repaired · 2018 Q2
Control arm: lower arm
Risk. A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer EvolutionProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 98 owner complaints about the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, most often about the power train. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-458 the manufacturer reports only 17% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 22, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has problems
98 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
65Power train
10Engine and engine cooling
9Electrical system
8Structure
3Exterior lighting
3Visibility
2Fuel system, gasoline
1Service brakes, hydraulic
1Steering
55 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 65 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 10 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 9 | 0 |
| Structure | 8 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 2 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
| 5 other systems | 5 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
no report yet
Other: labels
Risk. OVERLOADING CAN DAMAGE YOUR VEHICLE, ADVERSELY AFFECT VEHICLE PERFORMANCE, INCLUDING HANDLING AND BRAKING, CAUSE TIRE FAILURE, AND RESULT IN A CRASH.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mitsubishi.
Mileage at failure
When do power train problems start?
8kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 50 power train complaints. 100% were reported before 100,000 miles.
44under 30k miles50under 100k miles0100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2003 vs. every other Lancer Evolution year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Lancer Evolution median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What Lancer Evolution owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
2003 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION. LOUD GRINDING NOISES COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION WITHIN A FEW THOUSAND MILES. CARS UNDER 8 THOUSAND MILES HAVING TO REPLACE CLUTCHES AND TRANSMISSIONS. GEARS POPPING INTO NEUTRAL. DEALERSHIP ACCEPTED WARRANTY AND IS CURRENTLY WORKING ON THE CAR. CAR WAS RETURNED A…
THE 5TH GEAR SYNCRO HAS FAILED ON THE CAR AT 60,000 MILES. THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT TO MITSUBISHI AND THEY HAVE DEVELOPED NEW, STRONGER PARTS AS PART OF A TSB. HOWEVER, MITSUBISHI IS REFUSING TO REPAIR THE DEFECT CITING "ABUSE". *TR
I BOUGHT MY 2003 MITSUBISHI EVO SHORTLY AFTER RETURNING FROM A TOUR IN IRAQ IN 2006, AFTER A SHORT TIME OF DRIVING THE CAR I NOTICED A GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE CAR WHEN I LET THE CLUTCH OUT IN 1ST GEAR, AND NOW REVERSE AS WELL. I BOUGHT THE CAR UNDER ORIGINAL FACTORY WARRANTY AND WENT AS FAR…
Own a 2003 Lancer Evolution?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.