2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 14 owner complaints on record; most reports concern steering.
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 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Found excessive rust causing structural damage to rear uni body frame side members. Appears to have rusted from the inside out, similar to their current front sub frame rust recall. At this time no accidents/ damage caused but likely will result in uni body weakening and possible suspension/ structural failure”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mitsubishi lancer evolution. While driving various speeds, the vehicle became very unstable and pulled to the left. The vehicle also experienced severe oversteering when turning. It was discovered that the front lower control arm was faulty due to corrosion and rusting of the subframe. The dealer repaired the vehicle per NHTSA campaign number: 16v458000 (suspension) in which an anti-corrosion agent was applied, but the failures continued. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 187,000.”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2016
“Lower control arm loose / disconnected from subframe, causing stability and control problems with the vehicle resulting in unsafe operation at any speed and at any time which the vehicle ia being operated.the socket on the subframe has deep rust and an irregular hole visible. Bob penkhus mitsubishi refuses to perform the recall which addresses this issue of corrosion of the subframe, specifically where the lower control arm attaches to the vehicle.”Owner report · Steering · Oct 2016
Show 5 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2005 mitsubishi lancer evolution. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 15v321000 (air bags) for the front passenger seat air bag inflator and 16v458000 (suspension) for the lower control arm. The parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Air Bags · May 2016
“While driving I had all 3 acd lights come on. Upon further investigating and a trip to the dealership I was told my acd pump was bad and I would need a new one. This is a common problem in these cars that still hasn't been fixed with the newer models. I was quoted 2400 dollars just for the pump, not including labor, and that doesn't guarantee that it won't happen again. *tr”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2015
“The srs airbag light came on, the wipers won't stop running. The horn starts on itself. All is related to water entering in the inner fender, shorting electrical connections. This happens when it's rainy outside. This happens to every evolution owner that I know. I don't know if there is a risk with air bags not working caused by that, but that highly concerns me. If there is an accident, I would want to be sure that the airbags will deploy... Thanks for your assistance. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2011
“Consumer complaint regarding the need for mud flaps on 2005 mitsubishi evolution viii lancer. *ts the consumer stated without the mud flaps, the tires stick out 1.5 inches past wheel wells. The consumer stated when a right turn was made, or a speed bump was hit, a strange noise would emit from the vehicle and then a pop sound could be heard. The dealer told the consumer gravel was stuck into he calipers, shock towers, brakes and springs and it would work itself out. The dealer recommended the consumer take the vehicle to a car wash, but the problem continued after the vehicle was washed. The tires were replaced because they were so badly worn. *jb”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2006
“I own a 2005 mitsubishi evolution lancer that has 9,661 miles on it and the clutch is already needing to be replaced. Mitsubishi acknowledges that there have been numerous complaints regarding this problem that dates back to the 2003 lancer, but yet they still refuse to confront the issue and take care of it. *nm”Owner report · Power Train · Sep 2005
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE TURBO CHARGER COOLANT HOSE WAS INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED, AND MAY ALLOW COOLANT LEAKAGE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TURBO CHARGER COOLANT HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 888-648-7820.
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.
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Is the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliable?
NHTSA has 14 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The most complained-about area is steering.
Does the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning suspension:front:control arm:lower arm. 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.