2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 98 |
| 2004 | 0 |
| 2005 | 14 |
| 2006 | 24 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 36 |
| 2009 | 2 |
| 2010 | 28 |
| 2011 | 11 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
71% of complaints: power train — 70 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing clutch assembly and manual transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
THE CLUTCH WORE OUT PREMATURELY WHILE DRIVING BETWEEN 45-55 MPH. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP, WHO INDICATED THAT THE CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS WAS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040407
11% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 11 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and turbo/supercharger.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120401
9% of complaints: electrical system — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and ignition.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120401
Also filed under VISIBILITY
9% of complaints: structure — 9 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and frame and members.
Show complaint excerpts
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 &...
NHTSA ODI report, 20200729
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20200721
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180406
3% of complaints: visibility — 3 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing defroster/defogger/hvac system and fan/motor.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
Campaign 04V138000 — check if this car was fixed
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members.
Campaign 16V458000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (70 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (11 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 04V138000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V458000 (suspension) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 71% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.