2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Visibility2224.4%
- Airbags1921.1%
- Engine88.9%
- Driver assistance77.8%
- Electrical77.8%
- Suspension66.7%
- Transmission44.4%
- Body & structure33.3%
- Other / unspecified33.3%
- Powertrain (other)33.3%
- Seat belts22.2%
- Exterior lighting22.2%
- Brakes22.2%
- Steering11.1%
- Tires & wheels11.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS IS WITH REFERENCE TO THE CLIMATE CONTROL PANEL, THE KNOB TO TURN SYSTEM TEMPERATURE FROM COLD TO HEAT, WITH TIME THE KNOB GOT STIFF AND IT WAS VERY HARD TO TURN FROM COLD TO HEAT, FOR YEARS I HAVE HAD TO PLAY WITH IT EVERY TIME I NEEDED TO USE IT TO SWITCH TO THE TEMPERATURE I DESIRED ACCORDING TO THE WEATHER, ESPECIALLY IN THE RAIN AND WHEN GOING FROM SUMMER TO WINTER. FINALLY THE KNOB BROKE OFF AND NOW I AM NO LONGER ABLE TO TURN IT MAKING IT "IMPOSSIBLE" TO DEFROST THE WINDOWS, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT RAINS AND THEY GET FOGGY FROM THE HUMIDITY OR EARLY IN THE MORNING DURING THE COLD WINTER MONTHS WHICH RESULTS IN UNSAFE DRIVING AS IT IMPAIRS MY VISION TO THE POINT THAT I NEED TO ROLL DOWN MY WINDOWS WHILE I AM DRIVING WHICH IS QUITE DANGEROUS. ONLY THE REAR WINDOW DEFROST WORKS BECAUSE IT IS CONTROLLED BY A DIFFERENT KNOB. I HAVE READ ON SEVERAL WEBSITES THAT THIS INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED TO A GREAT AMOUNT OF OTHER MITSUBISHI LANCER OWNERS, WITH MODELS BETWEEN 2002-2005 AND FOR THE EXACT KNOB, THE ONE FOR THE CLIMATE CONTROL. THERE ARE 2 OTHER KNOBS TO CONTROL THE FAN AND DIRECTION OF AIR THAT WORK PERFECTLY AND NO REPORTS ON BEING STUCK OR BROKEN ON THOSE TWO. IT SEEMS THAT THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL KNOB IS THE ONLY ONE GETTING STIFF AND BREAKING OFF WITH TIME, SO IT MORE THAN LIKELY IS A FACTORY DEFECT WITH THE KNOB OR THE WHOLE PART. I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ABLE TO STOP WHEN RAINING AND SO FAR I HAVE NOT HAD ANY ACCIDENTS ON ACCOUNT OF THIS BUT I AM NOT SURE IF OTHER CONSUMERS HAVE HAD THE SAME GOOD LUCK. IS MITSUBISHI ALREADY TAKING ANY ACTION TO FIX THIS PROBLEM? WHAT CAN WE, AS CUSTOMERS, DO TO GET IT FIXED? *TR
CLIMATE CONTROL PANEL/SYSTEM GOT STIFF TO TURN FROM COLD TO HEAT AND EVENTUALLY THE KNOB/STEM OF CLIMATE CONTROL PANEL BROKE. NOW IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DEFROST WINDOWS WHICH RESULTS UNSAFE DRIVING. I HAVE HAPPENED TO KNOW FROM INTERNET THAT THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED TO MANY MITSUBISHI LANCER 2002-2005 CUSTOMERS . MITSUBISHI IS NOT TAKING ANY ACTION TO FIX THIS PROBLEM FOR THESE CUSTOMERS. *TR
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL. HAD ORIGINAL AIRBAG REPLACED 2 YRS AGO. RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MITSUBISHI STATING I NEEDED TO HAVE IT DONE AGAIN. I CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR MITSUBISHI WHEN I LEARNED THEY NO LONGER HAVE A MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP LOCALLY. I WAS ADVISED AT THAT TIME THAT THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP , IN EITHER DIRECTION, WAS 4-5 HOURS FROM WHERE I LIVE. I WAS ADVISED THAT I NEEDED TO CALL ALL THE MECHANICS IN THE AREA TO FIND ONE THAT IS CERTIFIED BY MITSUBISHI! IF I COULD FIND ONE