2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 98 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (66% of complaints); the 2005 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Jun 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 98 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While replacing front sub frame structure under recall for rust and corrosion, rust damage to the rear structure was noted by dealer. Upon further inspection, there are holes in the rear structure as well.”Owner report · Structure · Apr 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi lancer evolution. While driving approximately 30 mph, the steering column detached without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer stated that the warranty expired and did not offer any assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.”Owner report · Steering · Nov 2016
“The vehicles kick plate where all the wires connect are all corroded its a major problem with all evos there should be a recall to get this problem fixed. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2014
Show 7 more owner reports
“I got into my car to start and it would turn over but not start. After replacing the fuel pump, checking all the fuses and relays, still the same problem. The wire harness fuse block that sits inside the drivers foot well has been corroded by water from a leak in the fire wall. This is a very common problem that even goes back to the previous generation , evo vii, and wasn't fixed for the following generation, evo ix. *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 2012
“I have a 2003 mitsubishi lancer evolution. The temperature knob broke off while adjusting from cold to warm. My car is now stuck with the ac on cold, this isn't so much of a problem in the summer but it is getting rather cold now and I would really like some heat. I have also noticed that the defrost is now useless unless it needs to be on cold which is pretty ineffective in the winter time. This problem started happening in 2009 where it was very difficult to turn and finally in june of this year it completely broke. *tr”Owner report · Visibility · Jun 2010
“Multiple dashboard lights activated simpltaneously (ABS, srs, battery, emergency brake) at the same time the horn and wipers malfunctioned it was quite disorienting and happened in heavy traffic in a rainstorm! Quite unsafe.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2010
“2003 mitsubishi lancer evolution. Loud grinding noises coming from the transmission within a few thousand miles. Cars under 8 thousand miles having to replace clutches and transmissions. Gears popping into neutral. Dealership accepted warranty and is currently working on the car. Car was returned a 2nd time to be looked at again. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2008
“The 5th gear syncro has failed on the car at 60,000 miles. This is a known defect to mitsubishi and they have developed new, stronger parts as part of a tsb. However, mitsubishi is refusing to repair the defect citing "abuse". *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2008
“I launched my car from about 5500rpm. I previously had a new exedy clutch and flywheel installed about 2 months earlier. The car jumped but wouldn't go anywhere after I let the clutch out. I thought maybe first gear was gone but when I tried all the other gears it seemed as if the car was in neutral. I had the car taken to a local performance shop and they diagnosed the problem as being my transfer case. The total cost for the new oem transfer case with front differential and labor to put it in was around 3400. Mitsubishi needs to act on this problem because I have read many complaints about it and have heard many stories from evo owners about their transfer case issues. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2007
“The car was running fine and had no problems then when I started it up one day the dash lights and tail lights started pulsing. I thought it might be the alternator so I had it checked out. The shop said the alternator is in perfect condition and couldn't figure out the problem. The pulsating lights is still going on, and I haven't been able to find out what the problem is. *tr”Owner report · Interior Lighting · Dec 2006
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES AND PUERTO RICO, THE GROSS VEHICLE WEIGHT RATING (GVWR) AND GROSS AXLE WEIGHT RATING (GAWR) AS STATED ON THE CERTIFICATION LABEL ARE IN ERROR.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LABEL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 31, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-888-648-7820.
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, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
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 the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Check your exact Lancer Evolution by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliable?
NHTSA has 98 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The most complained-about area is power train (66% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 12,598 miles or less.
Does the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment:other:labels. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.