This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution steering problems
severe 4 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
4
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
2crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 4 steering complaints filed for the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗MITSUBISHI: A TIE ROD FREE PLAY CHECK HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE SERVICE MANUALS.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
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 issue of corrosion of the subframe, specifically…
Front bearings are loose causing erratic steering, premature tire wear and premature brake wear. *jb
Prior to the automobile accident on december 27, 2005 there was no problems with the vehicle. Was purchased in july of 2005 (demo car-used). The accident happen as follows, it was cold that night I was making a right turn going west into the middle lane. Unfortunately my car did not go straight but continue to turn. I crossed over far right lane, then the side walk into an utility poll. Could not…
Prior to the automobile accident on december 27,2005 there was no problems with the vehicle to my knowledge. It was purchased in july 2005 , demo-used car. The accident happened as follows: it was very cold that evening, I was making a right turn going west into the middle lane, unfortunately my car did not go straight, but continue to turn. I crossed over to the far right lane, then the side…
Had steering trouble with your 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
It's a meaningful issue. 4 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 4 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 187,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Mitsubishi/Lancer Evolution.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.