AI Damage2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: common problems
Owners of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution filed 98 complaints with NHTSA, most often about powertrain and engine and cooling. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 98
- involving a crash
- 1
What fails most often
- 1 Powertrain 66% of all complaints
- 2 Engine and cooling 10% of all complaints
- 3 Electrical system 9% of all complaints
- 4 Structure 8% of all complaints
- 5 Exterior lighting 3% of all complaints
- 6 Visibility 3% of all complaints
- 7 Fuel system 2% of all complaints
- 8 Equipment 1% of all complaints
- Powertrain: 65 complaints (66% of all).
- Engine and cooling: 10 complaints (10% of all).
- Electrical system: 9 complaints (9% of all).
- Structure: 8 complaints (8% of all).
- Exterior lighting: 3 complaints (3% of all).
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 98 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powertrain | 65 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel system | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 3 | 1 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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…
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.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi lancer evolution. While driving approximately 30 mph, the steering column detached without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer stated that the warranty expired and did not offer any assistance.
The heater control knob (hot/cold adjust) was difficult to turn. This was noted to the dealership after I bought the car. In addition, the magazine, motortrend, identified this issue in its review of evo vs sti. The dealer said that the part was known to sometimes stick but would be fine.
Random p0300 error plus vibration at 2800 to 3500 rpm. Contacted mitsubishi and it is a known issue with a tsb for all evo viii vehicles due to a faulty input shaft. However, mitsubishi does not cover this under warranty for 03 models as it would be out of warranty long before this issue shows up.
After replacing the fuel pump, checking all the fuses and relays, still the same problem. The wire harness fuse block that sits inside the drivers foot well has been corroded by water from a leak in the fire wall.
My car is now stuck with the ac on cold, this isn't so much of a problem in the summer but it is getting rather cold now and I would really like some heat. I have also noticed that the defrost is now useless unless it needs to be on cold which is pretty ineffective in the winter time.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 3,615 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 10% most complained about).
On average one model year of the Lancer Evolution has 21 complaints (11 years in the data). This year has 98, above average.
What to check before buying
- Powertrain. Shift quality under load, harsh shifts, transmission codes, CV joints.
- Engine and cooling. Radiator and fan after a frontal hit, coolant level and condition, overheating.
- Electrical system. Scan all modules, test the battery and alternator, inspect connectors near the impact zone.
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: powertrain, engine and cooling, electrical system. Total complaints: 98. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: knocking, grinding or other noise (13%), transmission slipping (13%), rust, corrosion (9%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2003 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.