Model year record

2005 Mitsubishi Lancer recalls & problems

The 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer has 6 safety recalls and 24 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is air bags (10 complaints).

Recalls6safety recalls

Complaints24filed by owners

Crashes · fires3 · 0reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths2 · 0reported in complaints

2005 Mitsubishi Lancer in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Air bagsApr 5, 2018

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 18V22000017,120 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles that previously received a like-for-like passenger side frontal air bag inflator under recall 15V321 as interim remedy. Also recalled are 2004-2006 Lancer vehicles located in Guam or Saipan that previously received or never received a new inflator under 15V321 or 17V569. These passenger side frontal air bag inflators may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to explode in the event of an air bag deployment.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will install a final replacement passenger side frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on April 26, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-005.

Air bagsSep 14, 2017

Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 17V56900066,001 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (ODI)

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Lancer and Lancer Evolution vehicles and 2004 Lancer Sportback vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with a different inflator, free of charge. The recall began on October 12, 2017. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-17-001. Note: This recall supersedes recall 15V-321.

SuspensionJun 23, 2016

Front › Control arm › Lower arm

Recall 16V458000194,674 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.

Exterior lightingMay 11, 2009

Headlights

Recall 09E02500042,540 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Risk: DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Exterior lightingJul 17, 2006

Exterior lighting

Recall 06E0640004,029 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Risk: LACK OF AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS IN THE LAMPS WILL DECREASE LIGHTING VISIBILITY TO OTHER DRIVERS AND MAY POSSIBLY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.

Exterior lightingMar 13, 2006

Headlights

Recall 06E023000292,000 vehiclesopened after NHTSA action (OVSC)

Problem: CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Risk: WITHOUT THE AMBER REFLECTORS, THE VEHICLE WILL BE POORLY ILLUMINATED, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2005 Mitsubishi Lancer 4-DR.

OverallNot Rated

Frontal crash	Not Rated
Side crash	Not Rated
Rollover	Not Rated

2005 Mitsubishi Lancer NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Lancer

26mpg combined

City / highway	24 / 31 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

Lancer

24mpg combined

City / highway	22 / 28 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

Lancer

23mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel

Lancer

22mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

Lancer Sportback

22mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 26 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Air bagsFrontal	10	3	2	75,000 mi
Electrical systemIgnition	2	0	0	—
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components › Disc › Pads	2	0	0	—
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal	2	0	0	—
StructureBody	2	0	0	—
Suspension	2	0	0	—
VisibilityGlass, side/rear	1	0	0	—
Wheels	1	0	0	—
Power trainManual transmission	1	0	0	—
Fuel system, gasoline	1	0	0	—
Engine	1	0	0	—
Exterior lighting	1	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Steering
The steering column on my 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer ES detached while driving. The entire column dropped down from its mounting brackets, causing loss of control. This is a serious safety hazard. The mount bolts were intact previously, but they came loose or the bracket failed without warning. This could have resulted in a crash and severe injury. I believe this may be a structural or manufacturing defect and could affect other Lancer vehicles of similar year. I performed a temporary repair myself so the vehicle could be moved safely, but this does NOT solve the underlying problem. The original steering column mounting should not have failed under normal use.
Nov 24, 2025
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CUP FROM THE BALL JOINTS, THE FRONT END, TIE ROD, UNKNOWN WIRING HARNESS AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN MITSUBISHI DEALER HOWEVER, WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED OUT OF POCKET. ADDITIONALLY, THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS ALSO REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
Apr 10, 2019 · 100,000 miles
Electrical system
THE SIGNAL LIGHTS STOP WORKING ALSO THE HAZARDS. THE HORN REMAINS ON. A LOT OF PEOPLE SAY THAT IS A PROBLEM OF THE CAR INSIDE BODY THAT TAKE THE CONNECTOR OF THE JUNCTION BLOCK AND CORRODE THEM. A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE THIS PROBLEMS. THE PROBLEM IS IN MOTION AND STATIONARY.
Jan 10, 2018 · 90,000 miles
Air bags
I SOLD THIS CAR LAST JULY 2018 THROUGH A TRADE-IN. PLEASE STOP SENDING ME ALL OF THESE HORRIFYING REMINDERS. IT IS NOT APPRECIATED. PLEASE REMOVE MY NAME AND ADDRESS FROM ALL MAILING LISTS. I DID NOT GET IT DONE WHEN I OWNED THE CAR AS THE DEALERSHIP WAS QUITE A DRIVE AND I COULD NOT DROP IT OFF. CAR IS SOLD.
Apr 11, 2019
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CROSS MEMBER FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE FRONT UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS DETACHED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BELL MITSUBISHI (1500 US-1, RAHWAY, NJ 07065, (732) 709-4333) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CROSS MEMBER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND FURTHER TESTING WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V458000 (SUSPENSION). THE DEALER DID NOT KNOW THEN THE PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED A CASE NUMBER AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT A CASE MANAGER WOULD FOLLOW-UP WITHIN TEN BUSINESS DAYS. THE CONTACT HAD NOT…
Jun 20, 2016 · 170,000 miles
Air bags
RECEIVED NOTICE OF A RECALL ON THE PASS. SIDE AIRBAG. CALLED LOCAL DEALER, OUT OF BUSINESS (GREENVILLE MITSUBISHI). NEXT CLOSEST DEALER IS 2 COUNTIES AWAY (DON HERRING MITSUBISHI PLANO), SPOKE TO BENNY. SAID IT'S A 5-HOUR REPAIR AND THEY ARE OPEN ON SATURDAY, BUT WILL NOT PERFORM THE RECALL ON SATURDAY. DUE TO THE DISTANCE INVOLVED, IT'S UNREASONABLE TO TOW OR DROP OFF MY VEHICLE, AND LIKE MANY, I DON'T HAVE 8-9 HOURS TO LOSE TO FIX MITSUBISHI'S ISSUE (DRIVE AND REPAIR TIME, PLUS CONSIDERING LIGHT NORTH DALLAS TRAFFIC). I'M UNABLE TO PROVIDE THE EXORBITANT TIME THIS DEALER REQUIRES OF ME TO PHYSICALLY BE PRESENT FOR THE REPAIR, AND I DON'T KNOW WHO WOULD BE. MISSING WORK, PLUS LITERAL…
Feb 8, 2018
Air bags
AIRBAG DEFECT
Oct 2, 2017
Structure › Body
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE FLOOR MAT WAS REMOVED ON THE DRIVER SIDE AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE FLOOR BOARD HAD EXCESSIVE RUST AND FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
May 1, 2015 · 94,000 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpenLed to recall 14V668
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.Nonetheless, at ODI's insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation.The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico,…
EA15001 · opened Feb 24, 2015
Air Bag Inflator RuptureClosedLed to recall 13V172000
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers.All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.Nonetheless, at ODI's insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation.The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico,…
PE14016 · opened Jun 11, 2014 · closed Mar 2, 2015