VehicleVerdict

2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 22 complaints on file for the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

22

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Lancer Evolution years?

Lancer Evolution NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 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, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Lancer Evolution years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering418%
Suspension418%
Transmission314%
Airbags29%
Other29%
Body & Structure29%
Visibility & Wipers15%
Electrical System15%
Tires & Wheels15%
Brakes15%
Engine15%

Does the 2005 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.

05V335000EngineJuly 27, 2005 · 1,179 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE TURBO CHARGER COOLANT HOSE WAS INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED, AND MAY ALLOW COOLANT LEAKAGE.

Consequence

IF A LEAK OCCURS, DURING VEHICLE OPERATION WHEN THE MANIFOLD IS HOT, COOLANT MAY IGNITE AND CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TURBO CHARGER COOLANT HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 888-648-7820.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“LOWER CONTROL ARM LOOSE / DISCONNECTED FROM SUBFRAME, CAUSING STABILITY AND CONTROL PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE RESULTING IN UNSAFE OPERATION AT ANY SPEED AND AT ANY TIME WHICH THE VEHICLE IA BEING OPERATED.THE SOCKET ON THE SUBFRAME HAS DEEP RUST AND AN IRREGULAR HOLE VISIBLE. BOB PENKHUS MITSUBISHI…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · October 15, 2016

“PRIOR TO THE AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT ON DECEMBER 27, 2005 THERE WAS NO PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE. WAS PURCHASED IN JULY OF 2005 (DEMO CAR-USED). THE ACCIDENT HAPPEN AS FOLLOWS, IT WAS COLD THAT NIGHT I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN GOING WEST INTO THE MIDDLE LANE. UNFORTUNATELY MY CAR DID NOT GO STRAIGHT BUT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · December 27, 2005 · crash

“WHILE DRIVING I HAD ALL 3 ACD LIGHTS COME ON. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATING AND A TRIP TO THE DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD MY ACD PUMP WAS BAD AND I WOULD NEED A NEW ONE. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THESE CARS THAT STILL HASN'T BEEN FIXED WITH THE NEWER MODELS. I WAS QUOTED 2400 DOLLARS JUST FOR THE PUMP,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 21, 2015

“THE SRS AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON, THE WIPERS WON'T STOP RUNNING. THE HORN STARTS ON ITSELF. ALL IS RELATED TO WATER ENTERING IN THE INNER FENDER, SHORTING ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS. THIS HAPPENS WHEN IT'S RAINY OUTSIDE. THIS HAPPENS TO EVERY EVOLUTION OWNER THAT I KNOW. I DON'T KNOW IF THERE IS A RISK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · March 15, 2011

“FOUND EXCESSIVE RUST CAUSING STRUCTURAL DAMAGE TO REAR UNI BODY FRAME SIDE MEMBERS. APPEARS TO HAVE RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE OUT, SIMILAR TO THEIR CURRENT FRONT SUB FRAME RUST RECALL. AT THIS TIME NO ACCIDENTS/ DAMAGE CAUSED BUT LIKELY WILL RESULT IN UNI BODY WEAKENING AND POSSIBLE SUSPENSION/…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · December 30, 2016

2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution — common questions

Is the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliable?

The record is thin — 22 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2005 Lancer Evolution problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (4 complaints), steering (4 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).

Does the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 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.