2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 9%of 80 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer, 9% of the 80 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
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.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10234344, filed 2008-07, 52,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10464548, filed 2012-07, 113,650 miles“I purchased a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer ralliart sedan and paid it off in full upon reciept of the vehicle. In the past few years I have been experiencing numerous electrical issues, however my primary concern today is a sensor that is currently being replaced for the 5th time today. The sensor is called the app sensor. When it goes out, it causes my vehicle to rapidly decelerate and the engine won't rev past 2,500 RPM's. This has become an issue because two days ago the sensor went out on me again, after being replaced just weeks ago. …”
NHTSA complaint #10166657, filed 2006-08, 34,000 miles“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. 2. This could potentially ignite fumes when the vehicle is refueling or in presence of other flamable 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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10080542, filed 2004-07, 50 miles“The contact stated while parked with the engine idling, the driver air bag deployed without warning. It was removed and an hour later while driving 45 MPH, the passenger side air bag deployed, which fractured the windshield. The vehicle was towed to the residence. Although the vehicle was not inspected, the dealer was alerted and indicated the problem was most likely an electrical short due to flooding.”
NHTSA complaint #10174407, filed 2006-11, 45,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10170102May 21, 2013This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170096Mar 5, 2013This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170100Feb 6, 2013This 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.
- 10016133Apr 1, 2005Alternator fr terminal voltage - service manual revision.
- 10015711Apr 1, 2005Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0181 update. Mitsubishi tech talk.
- 10015337Feb 1, 2005Battery load test rate chart - service manual revision.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 4 | 13% |
| 2015 | 6 | 26% |
| 2014 | 1 | 6% |
| 2012 | 1 | 5% |
| 2011 | 4 | 12% |
| 2010 | 5 | 10% |
| 2009 | 19 | 19% |
| 2008 | 7 | 8% |
| 2006 | 1 | 3% |
| 2005 | 2 | 8% |
| 2004 | 7 | 9% |
| 2003 | 12 | 6% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
22 complaintsAir bags
19 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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