2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 3%of 98 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the visibility of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, 3% of the 98 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The temperature knob broke off while adjusting from cold to warm. My car is now stuck with the AC on cold, this isn't so much of a problem in the summer but it is getting rather cold now and I would really like some heat. I have also noticed that the defrost is now useless unless it needs to be on cold which is pretty ineffective in the winter time. This problem started happening in 2009 where it was very difficult to turn and finally in june of this year it completely broke.”
NHTSA complaint #10361692, filed 2010-10, 98,000 miles“The heater control knob (hot/cold adjust) was difficult to turn. This was noted to the dealership after I bought the car. In addition, the magazine, motortrend, identified this issue in its review of evo vs sti. The dealer said that the part was known to sometimes stick but would be fine. About 3 months ago, 12/4/11, the knob completely broke off. The issue was covered by a TSB, however, the dealer did not state that the issue was known to have a fix. This is a common cause failure for all 03 lancers and outbacks. …”
NHTSA complaint #10453739, filed 2012-04, 2,000 miles“I have replaced part #138110 blower motor 3 times in the last 7 months. Apparently there is water/condensation that builds up and shuts down the motor. Today, the motor stopped again. I am now having to take it to be repaired for the 4th time and I am sure not the last time. The front and rear passenger floor areas are soaking wet. I put a new towel on floor areas every day and they are dripping wet by the end of the day. We have not been able to figure out what the exact problem is. It is dangerous not to have a fan for defrost/defog issues. …”
NHTSA complaint #10198188, filed 2007-08Related service bulletins
- 10170074Aug 28, 2015This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170087Dec 7, 2012This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 1 | 7% |
| 2003 | 3 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
65 complaintsEngine cooling
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsInterior lighting
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology