2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Lancer Evolution years?

Lancer Evolution NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Lancer Evolution years to avoid →

Does the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution — common questions

Is the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2004 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.

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

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2004 compare to other Lancer Evolution years?

Does the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have recalls?

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution — common questions

Is the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliable?

Does the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have recalls?

Which Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution years should you avoid?

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