2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mitsubishi › Lancer Evolution › 2003
These records cover every 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
2 recalls name the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Overloading can damage your vehicle, adversely affect vehicle performance, including handling and braking, cause tire failure, and result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the label. the recall began on may 31, 2004. owners should contact mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.
Owner complaints
98 complaints1 involved a crash
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
My vehicle was clean title but then it was considered salvage title, it was involved in a car accident on 9/07/2023 . I never knew about the recall because I am not the first owner. how i found out about the recall was because I have to do brake and lamp inspection and it failed on 10/09/2024 so I…
My vehicle was clean title but then it was considered salvage title, it was involved in a car accident on 9/07/2023 . I never knew about the recall because I am not the first owner. how i found out about the recall was because I have to do brake and lamp inspection and it failed on 10/09/2024 so I took the vehicle to Hayward Mitsubishi on 10/15/2024 to get the recall fix and since then they have not contacted me in any way to give me an update I have called them several times and they told me that they have not received the label so I then decided to try a different dealership that's call Concord Kia Mitsubishi Service and Parts they tried to help me out but also mentioned to me that the recall has no part number so there is no way to order it. I have been waiting for this recall to get resolve for two years.
- Structure › Body
Corrosion on cross member
- Fuel/propulsion system · Structure › Body · Suspension
Upon inspection of the undercarriage in the rear, areas of severe corrosion has developed underneath the rear on the aluminum subframe bar that holds the rear differential and other suspension components in place such as the rear differential & lateral control bars that can surely compromise the…
Upon inspection of the undercarriage in the rear, areas of severe corrosion has developed underneath the rear on the aluminum subframe bar that holds the rear differential and other suspension components in place such as the rear differential & lateral control bars that can surely compromise the cars ability to drive if unnoticed. Additionally the fuel lines along the gas tank, as well surrounding surfaces on the driver side rear, have developed noticeable corrosion as well that IS also proving to be a large area of concern. I am certainly concerned for my safety when operating this and the vehicles road worthiness because of these areas. This vehicle IS by no means heavily modified at all, the vehicle IS never operated beyond its limitations/aggressively as it's always been great for me as IS, and it resembles exactly the way it did when it left the factory. Sourcing original and dot approved replacement parts has become very difficult and it leaves me at a standstill. Please if there isn't some kind of road worthy directive in regards to this I believe there should be because it can certainly compromise safety for driver in command as well as other drivers on the roads. To whom it may concern and whomever reading this, I hope my information came off clear and IS considered. I greatly appreciate you taking the time observe this and making a prominent decision. I can provide additional photos and videos upon request as well. Thank you for your time.
- Structure › Body
Severe rear frame rail unibody rust. Specifically where the rear aluminum subframe mounts to the body. My vehicle, along with thousands other, have shared similar rust and rot from the exact same locations on 2003-2006 mitsubishi lancer evolutions. Absolutely no frame protection for the steel body.…
Severe rear frame rail unibody rust. Specifically where the rear aluminum subframe mounts to the body. My vehicle, along with thousands other, have shared similar rust and rot from the exact same locations on 2003-2006 mitsubishi lancer evolutions. Absolutely no frame protection for the steel body. There IS already a recall on the front subframe for rust that can allow the front lower control arm to fall out. The same could happen to the rear of these vehicles where the entire rear end/drivetrain and suspension could fail and fall out, potentially causing a severe safety issue. any part of the us where high humidity/rainfall or where road salts/solutions are used accelerate the corrosion process. Being a unibody vehicle this IS a serious problem and design flaw. It happens over time and doesn't discriminate to conditions. happens on both driver and passenger sides of the rear frame legs where the subframe mounts.
- Structure › Body
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.
- Steering › Column
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.
- Electrical system
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
- Engine and engine cooling
Random p0300 error plus vibration at 2800 to 3500 rpm. contacted mitsubishi and it IS a known issue with a tsb for all evo viii vehicles due to a faulty input shaft. however, mitsubishi does not cover this under warranty for 03 models as it would be out of warranty long before this issue shows…
Random p0300 error plus vibration at 2800 to 3500 rpm. contacted mitsubishi and it IS a known issue with a tsb for all evo viii vehicles due to a faulty input shaft. however, mitsubishi does not cover this under warranty for 03 models as it would be out of warranty long before this issue shows up. problem occurs sporadically and causes sudden loss of vehicle power. in an oncoming passing situation, this power loss could seriously degrade vehicle safety. fix IS either to remove the check for the knock sensor or replace the input shaft at a cost of about 4000 dollars to replace a known manufacturing defect. manufacture chose not to issue recall even though there are many complaints such as this on this databoard. manufacture does not inform customer voluntarily when a problem IS noted on the car and submit recommendation for fix. *tr
- Electrical system · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
The heater control knob (hot/cold adjust) was difficult to turn. this was noted to the dealership after I bought the car. in addition, the magazine, motortrend, identified this issue in its review of evo vs STI. the dealer said that the part was known to sometimes stick but would be fine. about…
The heater control knob (hot/cold adjust) was difficult to turn. this was noted to the dealership after I bought the car. in addition, the magazine, motortrend, identified this issue in its review of evo vs STI. the dealer said that the part was known to sometimes stick but would be fine. about 3 months ago, 12/4/11, the knob completely broke off. the issue was covered by a tsb, however, the dealer did not state that the issue was known to have a fix. this IS a common cause failure for all 03 lancers and outbacks. the manufacture has chosen not to issue a recall, but IS currently waiting until the part completely fails and hopes it happens after warranty expires so it will be covered by the customer. this issue causes 2 problems. one, if it IS selected to cold, you cannot defrost the window unless you reach under the dashboard to adjust temperature, or, us a pair of pliers to adjust the dial, and thus creating a significant driving hazard. two, for those individuals that the knob has not broken off, it creates a hazard by focusing the drivers attention more on climate control and not on the road. the tsb that was issued does fix the problem but so far, mitsubishi will not issue a recall on their defective part nor inform their customers if a fix for a previously identified issue becomes available. *Tr
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Fuel system, gasoline
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…
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
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
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…
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
- Electrical system
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.
- Power train
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
- Exterior lighting · Interior lighting
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
- Power train › Manual transmission
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
- Electrical system · Structure › Frame and members
I had just arrived from work and pulled-in my driveway, I was idling my car before shutting off the engine. I then switched off my headlights, but the headlights stayed on. I then proceeded to turn the headlight switch on, then off; after several attempts the headlights finally switched off, but…
I had just arrived from work and pulled-in my driveway, I was idling my car before shutting off the engine. I then switched off my headlights, but the headlights stayed on. I then proceeded to turn the headlight switch on, then off; after several attempts the headlights finally switched off, but then, the headlights, parklights, markers and even the license plate lights would flicker until the ignition was switched off and pulled out the key, but just before this incident I used my wipers to clear my windshield of rain/mist with a one wipe/manual sweep and the wipers just seemed that it didn't want to stop wiping until the ignition was switched off and the key pulled out. This IS the first incident and it was raining or had just rained. The dealership then replaced both light and wiper switches after determining that there was a short. This seemed to address and correct the problems. Then on april 28, 2008 I had just arrived at work and was idling my car before switching the ignition off, as I switched off the lights the horn started going off continuously. If the lights were left in the on or park position, the horn would stop, but when the light switch was turned off, it didn't stop going off even when the ignition was off and the key pulled out. It only stopped after the fuse was pulled out. Again, the weather was raining or had just rained. I then dropped off my car at the dealership and they determined that water intrusion through the driver's front kick panel to junction block, instrument harness, floor harness and chassis harness. Corrosion on pins and connectors causing failures and shorts to all systems. They had an outside vendor seal around wiring harness behind inner fender well. at this point none of the wirings nor harness were replaced. I was informed that this would all be customer pay and not covered under warranty as I have exceeded the 3/36 warranty period. Wipers horn and remote un/lock don't work. *tr
- Electrical system › Wiring
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi lancer evolution. at 65,000 miles, the vehicle would not turn off when the key was released from the ignition. the only way to turn off the vehicle was by removing a fuse. the windshield wipers would activate by themselves. the contact took the vehicle to…
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi lancer evolution. at 65,000 miles, the vehicle would not turn off when the key was released from the ignition. the only way to turn off the vehicle was by removing a fuse. the windshield wipers would activate by themselves. the contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the failure was due to a corroded wiring harness. the failure was corrected temporarily, but then the windshield wipers, high beams, fog lights, headlights, and parking lights failed. he took the vehicle back to the dealer and was informed that five wiring harnesses needed to be replaced. the vehicle IS not currently repaired due to the cost of the repair. the current mileage was 65,000 and failure mileage was 75,000.
