less
On manual GSR models, clutch life depends heavily on driving style. Hard launches and track use accelerate wear. Budget €400-600 for an upgraded clutch kit (Exedy Stage 1 or ACT) plus €450-700 labor. Total installed cost ranges €1,000-1,700 depending on shop rates. The plastic clutch master cylinder is a weak point and can break under pressure from upgraded racing clutches - many owners replace it with a metal unit (€150-250) when doing clutch work. Dealers may quote up to €1,800 including flywheel replacement. This is a maintenance item rather than a defect, but Evos driven enthusiastically will need clutch replacement more frequently than regular cars.
High-performance car with enthusiast ownership requirements
The Evo X is remarkably reliable for a high-performance turbocharged AWD car, especially when stock or lightly modified. The 4B11T engine is robust and many examples exceed 160,000 km without major powertrain issues. However, the AYC pump is an extremely common and expensive failure. SST transmission (MR models) adds significant complexity and cost - the manual GSR is more reliable and more fun. Buy a 2012+ model to avoid timing chain issues, verify all recalls completed, and ensure meticulous service history with 5,000 km oil change intervals. This is a car for enthusiasts who understand preventative maintenance.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete records essential. Verify oil changes every 5,000 km maximum, transmission/differential fluids at proper intervals. Look for specialist or enthusiast ownership.
Tires
Check 245/40R18 tread depth, age, uneven wear. Rear tires wear faster due to AWD torque bias.
Cold start mandatory
Engine must be completely cold. Listen for timing chain rattle in first 30 seconds. Warm engines hide problems.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds. SST needs to reach full operating temperature. Test S-AWC modes.
Compression and leak-down test
Critical for any performance car. Have specialist shop perform pre-purchase inspection.
Specific for this vehicle
Check AYC pump for corrosion/leaks
Located underneath rear of car, exposed to road spray. Look for corrosion on housing, oil leaks, or dash warnings. Test AYC function in tight corners.
Cold start timing chain rattle (pre-2012 models)
Most important check. Engine completely cold. Listen carefully for rattle/ticking in first 30 seconds. More than brief rattle means chain/tensioner replacement needed.
SST transmission operation (MR models)
Drive for 20+ minutes to get transmission hot. Feel for smooth shifts without jerking, clunking, or hesitation. Check for any dashboard warnings. Verify fluid change history every 30,000 km with OEM SSTF-1 only.
Verify fuel pump relay upgrade
Check fuse box for orange relay (part 8627A049). Black, green, or blue relays are older weak versions. Ask if relay has been upgraded.
Exhaust manifold and turbo inspection
Look for exhaust leaks, listen for ticking. Check for oil smoke from turbo. Test boost pressure under load - should build smoothly without surging.
Front suspension knocking noise
Drive over bumps and undulations. Knocking from front struts indicates worn Bilstein bearings (common wear item).
Modifications assessment
If modified, ask what, why, who installed, who tuned. Stay away from big builds with unknown history. Verify quality of installation. Ask if original parts included.
Underside inspection for damage
Check front chassis legs and boot floor thoroughly. Previous impacts could be concealed. Inspect factory underseal quality or aftermarket work.
Brake system check
Brembo calipers - inspect for leaks, seized pistons. Check rotor condition for scoring or excessive wear lip. Pad thickness.
Transfer case and differentials
Listen for whining in 2nd gear and above during test drive. Check for fluid leaks at transfer case, front diff, rear diff. Check CV boots.
Interior condition
Recaro seats can come apart near headrest. Check for excessive wear, dashboard scratches. Listen for rattles.
Hood release cable (2008-2009 service campaign)Verify completed
AWC control unit reflash (2009 service campaign)Verify completed
AYC pump extended warranty (US: 10 years/160,000 km)Check if applicable
Takata airbag inflator recallVerify completed
Contact Mitsubishi dealer with VIN to verify all recalls and service campaigns completed. The AYC pump was given extended warranty coverage in the US market (10 years/160,000 km) due to widespread failures - check if this applies to your region. Check NHTSA or European equivalent databases for TSBs specific to your model year.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years/60,000 km basic)Expired on all Evo X models
Powertrain warranty (5 years/100,000 km)Expired on all Evo X models
Corrosion perforation (7 years/160,000 km)Expired on 2008-2017 models
No factory warranty remaining, aftermarket options limited
All Evo X models (2008-2016) are now outside their original factory warranty period. Mitsubishi does NOT offer extended warranties on Evolution models, so any extended warranty must be aftermarket. Read fine print carefully - most aftermarket warranties will deny coverage for ANY modifications. If the car has been tuned or modified, warranty claims will likely be rejected. The Evo X requires enthusiast-level maintenance knowledge and budget - plan for self-funding all repairs.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.