AND THEY WERE MITSUBISHI CERTIFIED, THE WORK WOULD BE DONE AND MITSUBISHI WOULD PAY FOR IT. HOWEVER, THEY NEED TO HAVE CURRENT CERTIFICATION. I HAVE CALLED A FEW DEALERSHIPS IN THE AREA, BUT NO ONE HAS A CERTIFICATION FOR MITSUBISHI. I DIDN'T INSTALL THE BAD AIRBAGS. I WOULD HAVE TO TRAVEL TO EITHER OF THESE DEALERSHIPS, SPEND THE NIGHT IN A MOTEL, WAIT FOR THE APPOINTMENT AND WORK TO BE DONE, AND DRIVE HOME. THIS IS RIDICULOUS! IN THE MEANTIME, I HAVE RECEIVED A SECOND LETTER FROM MITSUBISHI STATING THAT I SHOULDN'T ALLOW ANYONE TO RIDE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OF THE CAR UNTIL IT'S REPAIRED. I DON'T KNOW IF THE DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG IS ANY GOOD EITHER. I WOULD APPRECIATE ALL THE HELP YOU CAN GIVE ME. I FEEL LIKE MY CAR AT THE PRESENT TIME IS USELESS. I'M IN FEAR OF DRIVING EVEN TO THE GROCERY STORE.
2004 MITSUBISHI LANCER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED HE IS TOO VISUALLY IMPAIRED TO DRIVE THE LONG DISTANCE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED; THEREFORE, ACCEPTING ALL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CONSEQUENCES. *JS
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V458000 (SUSPENSION) WAS RECEIVED ON JUNE 23, 2016 REGARDING CORROSION AFFECTING THE CONTROL ARM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CORRODED AND MADE NOISE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE EXHAUST FELL OUTSIDE OF THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. UPDATED 12/20/16*LJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI LANCER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S COOLING FAN STAYED ON FOR THE DURATION OF THE TRIP AND CONTINUED TO RUN AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND THE BATTERY WAS COMPLETELY DRAINED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000. UPDATED 11/20/14*LJ UPDATED 4/30/2015 *JS
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS CAR KEEPS IDLING HIGH WHEN IT EITHER GETS WARM OUT OR IF I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR A WHILE. I HAVE LOOKED ONLINE AND READ NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THIS FOR THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL. EXTREMELY FRUSTRATED THAT NO ONE SEEMS TO THINK THIS SHOULD BE RECALLED MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER CANNOT EVEN DRIVE MY CAR BECAUSE SHE ALMOST CRASHED. EVERY SUMMER I WORRY ABOUT BEING AT A STOP SIGN AND WHILE MY FOOT IS ON THE BREAK THE CAR IS TRYING TO DRIVE. THERE IS SOMETHING OBVIOUSLY WRONG WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. IF YOU GOOGLE IT MANY PEOPLE WITH THIS SAME COMPLAINT COME UP ASKING FOR HELP. *TR
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S APP SENSOR WENT OUT, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE RAPIDLY AND NOT REV PAST 2500 RPMS. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED BUT COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APP SENSOR WAS REPLACED 5 TIMES. THE CONTACT HAD REPAIR INVOICES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. UPDATED 10/25/2006 - THE BRAKE LIGHT INDICATOR ON THE DASH REMAINED ON AT ALL TIMES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR. THE SES LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE VEHICLE LACKED POWER. THE CLUTCH SLIPPED AT TIME. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CLUTCH DISC. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
