2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Problems
Used MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Based on 16 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Suspension Failures the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has 16 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Suspension Failures.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has 16 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Suspension Failures. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Mitsubishi
- Model
- Lancer Evolution
- Model year
- 2005
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 16
- Crash-related complaints
- 3
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Suspension Failures
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 19
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 17 / 23
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- No
Common problems
Most common 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Suspension Failures
Transmission / Drivetrain
Steering Defects
Complaint patterns center on Suspension Failures, Transmission / Drivetrain, Steering Defects. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
This MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION year appears to have a comparatively lighter NHTSA complaint footprint, but buyers should still verify condition vehicle-by-vehicle.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION has 16 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. 3 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 16 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 2 federal recall campaigns
- 3 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Full breakdown
All 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
WATER HAS MADE ITS WAY THROUGH THE GROMMET IN THE DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WELL, DOWN THE HARNESS, AND RESTS IN THE CONNECTORS BEHIND THE KICK PANEL UNDER THE DASH. WIRES/CONNECTORS HAVE BECOME CORRODED CAUSING SEVERAL PROBLEMS, INCLUDING: LIGHTS WILL NOT TURN OFF, AND NEITHER WILL THE…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 15V321000 (AIR BAGS) FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG INFLATOR AND 16V458000 (SUSPENSION) FOR THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILAB…
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 POSSIBL…
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 JU…
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 CORR…
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…
THE SRS AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON, THE WIPERS WON'T STOP RUNNING. THE HORN STARTS ON ITSELF. ALL IS RELATED TO WATER ENTERING IN THE INNER FENDER, SHORTING ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS. THIS HAPPENS WHEN IT'S RAINY OUTSIDE. THIS HAPPENS TO EVERY EVOLUTION OWNER THAT I KNOW. I DON'T KNO…
TRAVELING ON FREEWAY IN NUMBER 3 LANE, FRONT DRIVE TRAIN LOCKED UP. CAR SKIDDED FOR APPROX 60 FEET AND THAN VEERED TO THE LEFT AND WAS STRUCK IN THE NUMBER 1 LANE. *KB
MY CAR WAS PURCHASED ON 11/23/05. ONE WEEK AFTER PURCHASE, SERVICE MANAGER INFORMED ME THAT MY OIL WAS REALLY LOW AND ADDED A QUART OF OIL. HE ADVISED ME TO CHECK THE OIL LEVEL REGULARLY. I NOTICED THAT I HAD TO ADD A QUART OF OIL EVERY 1,000 MILES OR SO. I VOICED MY CONCERN TO T…
TURNED WARPED BRAKE ROTOR. PROBLEM CAME BACK, UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE TO POOR HANDLING WHEN BRAKING. *JB
FRONT BEARINGS ARE LOOSE CAUSING ERRATIC STEERING, PREMATURE TIRE WEAR AND PREMATURE BRAKE WEAR. *JB
CONSUMER COMPLAINT REGARDING THE NEED FOR MUD FLAPS ON 2005 MITSUBISHI EVOLUTION VIII LANCER. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED WITHOUT THE MUD FLAPS, THE TIRES STICK OUT 1.5 INCHES PAST WHEEL WELLS. THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN A RIGHT TURN WAS MADE, OR A SPEED BUMP WAS HIT, A STRANGE NOI…
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 …
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…
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 …
I OWN A 2005 MITSUBISHI EVOLUTION LANCER THAT HAS 9,661 MILES ON IT AND THE CLUTCH IS ALREADY NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. MITSUBISHI ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS PROBLEM THAT DATES BACK TO THE 2003 LANCER, BUT YET THEY STILL REFUSE TO CONFRONT …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.
Safety recalls
2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:HOSES/LINES/PIPING/FITTINGS
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 16 owner complaints, 3 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. This MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION year appears to have a comparatively lighter NHTSA complaint footprint, but buyers should still verify condition vehicle-by-vehicle. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?▾
#1: Suspension Failures (4 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (4 complaints). #3: Steering Defects (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, NHTSA complaints include 3 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 16 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. A major recall area is SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM. 2 recall campaigns are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?▾
This MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION year appears to have a comparatively lighter NHTSA complaint footprint, but buyers should still verify condition vehicle-by-vehicle. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Suspension Failures during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.