2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Suspension (3) · Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System (2) · Power Train:clutch Assembly (2)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (1)
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm 2016-06-23 · campaign 16V458000 · 194,674 vehicles
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 Co
Risk: A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Service bulletins (41)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual 2023-07-21 · DEALER LETTER · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this is a dealer letter sent to dealers informing that mitsubishi technical training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
Air Bags 2023-06-23 · SR-18-005REV · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this is a revised safety recall bulletin sent to dealers informing them of new takata inflator return procedures.
Air Bags 2023-06-23 · SR-17-004REV · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this is a revised safety recall bulletin sent to dealers informing them of new takata inflator return procedures.
Structure 2023-04-24 · TSB-23-00-004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this technical service bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual 2023-04-24 · TSB-23-00-001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this technical service bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more than 1.5 percent of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr) or 100 lbs.
Equipment:other:owners/Service/Other Manual 2023-04-21 · DEALER LETTER · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this is a dealer letter sent to dealers informing that mitsubishi technical training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
Showing the 6 most recent of 41 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2017-01-30 · Suspension“tl* the contact owns a 2005 mitsubishi lancer evolution. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 15v321000 (air bags) for the front passenger seat air bag inflator and 16v458000 (suspension) for the lower control arm. the parts to do the repair were unavailable. the contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amo…”
2016-12-31 · Structure:body · 95,000 mi“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/ structural failure…”
2016-11-28 · Unknown Or Other · 60,000 mi“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, not including labor, and that doesn't guarantee that …”
2016-11-25 · Suspension:front:control Arm · 187,000 mi“tl* the contact owns a 2005 mitsubishi lancer evolution. while driving various speeds, the vehicle became very unstable and pulled to the left. the vehicle also experienced severe oversteering when turning. it was discovered that the front lower control arm was faulty due to corrosion and rusting of the subframe. the dealer repaired the vehicle per…”
2016-11-22 · Suspension · 187,000 mi“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 refuses to perform the recall which addresses this…”
2012-05-10 · Visibility · 70,000 mi“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 with air bags not working caused by that, but tha…”
2008-06-19 · Engine And Engine Cooling“my car was purchased on 11/23/05. one week after purchase, service manager informed me that my oil was really low and added a quart of oil. he advised me to check the oil level regularly. i noticed that i had to add a quart of oil every 1,000 miles or so. i voiced my concern to the service manager when i had my first oil change and was told that "a…”
2007-01-12 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor“turned warped brake rotor. problem came back, unsafe to drive due to poor handling when braking. *jb…”
2006-02-02 · Suspension · 1 mi“front bearings are loose causing erratic steering, premature tire wear and premature brake wear. *jb…”
2006-02-01 · Unknown Or Other“consumer complaint regarding the need for mud flaps on 2005 mitsubishi evolution viii lancer. *ts the consumer stated without the mud flaps, the tires stick out 1.5 inches past wheel wells. the consumer stated when a right turn was made, or a speed bump was hit, a strange noise would emit from the vehicle and then a pop sound could be heard. t…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.