- Equipment › Recreational vehicle/trailer · Power train › Clutch assembly
I bought my 2003 mitsubishi evo shortly after returning from a tour in iraq in 2006, after a short time of driving the car I noticed a grinding sound coming from the car when I let the clutch out in 1ST gear, and now reverse as well. I bought the car under original factory warranty and went as far…
I bought my 2003 mitsubishi evo shortly after returning from a tour in iraq in 2006, after a short time of driving the car I noticed a grinding sound coming from the car when I let the clutch out in 1ST gear, and now reverse as well. I bought the car under original factory warranty and went as far as to purchase the platnum extended warranty. After replacing thousands of dollars in parts on my car it has come down to the clutch, which IS a wear item and not covered. The more disturbing portion of this IS that I was told on my second visit to the dealership for this problem that the car was sold to me with an aftermarket clutch, and that should have voided the original factory warranty in the first place, to include my extended warranty as well. Now I am stuck with this problem and have to look for legal assistance. *tr
- Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
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…
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
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system › Fan/motor
I have replaced part #138110 blower motor 3 times in the last 7 months. apparently there IS water/condensation that builds up and shuts down the motor. today, the motor stopped again. I am now having to take it to be repaired for the 4TH time and I am sure not the last time. the front and rear…
I have replaced part #138110 blower motor 3 times in the last 7 months. apparently there IS water/condensation that builds up and shuts down the motor. today, the motor stopped again. I am now having to take it to be repaired for the 4TH time and I am sure not the last time. the front and rear passenger floor areas are soaking wet. I put a new towel on floor areas every day and they are dripping wet by the end of the day. We have not been able to figure out what the exact problem IS. it IS dangerous not to have a fan for defrost/defog issues. I went all winter last winter without any heat/defrost. I am so tired of replacing this part. The repairs are really taking a toll on my finances too. it IS very inconvenient to have to keep taking the car in to be repaired. *Jb
- Electrical system › Ignition
My vehicle had repeatedly shown a check engine light for a misfire code. every time I get the check engine light,the car vibrates and loses at least 45% power. I feel that the car IS very unsafe to drive. I have brought the car for diagnosis 7 plus times. hell, they even rebuilt the engine in an attempt to fix the problem! that obviously did not cure the problem. now I am out of warranty.*ak
- Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
I am currently on the 5TH transfer case for my 03 mitsubishi lancer evolution 8. I had 2 go out under warranty, another rebuilt and now I am on my last one. the first went at ~33K, replaced and broken within a month regular highway driving. *jb
- Power train › Manual transmission
TL*- the contact stated that while parked and attempting to drive the 2003 mitsubishi lancer evolution he turned on the ignition while in neutral and the vehicle lunged forward and failed. the contact stated that the manufacturer stated everyone with the same vehicle had the same problem.
- Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
While traveling 65 mph my transfer case on my 2003 mitsubishi evolution unexplainable began to make a loud whining noise, although only having roughly 13,500 miles. as I pulled the car over I could here that there was a metallic clicking sound coming from the transfer case also. to correct this the transfer case will need to be completely replaced. *nm
- Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
After only 8057 miles on my 2003 mitsubishi lancer evolution, my transfer case started to whine quite badly. after reading some tech articles, I found that this IS not an uncommon failure. I also know that mitsubishi has had transfer case recalls in the past due to their poor rear seal design.…
After only 8057 miles on my 2003 mitsubishi lancer evolution, my transfer case started to whine quite badly. after reading some tech articles, I found that this IS not an uncommon failure. I also know that mitsubishi has had transfer case recalls in the past due to their poor rear seal design. The recalls were based off of lawsuits and deaths to individuals driving their vehicle at highway speeds when all four wheels have locked on them causing catastrophic loss of vehicle control. based on mitsubishi's track record, and their knowledge of life threatening conditions under transfer case failure, it IS a negligent act for them to overlook this problem. a recall IS necessary for public safety! *Jb
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10240443This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10235609This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
- 10235608This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more than 1.5 percent of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or 100 lbs.
- 10235606This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10211530This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a defective/broken part.
- 10181903This TSB provides the addition of Hood Air Outlet Maintenance Procedure due to a change in suppliers.
- 10170852This Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals.
- 10170100This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170099This is an index of Tech Talk newsletter articles released in 2012.
- 10170097This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170096This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170087This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170086This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170074This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170071This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170070This TSB contains troubleshooting steps for diagnosis of various customer complaints relating to the audio system speakers in Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with original equipment audio components.
- 10169006This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10163703This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced Label.
- 10130469This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10130468This is a message sent to dealers, to inform them that an update for MEDIC will be available.
- 10030330Mitsubishi: ABS hydraulic unit bracket torque spec. Changed; service manual revision. To provide corrected tightening torque specifications for the ABS hydraulic unit mounting bracket fasteners.
- 10026795Mitsubishi: a tie rod free play check has been added to the applicable service manuals.
- 10021349Cooling fan controller.
- 10019922Random misfire (dtc p0300, p0301, p0c02, p0303, or p0304).
- 10018798Cylinder head valve guide and valve stem specifications - service manual revision. 2003 - 2006 lancer evolution.
- 10018365Cleaning brembo brake calipers. Mitsubishi tech talk.
- 10018359Ordering fmvss labels for safety recall bulletin sr-04-005. Mitsubishi tech talk.
- 10016133Alternator fr terminal voltage - service manual revision.
- 10015821Cylinder head height specification - service manual revision.
- 10015719Recaro seatback bolster cover breakage. Mitsubishi tech talk.
- 10015710Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0300 resetting after reprogramming. Mitsubishi tech talk. 2004 lancer evolution included.
- 10015631Recaro seatback bolster cover (part number correction). Mitsubishi tech talk.
- 10015626Rough idle/misfire. Mitsubishi tech talk.
- 10015337Battery load test rate chart - service manual revision.
- 10015217Brake bleeding procedures.
- 10014363Rear door jamb protectors.
- 10014353Dtc p0300 code.
- 10006466Heater temperature dial hard to turn.
Every Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.