2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems

Filed Jan 22, 2026 · CA · crash

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.

Filed Apr 17, 2023 · Body · WA

Corrosion on cross member

Filed Jul 29, 2020 · Body, Fuel system · 80,000 miles · FL

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.

Filed Jul 21, 2020 · Body · 100,000 miles · PA

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.

Filed Apr 6, 2018 · Body · 145,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Nov 8, 2016 · Steering · 80,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Mar 8, 2015 · Electrical · 115,000 miles · PA

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.

Filed Apr 1, 2012 · Engine · 60,000 miles · AL

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.

Filed Apr 1, 2012 · Electrical, Visibility · 2,000 miles · AL

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.

Filed Feb 6, 2012 · Electrical, Fuel system · 133,000 miles · CO

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.