Model year guide

2004 Mitsubishi lancer sportback

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 Mitsubishi lancer sportback is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

2004 Mitsubishi lancer sportback — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 Mitsubishi lancer sportback at a glance

Owner complaints8
Combined22 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2004 Mitsubishi lancer sportback common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Visibility
Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Air Bags
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.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

2004 Mitsubishi lancer sportback MPG & running costs

Combined22 mpg
City20 mpg
Highway26 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,050
EPA size classSmall Station Wagons
TransmissionAutomatic 4-spd
Passenger volume94 cu ft
Cargo volume25 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$3,250 more

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2004 Mitsubishi lancer sportback costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$15,250
Fuel only$15,250
Per mile$0.20

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.

2004 Mitsubishi lancer sportback trims & engines on record

Engines
2.4L

2004 Mitsubishi lancer sportback vehicles on record

2004 Mitsubishi lancer sportback 2004 Mitsubishi lancer sportbackJA3AD29F14U055467

Other Mitsubishi lancer sportback model years

2014 2013 2012 2011 2010

2004 Mitsubishi lancer sportback — frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mitsubishi lancer sportback?

Across all 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are electrical system, visibility, exterior lighting.

What gas mileage does the 2004 Mitsubishi lancer sportback get?

The 2004 Mitsubishi lancer sportback has a U.S. EPA estimate of 22 mpg combined (20 city / 26 highway).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.