Thinking about buying a used Mitsubishi Evo X (2007–2016) in New Zealand? We've documented 10 known faults for this model spanning engine, cooling, transmission, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
10
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$400–$1,200
Typical repair
6
Systems covered
Known Mitsubishi Evo X faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
014B11T Oil Pump Drive Failure
CriticalOccasionalEngine $2,000–$8,000 to fix
The turbocharged 4B11T engine in the Lancer Evolution X shares the same chain-driven oil pump design as the naturally aspirated 4B11 but operates under substantially higher thermal and mechanical loads. Oil pump drive gear wear or oil pickup tube blockage caused by sludge produces a sudden drop in oil pressure. Turbocharger bearings are the first components to suffer from oil starvation, rapidly followed by crankshaft and connecting rod bearing failure. Track-driven, modified, or poorly serviced examples are at markedly elevated risk. Engine seizure can occur within minutes of oil pressure loss occurring.
Symptoms to notice
Oil pressure warning light during hard acceleration or cornering
Knocking from lower engine block under load
Turbocharger bearing whine or noise
Sudden power loss accompanied by engine warning light
What to check
Demand a full service history showing oil changes at no greater than 7,500km intervals — shorter for track use. Check oil for metallic particles using a magnet held near the drain plug area. Listen for any lower-block knock at idle and during hard acceleration. Ask specifically about track or motorsport use. Inspect for any oil consumption or smoking from turbo area on overrun.
Where to look: Front of engine block, oil pump behind timing cover; turbocharger on exhaust manifold
Ask the seller
“Has the car ever been used on a track or in motorsport events?”
“What oil change interval has been followed throughout its life?”
“Has the oil pressure warning light ever activated while driving?”
02Electric Power Steering Rack Rattle
MinorCommonElectrical $600–$2,200 to fix
EPS rack develops internal rattle at low speeds over rough surfaces.
Symptoms to notice
Knocking or rattling from steering rack at low speeds
Vibration through steering wheel during slow manoeuvring
What to check
Drive over rough surfaces at low speed and listen for rattle from the steering rack area.
Where to look: Electric power steering rack assembly
Ask the seller
“Has the electric power steering rack rattle been inspected or repaired?”
CoolingCritical
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
SuspensionMajor
BrakesMajor
SuspensionMinor
EngineMinor
8 more documented faults on the Mitsubishi Evo X
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 10 documented faults for the Mitsubishi Evo X, the recurring problem areas are engine, cooling, and transmission. A Mitsubishi Evo X with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Mitsubishi Evo X?
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We've catalogued 10 known faults for the Mitsubishi Evo X, covering engine, cooling, and transmission. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Mitsubishi Evo X?
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Most single repairs on the Mitsubishi Evo X fall between $400–$1,200 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 10 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Mitsubishi Evo X?
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Yes. A Mitsubishi Evo X inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.