2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 22about this part
- Share
- 28%of 80 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,624miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the visibility of the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer, 28% of the 80 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,624 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The air and heat flow knob broke off as I turned it from cold to heat this morning. Now I cant heat up the car it is stuck on cold. Due to this the defrost will not work either. I have no heat in my car as of this morning due to the knob breaking off as I turned it. Part of the white plastic piece that attaches on the inside is now attached to the knob that broke off.”
NHTSA complaint #10475003, filed 2012-09, 129,000 miles“There is a flaw in the heater on Lancer and outlander models. Mitsubishi has admitted it by service bulletin. As I understand a functional heater and defroster is required by NHTSA. I like every other owner of such cars attempted to turn on my heat and the knob snapped off. Now there is no heat or windshield defrost. Over 1000.00 is needed for repair and it's happening to all of these cars.”
NHTSA complaint #10255387, filed 2009-01, 75,000 miles“I own a 2004 Mitsubishi lance ralliart sedan. The air control switch (knob used to adjust the temperature) began sticking/catching about in about 2006 (my car was already out of the warranty time frame due to mileage). The switch then broke completely off in 2008. To fix the problem the dealership needs to replace the entire heating control unit, modify (cut) the damper, and install a new lever which costs over $1600. …”
NHTSA complaint #10311355, filed 2010-02, 68,500 miles“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“The knob to adjust my heating and cooling broke off. Now I am stuck with freezing cold air blowing all year round. This effects my visibility at times because I can not use defroster. I was told to replace the unit would be $300+ labor. Seeing as though they have to take the whole dash apart to fix, it is quite expensive. I have read online many other people are having this same issue. I think if Mitsubishi gave us a bogus part that is guaranteed to break, they should have to replace/recall it.”
NHTSA complaint #10494418, filed 2013-01, 90,000 milesRelated 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.
- 10018940Dec 1, 2005Insufficient heater performance.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 17% |
| 2016 | 1 | 3% |
| 2015 | 2 | 9% |
| 2012 | 2 | 11% |
| 2011 | 3 | 9% |
| 2010 | 6 | 12% |
| 2009 | 4 | 4% |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 5% |
| 2005 | 1 | 4% |
| 2004 | 22 | 28% |
| 2003 | 76 | 38% |
| 2002 | 26 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
19 complaintsElectrical system
7 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