MYRModel Year Report

2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

○ Not enough data
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
RENDERED 2026-10-31T14:07:32.772Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
98
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2003

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Power train

71% of complaints

Complaints per year

2003: 98 complaints 2003 98 2004: 0 complaints 2005: 14 complaints 2005 2006: 24 complaints 2007: 0 complaints 2007 2008: 36 complaints 2009: 2 complaints 2009 2010: 28 complaints 2011: 11 complaints 2011 2012: 3 complaints 2013: 4 complaints 2013 2014: 6 complaints 2015: 3 complaints 2015
2003: 98 complaints 2003 98 2004: 0 complaints 2004 2005: 14 complaints 2005 2006: 24 complaints 2006 2007: 0 complaints 2007 2008: 36 complaints 2008 2009: 2 complaints 2009 2010: 28 complaints 2010 2011: 11 complaints 2011 2012: 3 complaints 2012 2013: 4 complaints 2013 2014: 6 complaints 2014 2015: 3 complaints 2015
2003: 98 complaints 2003 98 2004: 0 complaints 2004 2005: 14 complaints 2005 2006: 24 complaints 2006 2007: 0 complaints 2007 2008: 36 complaints 2008 2009: 2 complaints 2009 2010: 28 complaints 2010 2011: 11 complaints 2011 2012: 3 complaints 2012 2013: 4 complaints 2013 2014: 6 complaints 2014 2015: 3 complaints 2015

2003: 98 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
200398
20040
200514
200624
20070
200836
20092
201028
201111
20123
20134
20146
20153

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

71% · 70 reports

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-04-07

Engine and engine cooling

11% · 11 reports

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, 2012-04-01

Electrical system

9% · 9 reports

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, 2012-04-01

Also filed under Visibility

Structure

9% · 9 reports

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, 2020-07-29

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, 2020-07-21

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, 2018-04-06

Visibility

3% · 3 reports

Most commonly citing defroster/defogger/hvac system and fan/motor.

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2004-05-31Equipment04V138000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2016-09-14Suspension16V458000 Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

    Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 70 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 11 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 9 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 04V138000 · Equipment
  • Recall 16V458000 · Suspension
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.