2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X — Should You Buy One?
Typical asking price: $24,000–$42,000. There is 1 high-severity known issue you need to know before handing over a check.
Kestrel Take
The last Evo — the aluminum 4B11T turbo and, in MR trim, the twin-clutch SST automatic. More refined than the older Evos and appreciating as the end of a legend. The 4B11 is tougher than the 4G63 but still tune-sensitive, and the SST transmission is a real maintenance item. Buy on history.
What we checked
Partly reconciled against public records, 2026-09-11
NHTSA holds 4 owner complaints for the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, across 1 recall campaign.
A big number here usually means a lot of these were sold, not that it is a bad vehicle — popular models collect more complaints for the same rate of trouble. So the total on its own says little. What is worth reading is the shape of it. 50% of them are about one thing — the transmission and drivetrain. That much concentration is a genuine pattern rather than background noise, and it is the first thing to check on any example you look at.
One recall campaign covers this model year. Recalls are repaired free, for any owner, with no time limit on most safety campaigns — but only if someone books it in. Ask the seller to show it was done, or have any dealer check the VIN; it takes them a couple of minutes and costs nothing.
Not written up yet: the suspension (1 complaint). That group is in the public record and is not covered by the issues below. Treat it as something to ask about, not as absent.
Counts come from the NHTSA complaint and recall database — free, public, and worth checking yourself.
Known Issues for the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
Ranked by wallet impact. These are documented, recurring problems — not freak accidents.
The SST dual-clutch needs specific fluid service; neglect causes clutch and mechatronic problems that are expensive. Verify the service history, or choose the manual GSR.
Repair cost (estimate): $500 service, $4,000+ for clutch/mechatronic
Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the transmission and drivetrain (2).
Most were modified and many tracked; verify the tune, compression, and build.
Repair cost: Not yet priced
Source: not yet checked against public records.
Fast, crashed cars return with washed titles; verify carefully.
Repair cost: Not yet priced
Source: not yet checked against public records.
Launches wear the AWD driveline and (manual) clutch; verify condition.
Repair cost (estimate): $1,000-$3,500
Source: NHTSA complaints filed under the transmission and drivetrain (2).
Walk-Away Red Flags
- ✗No SST service history on an MR
- ✗Aggressive tune with no records
- ✗Salvage title
- ✗AWD driveline noise
Good Signs
- ✓Documented SST service or a manual GSR
- ✓Stock or documented build
- ✓Adult-owned with records
Found a specific Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X?
This page covers what goes wrong on the 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X in general. The Kestrel report covers this specific car— the asking price vs. market, the photos, the seller's description, and a BUY / NEGOTIATE / WALK AWAY verdict with a negotiation script.
Get My Verdict — $7.99No account required. Delivered to your inbox, usually within minutes.
Not ready to pay for one? The free read is instant and needs no card — it checks the asking price against the market and names the top issues for this year. It stops short of the verdict, because that needs the photos.
Known issues on this page are based on documented owner reports, NHTSA complaints, class-action records, and manufacturer technical service bulletins. Individual vehicles vary. A pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is always worth doing.
More from Mitsubishi
Similar sports & performance
No bullshit, no upsells, no affiliate links. One report, one price — we'll never charge you rent for your own thinking.
Think we got something wrong? Tell us — a real person reads every message.