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Mitsubishi · Compact · 2003–2007

Mitsubishi Lancer 8

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants

Generations

Engine Overview

The Mitsubishi Lancer 8 is available with one engine variant at 98 hp.

1.6L NA · Benziner· 98 PS
2003 2007
Good Choice 3 weaknesses

The Mitsubishi 1.6L NA (Benziner, 98 PS) has the 4G18 (1.6L NA) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Corrosion on underbody and spring perches

The underbody protection is thin. Spring perches, the sump and gearbox cover can rust through, particularly on vehicles without additional treatment.

Symptoms: Visible rust on spring perches, oil leak from rusted-through sump, MOT/TÜV advisory
Ad springteller Lancer CSoil pan Lancer VIIIUnterbodenschutz Lancer
 Medium
●Rust under rear door seals

Moisture can collect under the rubber seals of the rear doors and cause rust. Rare, but occurs on vehicles where the seals have not been regularly maintained.

Symptoms: Paint blistering on the rear door frames, brown discolouration under the rubber seals
Ad door seal Lancer CSMitsubishi Lancer Rost door
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
453 complaints · 2003–2007
Powertrain
129 ⚠ 5
Visibility
99
Airbags
55 ⚠ 14
Body Structure
33
Electrical
32

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Powertrain (129 complaints)
⚠ Visibility (99 complaints)
⚠ Airbags (55 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 27 weaknesses have been documented for the Mitsubishi Lancer 8 (2003–2007) — 17 engine-related and 10 vehicle-related. One problem engine: 4G63T (2.0L Turbo). Typical issues affect Rust, Other, Brakes, Suspension. Considered reliable: 4G18 (1.6L NA).

Lancer (4G63T, 2003–2005) — Stay Away!: Balance shaft belt fails at high rpm, Timing belt: hydraulic tensioner and idler rollers worn, Crankwalk — axial crankshaft play. Power: 265 PS.

Lancer (4G63T, 2004–2007) — Stay Away!: Balance shaft belt fails at high rpm, Timing belt: hydraulic tensioner and idler rollers worn, Crankwalk — axial crankshaft play. Power: 300 PS.

Lancer (4G63T, 2005–2007) — Stay Away!: Balance shaft belt fails at high rpm, Timing belt: hydraulic tensioner and idler rollers worn, Crankwalk — axial crankshaft play. Power: 280 PS.

Lancer (4G63T, 2005–2007) — Stay Away!: Balance shaft belt fails at high rpm, Timing belt: hydraulic tensioner and idler rollers worn, Crankwalk — axial crankshaft play. Power: 340 PS.

Lancer (4G63T, 2006–2007) — Stay Away!: Balance shaft belt fails at high rpm, Timing belt: hydraulic tensioner and idler rollers worn, Crankwalk — axial crankshaft play. Power: 366 PS.

Lancer (4G63T, 2006–2007) — Stay Away!: Balance shaft belt fails at high rpm, Timing belt: hydraulic tensioner and idler rollers worn, Crankwalk — axial crankshaft play. Power: 400 PS.

What to watch out for with the Mitsubishi Lancer? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Mitsubishi Lancer 8 have? +
The Mitsubishi Lancer 8 has 17 known engine weaknesses and 10 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Mitsubishi Lancer 8? +
faq.watch_a_avoid faq.watch_a_rec
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: 4G18 (1.6L NA). The most reliable engine is the 4G18 (1.6L NA) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the 4G63T (2.0L Turbo). Problem engine: 4G63T (2.0L Turbo) — stay away!
Which Mitsubishi Lancer 8 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Mitsubishi Lancer 8. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 3 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Mitsubishi Lancer 8 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Mitsubishi Lancer 8 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} 265 hp, four-wheel drive with active centre differential — the VII is the first Evo that feels like a complete car rather than a rally homologation vehicle with number plates. Below 3,000 rpm sluggish and baulky; above that the TD05H cuts in and pushes through to 7,000. Suspension more sorted than the V/VI, less raw — some find it too tame. Recaro seats narrow, 48-litre tank empty after 250 km. The cheapest Evo on the market and therefore the best value proposition in the range.
Is the Mitsubishi Lancer 8 worth buying used? +
The Mitsubishi Lancer 8 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Mitsubishi Lancer 8? +
The Mitsubishi Lancer 8 is available with engine variants from 98 to 400 hp. Petrol: 4G18 (1.6L NA), 4G63T (2.0L Turbo).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee