Most common 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems
Share of the 14 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution complaints by model year
Best Lancer Evolution years: 2009, 2015, 2014. Years to avoid: 2003, 2008, 2010, 2006. Compare all years →
2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recalls (2)
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,…
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…
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.
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.
What 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution owners say
Steering
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 where the lower control arm attaches to the vehicle.
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 walk into an utility poll. Could not control the wheel of the car, the wheel locked, could not turn the car. The car crashed into an utility poll, imploding both air bags. My insurance company's adjuster deemed it a total loss, non-repairable. …
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 corrosion and rusting of the subframe. The dealer repaired the vehicle per NHTSA campaign number: 16V458000 (suspension) in which an anti-corrosion agent was applied, but the failures continued. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 187,000.
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 where the lower control arm attaches to the vehicle.
Transmission & drivetrain
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 just for the pump, not including labor, and that doesn't guarantee that it won't happen again.
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 advised me the clutches are weak/defective from the factory, and Mitsubishi is aware of the problem on my model, but refuses to recall them or repair them. I also went on-line and found several web-site complaints about Evolution clutches, including "www.mitsubishisucks.com" I contacted Mitsubishi's consumer complaint dept, who generated file#[redacted] and I was never contacted again. They refuse to acknowledge their product failure! My VIN# [redacted]. I ended up having to pay $606.80 to daytona Mitsubishi or they would not give me my car back! …
2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution a good car?
Based on 14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Lancer Evolution rates average: 37% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Lancer Evolution at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
The steering — 4 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about hydraulic power assist system. Next are the suspension (4) and transmission & drivetrain (3).
How many recalls does the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the most recent from June 23, 2016 (lower arm). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2009, 2015 and 2014. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003, 2008, 2010 and 2006. See the full Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution years comparison.
At what mileage do 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 miles; 38% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.