1996 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 4 2.0 turbo

Summary:

Google 'crankwalk' before buying one

Faults:

Crankwalk.

Alternator stopped charging.

General Comments:

A word of warning to people buying Lancer Evolutions, I learned about this problem the hard way! The engines suffer from a design fault with the crankshaft main bearings; the crankshaft will eventually wear and cause terminal engine damage, which can only be rectified by fitting a new or later engine block. For more info Google 'crankwalk'.

Important note: Only the Evolutions 1 - 4 and very few 5's have this design flaw, the Evolution 6 and onwards has revised crankshaft main bearings.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 17th March, 2011

21st Aug 2022, 14:32

Surprised such a well regarded car had such a common serious fault. I had never heard of "crankwalk" till I read this review, and I have been into these cars for a while. How much did it cost to fix?

I am looking at buying a 2004 Lancer Evo, so should not have this issue if it only affected marks I - IV.