JUST LEFT A AUTO CAR WASH AND WITHIN ABOUT TWO MINUTES SMOKE RISES FROM THE CENTER FLOOR CONSOLE. I PULLED INTO A NEARBY GAS STATION ABOUT A BLOCK AWAY. PARKED AWAY FROM THE PUMPS. DEMANDED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER FROM THE ATTENDANT. RETURNED TO THE CAR AS FLAMES JUST STARTED TO ERUPT FROM THE CONSOLE . THE DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHER MADE QUICK WORK OF THE FIRE. I DON'T THINK BETWEEN THE SMELL & SIGHT OF SMOKE AND PUTTING OUT THE FIRE FIVE MINUTES ELAPSED. I THINK THE WIRING MUST HAVE SHORTED. THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER NEVER WORKED. THE ONLY OTHER THE DEVICE ON THE HARNESS INTO THE CONSOLE IS THE P-R-N-D ILLUMINATION PANEL. THE FIRE CAUSED THE PLASTIC CONSOLE HOUSING TO MELT DOWN INTO THE TOP OF THE TRANSMISSION LINKAGE. THE TOW TUCK OPERATOR WAS ABLE TO CUT THE MELTED PLASTIC OFF OF THE LINKAGE & I WAS ABLE TO DIVE THE CAR HOME, A FEW BLOCKS AWAY. APPARENTLY THERE WASN'T DAMAGE TO THE METAL LINKAGES TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE CARS' BEEN DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS! *TR
MY HOT/COOL KNOB IS BROKEN. MY HEATER FAN ONLY WORKS ON 4, AC ONLY RUNS ON 1,2 OR3. I ALSO HAD WATER ON MY PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR DUE TO CONDENSATION FROM THE AC NOT PROPERLY DRAINING. THE WATER ALSO GOT INTO MY BLOWER MOTOR, WHICH I HAVE ALREADY REPLACED. WILL BE REPLACING HEATER RESISTOR THIS WEEK, SO I CAN USE MY AC AGAIN. HOT/COOL KNOB WILL COST AT LEAST $1000 TO FIX, SO IT'S STAYING BROKEN. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PULLING TO ONE SIDE AND THE TIRES WERE WORN DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT TIRE FACILITY WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CROSS MEMBER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V458000 (SUSPENSION). NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.
I WAS GOING TO REPLACE THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS ON MY OWN BUT NOW I AM ONLY GOING TO BE ABLE TO REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER CONTROL ARM BECAUSE THE DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM IS CORRODED AND THE BOLT DOES NOT COME OUT. I WAS GOING TO BUY THE CROSSMEMBER MYSELF BUT THAN A FAMILY MEMBER SHOWED ME A LINK THAT SAYS THIS CROSSMEMBER ON MY MODEL COULD BE A RECALL. BEFORE I REALIZED HOW CORRODED IT WAS I TOOK IT TO A DEALERSHIP DUE TO A RECALL ON THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE DEALERSHIP REPLACE IT AND THEY SPRAYED SOME ANTI-CORROSION ON THE CROSSMEMBER BUT FORGOT TO MENTION THE HOLE THE CROSSMEMBER HAD. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AT HOME
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
