2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
JMBSRCS3A5U006835
Vehicle history report for the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer (VIN JMBSRCS3A5U006835). Red, sedan, gasoline. Registered in Odesa. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN JMBSRCS3A5U006835
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page are free.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer data →
What's a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer worth?
What comparable 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer 4-DR.. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer — ranges cover the 3 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 2
Air Bag Inflator Rupture Open
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers. All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems. Dur…
NHTSA #EA15001 · Air Bags · opened Feb 2015Air Bag Inflator Rupture Closed
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-016 in June 2014 based on six inflator rupture incidents involving consumer owned vehicles produced by five vehicle manufacturers. All six vehicles were operated in Florida or Puerto Rico at the time of the rupture and for the majority of their service life, and were equipped with inflators produced by Takata, a tier-one supplier of automotive air bag systems. Dur…
NHTSA #PE14016 · Air Bags · opened Jun 2014 · closed Mar 2015An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 91
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free. Showing the 10 most recent of 91.
This Technical Information Notice informs dealers that with permission from the Puerto Rico Traffic Safety Commission, notification letters are being sent to vehicle owners with Puerto Rico addresses to inform them of open Takata recalls.
Bulletin TIN-25-00-013 · Air Bags · Nov 2025This Technical Information Notice informs dealers that with permission from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), notification letters are being sent to vehicle owners with Texas addresses to inform them of open Takata recalls.
Bulletin TIN-25-00-011 · Air Bags · Sep 2025This Technical Information Notice informs dealers that with permission from the Louisiana Motor Vehicle Division, notification letters are being sent to vehicle owners with Louisiana addresses to inform them of open Takata recalls.
Bulletin TIN-25-00-004 · Air Bags · Apr 2025This Technical Information Notice informs dealers that with permission from the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicle, notification letters are being sent to vehicle owners with Ohio addresses to inform them of open Takata recalls.
Bulletin TIN-25-00-005 · Air Bags · Apr 2025This is a Technical Information Notice informing dealers that MMNA is launching a social media campaign targeting vehicle owners with open Takata recalls.
Bulletin TIN-24-00-011 · Air Bags · Dec 2024This Technical Information Notice informs dealers that with permission from the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division, notification letters are being sent to vehicle owners with Arizona addresses to inform them of open Takata recalls.
Bulletin TIN-24-00-008 · Air Bags · Oct 2024This Technical Information Notice informs dealers that with permission from the Georgia Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle Division, notification letters are being sent to vehicle owners with Georgia addresses to inform them of open Takata recalls.
Bulletin TIN-24-00-007 · Air Bags · Sep 2024This Technical Information Notice informs dealers that with permission from the Georgia Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle Division, notification letters are being sent to vehicle owners with Georgia addresses to inform them of open Takata recalls.
Bulletin TIN-24-00-007 · Air Bags · Sep 2024This Technical Information Notice informs dealers that with permission from the Georgia Department of Revenue – Motor Vehicle Division, notification letters are being sent to vehicle owners with Georgia addresses to inform them of open Takata recalls.
Bulletin TIN-24-00-007 · Air Bags · Sep 2024This is a Technical Information Notice informing dealers that with permission from the New York Department of Motor Vehicles, notification letters are being sent to vehicle owners with New York addresses to inform of open Takata recalls.
Bulletin TIN-24-00-006 · Air Bags · Jul 2024Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the LANCER. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 4
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the pa…
Transport Canada #2018166 · Apr 2018Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the pa…
Transport Canada #2017444 · Sep 2017Structure
On certain vehicles, road salt can corrode the front crossmember assembly, which may ultimately lead to separation of the control arm at the mounting point. This would allow the wheel to rotate off its designed axis, and could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the crossmember and appl…
Transport Canada #2016317 · Jun 2016Airbag
On certain vehicles, the passenger frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the pa…
Transport Canada #2015236 · May 2015Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Mitsubishi Lancer
The Mitsubishi Lancer is an automobile that was produced by the Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors from 1973 until 2024.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 7
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles that previously received a like-for-like passenger side frontal air bag inflator under recall 15V321 as interim remedy. Also recalled are 2004-2006 Lancer vehicles located in Guam or Saipan that previously received or never received a new inflator under 15V321 or 17V569. These passenger side fron…
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will install a final replacement passenger side frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on April 26, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-005.
NHTSA Campaign #18V220000 · manufacturer #SR-18-005 · 05/04/2018AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Lancer and Lancer Evolution vehicles and 2004 Lancer Sportback vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a passenger side frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with a different inflator, free of charge. The recall began on October 12, 2017. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-17-001. Note: This
NHTSA Campaign #17V569000 · manufacturer #SR-17-004 · 14/09/2017SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, …
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repair
NHTSA Campaign #16V458000 · manufacturer #SR-16-003 · 23/06/2016EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
NHTSA Campaign #09E025000 · 11/05/2009EXTERIOR LIGHTING
CERTAIN TRADESONIC COMBINATION LAMPS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON THE ABOVE LISTED PASSENGER VEHICLES. COMBINATION LAMPS NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS FAIL TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT.
Remedy: TRADESONIC WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE LAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TRADESONIC AT 626-934-8884.
NHTSA Campaign #06E064000 · 17/07/2006EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
CERTAIN ANZO COMBINATION HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS WHICH FAIL TO CONFORM TO FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT."
Remedy: ANZO WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REPLACE THE HEADLAMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN MAY 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT ANZO USA AT 909-468-3688.
NHTSA Campaign #06E023000 · 13/03/2006EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH REMOVABLE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS AFFIXED TO THE DASH AND TO THE SUNVISOR DO NOT MEET THE SIZE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
Remedy: MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN WILL MAIL A CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION LETTER CONTAINING A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION AND A GRAPHIC OF THE BI-LINGUAL DASHBOARD AIR BAG WARNING LABEL. IN ADDITION, ALL CURRENT 2000-2004 NATIVA OWNERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG ALERT LABELS FOR THE SUN VISORS. THIS RECALL IS EXPEC
NHTSA Campaign #04V428000 · 01/09/2004Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 80 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 7 involved a crash 🔥 3 involved a fire 🚑 4 reported injuries
🔍 Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 80
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer.
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL. HAD ORIGINAL AIRBAG REPLACED 2 YRS AGO. RECEIVED A LETTER FROM MITSUBISHI STATING I NEEDED TO HAVE IT DONE AGAIN. I CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR MITSUBISHI WHEN I LEARNED THEY NO LONGER HAVE A MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP LOCALLY. I WAS ADVISED AT THAT TIME THAT THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP , IN EITHER DIRECTION, WAS 4-5 HOURS FROM WHERE I LIVE. I WAS ADVI…
NHTSA ODI #11183694AIR BAGS
2004 MITSUBISHI LANCER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED HE IS TOO VISUALLY IMPAIRED TO DRIVE THE LONG DISTANCE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED; THEREFORE, ACCEPTING ALL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE CONSEQUENCES. *JS
NHTSA ODI #11120329SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PULLING TO ONE SIDE AND THE TIRES WERE WORN DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT TIRE FACILITY WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CROSS MEMBER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER:…
NHTSA ODI #11114123SUSPENSION
I WAS GOING TO REPLACE THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS ON MY OWN BUT NOW I AM ONLY GOING TO BE ABLE TO REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER CONTROL ARM BECAUSE THE DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM IS CORRODED AND THE BOLT DOES NOT COME OUT. I WAS GOING TO BUY THE CROSSMEMBER MYSELF BUT THAN A FAMILY MEMBER SHOWED ME A LINK THAT SAYS THIS CROSSMEMBER ON MY MODEL COULD BE A RECALL. B…
NHTSA ODI #11112984AIR BAGS
2004 MITSUBISHI LANCER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT PROVIDE A CONVENIENT OPTION TO HAVE THE RECALL REPAIR COMPLETED.*JS
NHTSA ODI #11111611AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL MY LOCAL MITSUBISHI DEALER, CUTTER MITSUBISHI (HTTPS://WWW.CUTTERMITSUBISHI.COM) HAS REFUSED TO FIX THE RECALL. I HAVE TELEPHONED MORE THAN FIVE TIMES, LEAVING DETAILED MESSAGES, INCLUDING BOTH THE AIR BAG RECALL AND NOT INCLUDING THE AIR BAG RECALL. THEY HAVE NEVER RESPONDED TO ONE TELEPHONE CALL, AND THEY NEVER ANSWER THE PHONE. I HAVE …
NHTSA ODI #11110816AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V569000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MITSUBISHI DEALER WAS OVER 100 MILES AWAY AND A RECALL REPAIR APPOINTMENT COULD NOT BE SCHEDULED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECA…
NHTSA ODI #11091563AIR BAGS
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SRS INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE HORN DID NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BIG TWO MITSUBISHI (6222 AUTO PARK DR., MESA, AZ 85206, (480) 218-2000) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WOULD NEED TO BE PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED DUE TO…
NHTSA ODI #11091341+ 72 more complaints on record.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?
No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.
Are there safety recalls on the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer model year. That covers the model year, not this individual car: to see whether a specific vehicle still needs a recall repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
What is a fair price for a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Comparable 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer listings run roughly $800–$2,900, typically around $1,927 (from 31 comparable vehicles). The full report shows this exact VIN's valuation.
What is the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer safety rating?
NHTSA gives the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 2★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).
What fuel economy does the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer get?
The 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer has U.S. EPA estimates of 22–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).
Recall data checked 7 Oct 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.