CarRecallDB

2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recalls and problems

2 recalls and 98 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.

2
recalls
98
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
0
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recalls

Suspension: front, control arm, lower arm

NHTSA campaign 16V458000 · reported June 23, 2016 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. · 194,674 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
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.

Equipment: other, labels

NHTSA campaign 04V138000 · reported March 23, 2004 · MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 7,278 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Overloading can damage your vehicle, adversely affect vehicle performance, including handling and braking, cause tire failure, and result in a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the label. The recall began on may 31, 2004. Owners should contact mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jan 22, 2026 · Unknown or other · crash reported

My vehicle was clean title but then it was considered salvage title, it was involved in a car accident on 9/07/2023 . I never knew about the recall because I am not the first owner. how i found out about the recall was because I have to do brake and lamp inspection and it failed on 10/09/2024 so I took the vehicle to…

Apr 17, 2023 · Structure

Corrosion on cross member

Jul 29, 2020 · Structure · 80,000 miles

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 & LATERAL CONTROL BARS THAT CAN SURELY COMPROMISE THE CARS ABILITY TO DRIVE…

Jul 21, 2020 · Structure · 100,000 miles

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. ABSOLUTELY NO FRAME PROTECTION FOR THE STEEL BODY. THERE IS ALREADY A…

Apr 6, 2018 · Structure · 145,000 miles

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.

Lancer Evolution model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2003 29810
2004 1000
2005 21420
2006 22400

Across all years, the 2003 Lancer Evolution has the most complaints (98). All Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution years →

Questions

Does the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the most recent reported on June 23, 2016 (Suspension: front, control arm, lower arm). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
Owners have filed 98 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (65 complaints), followed by engine and engine cooling (10).
How many 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 98 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received January 22, 2026.