2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has a Complaint Index of 80, the third-worst of 11 model years covered, earning an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 14 complaints, 2 recalls, and 2 crashes, with suspension and steering problems dominating owner reports.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 80/100
- #3 of 11 Lancer Evolution years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 14
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 17 city / 23.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (36%)
- Steering4 (29%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (21%)
- Airbags2 (14%)
- Other2 (14%)
- Structure & Body2 (14%)
- Brakes1 (7%)
- Electrical System1 (7%)
- Engine1 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers1 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Front lower control arms corrode and disconnect from the subframe, causing loss of stability and pulling to one side at various speeds.
- Clutches reportedly fail very early, in some cases within a couple thousand miles of purchase, despite factory-new condition.
- Front wheel bearings work loose, leading to erratic steering, uneven tire wear, and premature brake wear.
- Water intrusion into the inner fender shorts electrical connections, triggering the airbag warning light, wipers running on their own, and the horn sounding by itself in wet weather.
- Brake rotors warp repeatedly, producing poor handling and reduced control when braking.
- Steering became unpredictable during a turn, contributing to a reported crash.
2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 16V458000Jun 23, 2016Suspension, Wheels & Tires194,674 vehicles
Suspension:front:control arm:lower arm
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, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
Risk: A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.
- NHTSA 05V335000Jul 27, 2005Engine1,179 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:cooling system:hoses/lines/piping/fittings
On certain passenger vehicles, the turbo charger coolant hose was incorrectly manufactured, and may allow coolant leakage.
Risk: If a leak occurs, during vehicle operation when the manifold is hot, coolant may ignite and cause a vehicle fire.
Remedy: 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.
2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17 MPG
- Highway
- 23.5 MPG
- Combined
- 19 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,200
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2005 compared with other Lancer Evolution years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2005 model a Complaint Index of 80, ranked third-worst among the 11 Lancer Evolution model years, which places it in the Avoid category relative to other years.
- What are the most common problems on the 2005 Lancer Evolution?
- Owners most often reported issues with Suspension, Wheels & Tires (36% of complaints) and Steering (29%), including control arm corrosion and loose wheel bearings.
- Does the 2005 Lancer Evolution have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls: one in 2005 for a turbo charger coolant hose that could leak, and one in 2016 for corrosion of the front cross member/subframe affecting suspension.
- How does the 2005 model compare to other Lancer Evolution years?
- The 2005 model's Complaint Index of 80 is worse than most other years except 2008 (90) and 2010 (100), both also rated Avoid.
- What mileage do problems typically show up at on the 2005 Lancer Evolution?
- The median mileage at failure across reported complaints is 65,000 miles, though suspension-related failures were reported as late as 187,000 miles.