2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: 2 recalls, 98 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Equipment Vehicle recall #04V138000 · 2004 · 7,278 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
Suspension Vehicle recall #16V458000 · 2016 · 194,674 vehicles
What's wrong: 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,…
Why it matters: 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (65): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (21), noise or vibration (11), stalls / loses power (4).
- Engine & cooling (10): the most common themes are warning light on (2), noise or vibration (2).
- Electrical (9): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (4), electrical failure (4), warning light on (2).
- Body & structure (8): the most common themes are rust / corrosion (7), door / lock issues (4).
The 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has 98 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 13 Lancer Evolution model years for complaints (5.6× the average Lancer Evolution year). Complaints peaked in 2004 (55 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 12,097 miles. Neighboring years: 2004 (0 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 19 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems?
Owners have filed 98 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (65), engine & cooling (10), electrical (9).
What gas mileage does the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution get?
EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.