HYDRAULIC CLUTCH SYSTEM DEGRADATION AND FAILURE. MANUAL SHIFTING BECAME MORE AND MORE DIFFICULT TO THE POINT OF DISCOVERING A LEAKING SLAVE CYLINDER. UPON REPLACEMENT, SYMPTOMS REMAINED. COMMENTS FROM OWNERS OF SIMILAR VEHICLES NOTE THAT BOTH SLAVE CYLINDER AND MASTER CYLINDER FAILURES ARE OFTEN CONCURRENT. MASTER CYLINDER IS LOOKING PARTICULARLY GRIMY COMPARED TO THE REST OF ENGINE BAY. REPLACEMENT MASTER CYLINDER IS ON ORDER, CAN REPORT ON FOLLOW UP CONDITIONS SOON. (ASSUMING SUCH INFORMATION IS HELPFUL, AND THAT SUCH FOLLOW UP COMMUNICATION IS AVAILABLE.) VEHICLE IS A 2004 MITSUBISHI LANCER RALLIART (THIS OPTION WAS NOT AVAILABLE ON THE WEBSITE) *KB
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE'S APP SENSOR WENT OUT, WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO DECELERATE RAPIDLY AND NOT REV PAST 2500 RPMS. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED BUT COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE APP SENSOR WAS REPLACED 5 TIMES. THE CONTACT HAD REPAIR INVOICES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. UPDATED 10/25/2006 - THE BRAKE LIGHT INDICATOR ON THE DASH REMAINED ON AT ALL TIMES. THE DEALER REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR. THE SES LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE VEHICLE LACKED POWER. THE CLUTCH SLIPPED AT TIME. THE DEALER REPLACED THE CLUTCH DISC. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
JUST LEFT A AUTO CAR WASH AND WITHIN ABOUT TWO MINUTES SMOKE RISES FROM THE CENTER FLOOR CONSOLE. I PULLED INTO A NEARBY GAS STATION ABOUT A BLOCK AWAY. PARKED AWAY FROM THE PUMPS. DEMANDED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER FROM THE ATTENDANT. RETURNED TO THE CAR AS FLAMES JUST STARTED TO ERUPT FROM THE CONSOLE . THE DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHER MADE QUICK WORK OF THE FIRE. I DON'T THINK BETWEEN THE SMELL & SIGHT OF SMOKE AND PUTTING OUT THE FIRE FIVE MINUTES ELAPSED. I THINK THE WIRING MUST HAVE SHORTED. THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER NEVER WORKED. THE ONLY OTHER THE DEVICE ON THE HARNESS INTO THE CONSOLE IS THE P-R-N-D ILLUMINATION PANEL. THE FIRE CAUSED THE PLASTIC CONSOLE HOUSING TO MELT DOWN INTO THE TOP OF THE TRANSMISSION LINKAGE. THE TOW TUCK OPERATOR WAS ABLE TO CUT THE MELTED PLASTIC OFF OF THE LINKAGE & I WAS ABLE TO DIVE THE CAR HOME, A FEW BLOCKS AWAY. APPARENTLY THERE WASN'T DAMAGE TO THE METAL LINKAGES TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE CARS' BEEN DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS! *TR
1. AFTER DRIVING VEHICLE FOR AN HOUR OR LESS (DEPENDING ON ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS) A SPARK/STATIC DISCHARGE OCCURS BETWEEN THE EXTERNAL METAL SURFACE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE FIRST OCCUPANT EXITING VEHICLE. *AK 2. THIS COULD POTENTIALLY IGNITE FUMES WHEN THE VEHICLE IS REFUELING OR IN PRESENCE OF OTHER FLAMMABLE GASES/MATERIALS. ALSO POTENTIAL COULD CAUSE SPARK BETWEEN THE GAS TANK DOOR AND GAS STATION FUEL NOZZLE. THIS IS AS MUCH OF A DANGER AS AN ANNOYANCE DUE TO THE STATIC DISCHARGE/SPARK IS VERY STRONG. I DO NOT EXPERIENCE THIS IN OTHER VEHICLES. 3. DEALER FAILS TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND CORRECT THIS ISSUE. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I TURNED THE KNOB TO HEAT. IT WAS PRETTY STIFF BUT IT WOULD MOVE TO COLD TEMPERATURE FINE. I TRIED IT AGAIN AND THE KNOB AND PART OF THE SHAFT BROKE OFF. I HAD TO DRIVE TO WORK IN THE COLD. GOOD THING I WORKED ABOUT 10 MINUTES AWAY. TODAY I WAS SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET TO SEE HOW MUCH IT WOULD COST. THAT'S WHEN I SAW A COMMENT SAYING THERE WAS A TSB ISSUE ON 04 MODEL LANCERS. LUCKILY I FOUND THIS WEBSITE. HOPE MITSUBISHI WOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS, ITS OCTOBER AND I REALLY NEED MY HEATER. *TR
