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2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 98 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, most often about the transmission (66% of complaints, typically around 8,000 miles). It is the most complained-about Lancer Evolution model year since 2000 and has 2 recalls.
Most common 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems
Transmission
65 complaints · 66%Half of these problems showed up before 8,000 miles. Parts named most often: clutch assembly, manual transmission, transfer case (4-wheel drive), driveline.
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…
I have had problems with the clutch on this vehicle. I have only 7,000 miles on the vehicle. 5th gear synchros went bad. This is not acceptable. The dealership specifically advised they have had numerous complaints about this, and it should be recognized.
Engine
10 complaints · 10%Half of these problems showed up before 15,000 miles. Parts named most often: engine.
Motor has blown twice 5 days after intial buy of vehicle then again 6000 miles later, manufacter says customer neglect, has not yet been repaired.
P0300 multi-cylinder random misfire. After many attempts made my Mitsubishi, this problem has never been fixed. On average, this happens 3-4 times daily, everyday and hinders driveability. Mitsubishi has issued parts to be warranted and has denied all responsibility. Mitsubishi has quoted that the ses (check engine…
Electrical
9 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 57,000 miles. Parts named most often: ignition, wiring.
Tl 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…
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.
Body and structure
8 complaints · 8%Half of these problems showed up before 80,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
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…
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…
Lights
3 complaints · 3%Parts named most often: headlights.
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…
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…
Fuel system
3 complaints · 3%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…
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…
Visibility and wipers
3 complaints · 3%Parts named most often: 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 defrost is now useless…
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…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recalls
Suspension: lower arm
Risk: A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Equipment: labels
Risk: Overloading can damage your vehicle, adversely affect vehicle performance, including handling and braking, cause tire failure, and result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the label. The recall began on may 31, 2004. Owners should contact mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: transmission (65 complaints, typically around 8,000 miles); engine (10 complaints, typically around 15,000 miles); electrical (9 complaints, typically around 57,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have?
- 2 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from June 23, 2016 (suspension). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2003 a bad year for the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
- It is the most complained-about Lancer Evolution model year since 2000, with 98 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.