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ProblemsByVin File / 2005-MITSUBISHI-LANCER-EVOLUTION
2005 · Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems

1 safety recall. 16 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.4 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 2 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
4 reports · avg $2,500
severe
steering
4 reports · avg $700
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2005 Lancer Evolution · body
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…
12/31/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10938875.0
2005 Lancer Evolution · powertrain
I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2005 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION, AND TWO MONTHS LATER @ 1847 MILES, THE CLUTCH WENT OUT. MITSUBISHI REFUSED TO WARRANTY REPAIR THE FAILURE, SO I STARTED INVESTIGATING THEIR CLUTCHES. IT TURNS OUT SIX LOCAL REPAIR SHOPS AS WELL AS 4 MITSUBISHI TECHNICIANS…
12/28/2005 · NHTSA ODI #10146262.0
2005 Lancer Evolution · powertrain
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…
11/28/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10928414.0
2005 Lancer Evolution · suspension
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…
11/25/2016 · NHTSA ODI #10927874.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 05V335000 27/07/2005

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE TURBO CHARGER COOLANT HOSE WAS INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED, AND MAY ALLOW COOLANT LEAKAGE

IF A LEAK OCCURS, DURING VEHICLE OPERATION WHEN THE MANIFOLD IS HOT, COOLANT MAY IGNITE AND CAUSE A VEHICLE FIRE.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TURBO CHARGER COOLANT HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 15, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 888-648-7820.

Common questions

Is the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.4 out of 10 based on 16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 4 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 16 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Mitsubishi. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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