2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 9%of 80 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer, 9% of the 80 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,000 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.
“Whenever driving, my vehicle suddenly stops accelerating over 2500 RPM's. When on the highway, it causes my car to drastically slow down, and I am forced to quickly move to the side of the road to avoid a collision. Dealer has replaced the app sensor on the vehicle twice already within several months, and is currently replacing it a third time. Very dangerous when on the highway.”
NHTSA complaint #10158811, filed 2006-06, 30,708 miles“The heater knob won't move to heat on my 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer causing no heat to come from the heaters. This is a safety hazard because my windows ice up during winter and cannot defrost even on regular days.”
NHTSA complaint #10292013, filed 2009-11, 55,000 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“My check engine light came on and I took my vehicle to a mechanic to hook the vehicle up to a machine (3/5/08). He then tells me that I need to contact a Mitsubishi dealer to make an appointment to have them repair the recall of the catalytic converter due to it being recalled in the system and that he would not turn off the check engine light off until I the catalytic converter fix. As so as I got home I got on the website to retrieve the nearest dealership with phone number. I then contacted the todey dealership which is located in ventura county which is 2 hours away. …”
NHTSA complaint #10221290, filed 2008-03“The contact owns a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer. While traveling 65 MPH, the contact noticed that the check engine warning light was illuminated. Moments later, the contact noticed that the vehicle had began to lose acceleration. The vehicle was not diagnosed and no repairs were made to the vehicle. The current and the failure mileages were 85,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10457203, filed 2012-05, 85,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10170074Aug 28, 2015This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170071Jul 22, 2015This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170086Nov 1, 2012This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10021291Jan 1, 2007Hard to start engine. Dtc p0340 (and p0335). Could be due to abnormal wear to the camshaft position sensor.
- 10015714Apr 1, 2005Collapsed upper radiator hose. Mitsubishi tech talk.
- 10015211Jan 1, 2005Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0335 and/or p0340 with malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on.
- 10015210Jan 1, 2005Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0300 cold engine misfire.
- 10018362Dec 1, 2004Diagnostic trouble code p0335 and/or p0340 with malfunction indicator lamp on. Mitsubishi tech talk.
- 10018361Dec 1, 2004Diagnostic trouble code p0300 cold engine misfire. Mitsubishi tech talk.
- 10016864Dec 1, 2004Engine timing belt tensioning procedure - service manual revision.
Engine cooling: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
22 complaintsAir bags
19 complaintsElectrical system
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 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