HEATER CONTROL KNOB WAS HARD TO TURN SINCE PURCHASE OF VEHICLE AND EVENTUALLY BROKE OFF. NOW I AM FORCED TO ADJUST TEMPERATURE USING PLIERS (OR SUFFER PAYING $1,000 TO FIX PROBLEM). NOT EASY TO ADJUST WITH PLIERS WHILE DRIVING AND EXPERIENCING A CHANGE IN WEATHER CONDITIONS. NOW ALSO FEARFUL OF ELECTRICAL SHOCK WHEN TRYING TO ADJUST TEMPERATURE WITH PLIERS. KNOWN DEFECT WILL NOT BE REPAIRED OR COVERED BY MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
A RECALL WAS ISSUED IN 2005 FOR A POTENTIAL ISSUE IN THE POWER TRAIN. THE RECALL STATED THAT IF THE VEHICLE HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, THE REPAIR WAS TO FIRST TRY REPROGRAMMING THE POWER TRAIN. IF THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARED AFTERWARDS, THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE ABOVE OUTLINED SERVICE IN 2005. THE POWER TRAIN WAS REPROGRAMMED AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT AWAY, BUT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS NOT REPLACED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT LATER RETURNED. A DIAGNOSTIC REVEALED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED REPLACED. I BELIEVE THAT IF THE INITIAL RECALL WORK IN 2005 WAS PROPERLY FULFILLED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED. MITSUBISHI HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR OF REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER, CITING THAT THE WORK DONE IN THE RECALL WAS SUFFICIENT. I CONTEND THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT THOROUGH ENOUGH AND THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER SHOULD BE REPAIRED OR REPLACED BY THE MANUFACTURER.
JUST LEFT A AUTO CAR WASH AND WITHIN ABOUT TWO MINUTES SMOKE RISES FROM THE CENTER FLOOR CONSOLE. I PULLED INTO A NEARBY GAS STATION ABOUT A BLOCK AWAY. PARKED AWAY FROM THE PUMPS. DEMANDED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER FROM THE ATTENDANT. RETURNED TO THE CAR AS FLAMES JUST STARTED TO ERUPT FROM THE CONSOLE . THE DRY CHEMICAL EXTINGUISHER MADE QUICK WORK OF THE FIRE. I DON'T THINK BETWEEN THE SMELL & SIGHT OF SMOKE AND PUTTING OUT THE FIRE FIVE MINUTES ELAPSED. I THINK THE WIRING MUST HAVE SHORTED. THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER NEVER WORKED. THE ONLY OTHER THE DEVICE ON THE HARNESS INTO THE CONSOLE IS THE P-R-N-D ILLUMINATION PANEL. THE FIRE CAUSED THE PLASTIC CONSOLE HOUSING TO MELT DOWN INTO THE TOP OF THE TRANSMISSION LINKAGE. THE TOW TUCK OPERATOR WAS ABLE TO CUT THE MELTED PLASTIC OFF OF THE LINKAGE & I WAS ABLE TO DIVE THE CAR HOME, A FEW BLOCKS AWAY. APPARENTLY THERE WASN'T DAMAGE TO THE METAL LINKAGES TO THE TRANSMISSION. THE CARS' BEEN DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS! *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
I JUST BOUGHT A MITSUBISHI LANCER, SEAT BELT IS WAY TOO SHORT, IT LITERALLY CHOKES ME, IS HARD TO BUCKLE AND UNBUCKLE WITH MY HANDS/ MITSUBISHI DEALER SAYS SEAT BELT HAS TO BE DEFECTIVE BEFORE THEY WILL REPLACE. THEY WILL NOT ADD AN EXTENSION ON IT. I HAVE 2 CHOICES -DON'T WEAR A SEAT BELT AND GET TICKETS OR DIE IN A WRECK, OR WEAR IT, HAVE TO KEEP SEAT PUSHED SO FAR BACK TO MAKE SEAT BELT BUCKLE- BUT THEN CAN HARDLY REACH PEDALS, AND CANT BREATHE OR BE COMFORTABLE WEARING IT BECAUSE IT CUTS OFF MY CHEST TERRIBLY. I AM PERMANENTLY DISABLED WITH ANY PROBLEMS AND NOT BEING ABLE TO WEAR MY SEAT BEALT SCARES ME AS A SEAT BELT SAVE MY LIFE IN JAN 2005. *JB
SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY FAILED TO RELEASE WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF VEHICLE PURCHASE. THIS COULD CAUSE AN INDIVIDUAL TO BE TRAPPED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. *NM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE HEADLIGHT WIRES GET SHORTER?... AND THE LIGHTS BURN OUT ALL THE TIME DUE TO FAULTY WIRING... WHY WON'T MITSUBISHI FIX THIS FOR PEOPLE???????? THEY'RE VERY WRONG TO NOT HELP PEOPLE WITH THIS SAFETY ISSUE................ THE TRANSMISSION SYNCRO GEARS ARE ALSO WORTHLESS. THE ONLY REAL GOOD THING ON THE ENTIRE CAR IS THE ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION!! VISORS DISINTEGRATED ALSO AFTER A FEW YEARS... *TR
I THINK THERE IS SOMETHING ELECTRICAL WRONG WITH MY VEHICLE. I HAVE HAD TO HAVE A HEADLIGHT OR HEADLIGHTS REPLACED 7 TIMES SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE NEW 3.5 YEARS AGO. I'VE ALSO HAD TO HAVE A TAIL LIGHT, BRAKELIGHT, AND INTERIOR DOME LIGHT REPLACED. THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES WERE RECENTLY REPLACED. I WAS TOLD THEY HAD MELTED DUE TO THE HEAT OF THE BULB. THIS WAS NOT COVERED BY MY EXTENDED WARRANTY OR THE MANUFACTURER EVEN THOUGH MY BULB PROBLEMS BEGAN AFTER ONLY OWNING THE VEHICLE FOR A YEAR. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE OWN A 2004 MITSUBISHI LANCER 4 DR. WHILE BRAKING BECAUSE THE GAS PEDAL IS EVIDENTLY TO CLOSE YOU HIT THE BRAKE AND THE GAS AND HAVE A RUN AWAY UNTIL YOU CAN GET YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS PEDAL. THIS HAS HAPPEN TO ME AT LEAST 4-5 TIMES. YESTERDAY AS MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE SHE CAME TO A RED LIGHT AND APPLIED THE BRAKE AND EVIDENTLY THE GAS PEDAL AT THE SAME TIME AND HIT A STOPPED VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER AT THE LIGHT. LUCKILY NO INJURIES, BUT 3500 DAMAGES TO THE CAR. I ASKED WHY THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY AND WAS TOLD IT WAS A HIGH HIT AND DID NOT DEPLOY OTHER WISE IT WOULD HAVE TOTALED OUR VEHICLE OUT. IS THIS OUR PROBLEM OR JUST THE GAS PEDAL JUST TO CLOSE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 50 YEARS AND NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM IN THE PAST. COULD YOU PLEASE CHECK INTO IT. *JB
WHILE APPLYING BRAKES AT VARIOUS SPEEDS VEHICLE PULLED HARD TO THE RIGHT.*AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI LANCER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY STOPPED ON A TRAIN TRACK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME, STEERING CONTROL ARM, AND TIE ROD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
3 OUT OF 4 NEW NANKANG NS-1 TIRES FAILED WITHIN 15,000 MILES. TWO OF THE INCIDENTS WERE BLOWOUTS AT HIGHWAY SPEED. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .