VehicleVerdict

2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 116 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 8.9 times the median Lancer Evolution year — the 2003 model ranks #1 of 13 Lancer Evolution years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: transmission issues account for 60% of all reports (70 of 116), far ahead of engine at 11.

116

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2003 compare to other Lancer Evolution years?

Lancer Evolution NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted116 complaints2003: 116 complaints2004: 0 complaints2005: 22 complaints2006: 29 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 57 complaints2009: 2 complaints2010: 43 complaints2011: 19 complaints2012: 4 complaints2013: 4 complaints2014: 13 complaints2015: 5 complaints
Lancer Evolution NHTSA complaints by model year, 2003 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Lancer Evolution years to avoid →

What are the most common 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission7060%
Engine119%
Body & Structure98%
Electrical System98%
Lighting43%
Other33%
Fuel System33%
Visibility & Wipers33%
Speed Control11%
Brakes11%
Steering11%
Suspension11%

Does the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V458000SuspensionJune 23, 2016 · 194,674 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

04V138000OtherMarch 23, 2004 · 7,278 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW WITH 26 MILES. 6 MONTHS LATER AND 17000 MILES THE CLUTCH SLIPPING AND NOT INGAUGING. IT WAS SO BAD THAT THE CAR WOULD NOT EVEN MOVE. THE RPM WOULD JUST RAISE, EVEN ALL THE WAY UP TO 6500 IN FIRST GEAR WITH THE CAR NOT RESPONDING. THE MITSUBISHI DEALER SHIP HERE IN…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 1, 2003

“I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR REGULAR SERVICE. I LET THEM KNOW IT WAS MAKING AN ODD RATTLE TYPE NOISE. I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOTHING TO BE CONCERNED WITH. A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER THE ENGINE FAILED. IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR TWO WEEKS. THE CAR HAD LESS THAN 5000 MILES ON IT AT THE TIME. THEY REBUILT THE ENGINE. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 7, 2004

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 10, 2017

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 1, 2003

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · December 12, 2006

2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution — common questions

Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 116 complaints put the 2003 model at #1 of 13 Lancer Evolution years. It is one of the Lancer Evolution years to avoid.

What are the most common 2003 Lancer Evolution problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (70 complaints), engine (11 complaints), electrical system (9 complaints).

Does the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Lancer Evolution years to avoid are 2003, 2008, 2010. The cleanest record among Lancer Evolution years belongs to 2007.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.