MitsubishiLancer Evolution20062.0L/mitsubishi/lancer-evolution/2006/2-0l/

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution — 2.0L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2006 Lancer Evolution 2.0L.

Body PASSENGER CAREngine 2.0LTransmission Manual 5-spd

The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 2.0L is a compact passenger car built on Mitsubishi’s Lancer platform, powered by a 2.0‑liter engine that requires 4.0 qt of 5W‑20/10W‑30 API oil and is mated to a 5‑speed manual transmission; it achieves EPA ratings of 17/23/19 mpg city/highway/combined. In this model year the vehicle’s reliability record shows a modest 34 owner complaints—primarily concerning engine and cooling systems—with only two recalls issued, placing it near the lower end of the 2004‑2015 complaint spectrum where 2004 saw the fewest complaints and 2010 the most. This data suggests that, while the 2006 Evolution remains relatively reliable, drivers should remain attentive to its cooling components, a trend that has persisted across the decade.

Model year201420132012201120102009200820062005

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 / 10W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque65-80 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy17/23/19 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 35 · 520 CCA battery, OE oil filter MZ690072. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 35 · 520 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnTURNOEM · verified
Tire size4WD:P225-75R15OEM · verified
Wheel / rim6-JJ inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filterMZ690072
Engine air filterMR552951
Fuel filterMR552781 alt MR571545
Spark plugMN158596 alt 1822A022
Front wiper blades8250A536 alt MZ693015
Serpentine belt4451A106 alt 4451A107
ThermostatMD363571 alt MD315301
Cabin air filterMR398288

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionManual 5-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length180.7 in
Overall width66.9 in
Overall height53.9 in
Wheelbase102.4 in
Curb weight2657 lb
Track (front / rear)57.1 / 57.1 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)62/38

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined17 / 23 / 19 mpg
Drivetrain4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume94 cu ft
Cargo volume10 cu ft
Recommended fuelPremium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent published road-test results.

4.5–5.1 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 4.50 sec — 2006 MR Sedan
286 hpHorsepower (as tested)
289 lb-ftTorque (as tested)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2006MR Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-44.50 sec13.30 sec286 hpAWD
2006MR Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-44.60 sec13.40 sec286 hpAWD
2006GSR Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-44.70 sec13.40 sec286 hpAWD
2006MR Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-44.80 sec13.50 sec286 hpAWD
2006RS Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-45.10 sec13.50 sec286 hpAWD
2005RS Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-44.30 sec13.10 sec276 hpAWD
2005MR Edition Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-44.70 sec13.40 sec276 hpAWD
2005MR Edition Sedan 2.0L Turbo I-44.70 sec13.30 sec276 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.0 qt of 5W-20 / 10W-30 API engine oil, DOT 3 · DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 65-80 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 29.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidMitsubishi Diamond Queen SP-III
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity8.1
Brake FluidDOT 3 · DOT 4
Differential Gear Oil Capacity1.3 Pints
Engine CoolantETHYLENE GLYCOL
Engine Oil5W-20 · API · 10W-30
Engine Oil Capacity4.0 qt
Engine Oil5W-20 · API · 10W-30

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs15 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts15-21 w/turbo ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts73 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts14 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head BoltsM8 nuts: 12 ft-lbs, M10 nuts: 22 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug29.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs12 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts65-80 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug23.0-25.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug23.0-25.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub160-202 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub112-148 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub160-202 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub112-148 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance8,500-11,500 ohms
Spark Plug Torque13.0 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.06-1.15 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity2.0 L
Standard BCI Group Number35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance520 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test23 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature187-193 °F
Injector Primary Resistance28
Engine Compression92
Engine Oil Pressure4.3 psi @ Idle, 43-100 psi @ 3500 rpm psi
Intake Valve LashHydraulic in
Exhaust Valve LashHydraulic in

Brakes

Torque to Knuckle52-65 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle89-111 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket25-31 ft-lbs / 28-36 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle74-81 ft-lbs / 42-48 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.080; Rear: 0.080 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness0.039 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness From1.26 in / 0.87 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To1.26 in / 0.87 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90-10015 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages
158 ft. lbs.58 ft. lbs
2Loosen all bolts completely in reverse order.
315 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
490 degrees.90 degrees
590 degrees.90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 5 stages
154 ft. lbs.54 ft. lbs
2Loosen all bolts completely.
315 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
490 degrees.90 degrees
590 degrees.90 degrees

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 5,000 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 5,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 7,500 miTire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miActive Torque Transfer System (inspect fluid level) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Driveshaft (inspect)
Every 30,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Drive Belt (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Engine Valves (inspect valve lash)
At 60,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 miFuel Evaporative Emission Control System (inspect) · Fuel Tank (inspect) · Fuel Tank Filler Cap (inspect) · Heater Hose (replace) · Radiator Hose (replace)
At 105,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2006 model year represents a significant escalation in reported issues compared to its immediate predecessors, with 34 complaints—more than double the 16 logged in 2005 and far exceeding the 2 recorded for 2004—while maintaining the same recall count (2) as 2005 but with fewer technical service bulletins (35 versus 44). Within the generational arc, 2006 sits at the beginning of an upward trend that peaks dramatically in 2008 (59 complaints) and 2010 (79 complaints), positioning it as an early indicator of the powertrain and cooling system issues that would plague later model years, with Engine & Engine Cooling (10 complaints) and Power Train (7 complaints) representing the primary concern areas. Notably, 2006 registers zero crash or fire complaints and fewer TSBs than any subsequent year through 2015, suggesting that while owner-reported failures were increasing, the model had not yet accumulated the complex service history or recall volume seen in 2008-2011. For a buyer, this positions 2006 as a moderate-risk proposition: it avoids the severe complaint spikes and recall waves of 2008-2011, yet shows higher failure rates than the nearly trouble-free 2007, making it a viable but not optimal choice within this generation.

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
35
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
34
Owner complaints
0 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 34 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine & Engine Cooling10
Power Train7
Electrical System3
Suspension2
Engine2
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2
Suspension,Structure1
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

16V458000Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower ArmReported 23/06/2016

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in… Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or…

16V334000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 23/05/2016

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2006-2007 Lancer and Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured June 29, 2005, to June 19, 2007, equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled… Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on July 19, 2016. Owners may contact MMNA customer…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 35 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
DEALER LETTER2023-07-21EquipmentThis is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has…
SR-18-005REV2023-06-23Air BagsThis is a revised Safety Recall bulletin sent to dealers informing them of new Takata…
SR-17-004REV2023-06-23Air BagsThis is a revised Safety Recall bulletin sent to dealers informing them of new Takata…
TSB-23-00-0042023-04-24StructureThis Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for…
TSB-23-00-0012023-04-24EquipmentThis Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

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VIN
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Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2006 Lancer Evolution 2.0L take?

4.0 qt of BELOW 100 degreesF 5W-20 SM API, ABOVE 0 degreesF 10W-30 SM API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2006 Lancer Evolution have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 2.0L get?

EPA figures are 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined mpg.