Mitsubishi / Lancer Evolution / 2003
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems
Owners have filed 116 complaints about the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 60.3% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of engine and engine cooling at 9.5%.
Complaints116
Crashes1
Fires0
Injuries0
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Power train 60.3% · 70
Engine and engine cooling 9.5% · 11
Electrical system 7.8% · 9
Structure 7.8% · 9
Exterior lighting 2.6% · 3
Visibility 2.6% · 3
Unknown or other 1.7% · 2
Fuel system, gasoline 1.7% · 2
Severity
Of those complaints, 1 describe a crash.
Reading the numbers
Filings are rising — 6 in the last three years against 3 in the three before. For a vehicle this age that usually points to a wear-related failure owners are hitting now.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 13,506 miles.
In owners' own words
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was purchased new 84 days ago with 1200 dealer test drive miles. Clutch failed at 4500 miles. I have called Mitsubishi and the dealership, both refuse to cover the clutch under warranty. This appears to be a common problem and Mitsubishi consistently blames the consumer. I have not mistreated the car. The dealer drove the car harder than I ever have while on the test drive. Power train
I've owned my 03 mitsu evolution viii for 1 year and I have put 16,700 miles on the car. The clutch is slipping and it's not covered under warranty. This is ridiculous since it will require 8 hours of labor and a better clutch just to get it where it should have been in the first place. I have done everything with in reason to baby this thing. I just don't understand why it wasn't covered under warranty. Power train · reported at 16,750 miles
While traveling 65 mph my transfer case on my 2003 Mitsubishi evolution unexplainable began to make a loud whining noise, although only having roughly 13,500 miles. As I pulled the car over I could here that there was a metallic clicking sound coming from the transfer case also. To correct this the transfer case will need to be completely replaced. Power train · reported at 13,506 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…