2004 Mitsubishi lancer sportback
JA3AD29F14U055467
Vehicle history report for the 2004 Mitsubishi lancer sportback (VIN JA3AD29F14U055467). Black. Title: Clean. 126,000 mi reported. Registered in Ca. No open recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN JA3AD29F14U055467
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.
Safety recalls None found
No open NHTSA recall campaigns were found for this 2004 mitsubishi lancer sportback.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Mitsubishi lancer sportback, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Test wipers, washers, defrosters and all mirrors. Check the windshield for cracks and any camera/sensor for fogging or faults.
🔍 Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
🔍 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.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
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 8
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2004 Mitsubishi lancer sportback.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL - I TOOK MY CAR IN TO HICKORY MITSUBISHI IN HICKORY, NC TO GET THE AIRBAG FIXED. I PICKED UP MY CAR IN THE AFTERNOON. IT STARTED TO GET DARK ABOUT AN HOUR LATER, SO I TURNED MY LIGHTS ON. I HAVE NO INTERIOR LIGHTS ON MY CAR. I CAN'T SEE MY ODOMETER, SHIFT COLUMN,ETC. I HAD TO TRAVEL A SIGNIFICANT DISTANCE TO GET THIS REPAIR SINCE THERE IS NO LO…
NHTSA ODI #11048286ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
AFTER CAR HAD BEEN RUNNING FOR SEVERAL MINUTES, THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL KNOB ON THE DASHBOARD WAS STUCK AND WAS UNABLE TO TURN FROM COLD TO WARM. WHEN TURNING THE KNOB, THE KNOB BROKE EXPOSING ELECTRICAL PANELING. THE AIR TEMPERATURE WAS NO LONGER ADJUSTABLE AND WAS WOULD ONLY BLOW COLD AIR WITH THE OUTSIDE BEING BELOW-FREEZING TEMPERATURES. THIS HAPPENED WH…
NHTSA ODI #10955571ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
ETACS FAILURE. LOSS OF ABILITY TO SIGNAL TURNS, LOSS OF WIPER FUNCTION BELOW HIGHEST SETTING, LOSS OF REAR WIPER, LOSS OF DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT, LOSS OF HIGH BEAMS, LOSS OF WIPER FLUID CONTROL. LOSS OF FUNCTION CAME ON SUDDENLY, MIS SPRING 2016 RETURNED INTERMITTENTLY OVER SUMMER, THEN FAILED COMPLETELY BEGINNING OF OCTOBER. A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT SA…
NHTSA ODI #10920253ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I HAVE A 2004 MITSUBISHI LANCER SPORTBACK. THE FAN CONTROL UNIT IS DEFECTIVE AND WAS FIXED ONCE AT THE DEALERSHIP OF PURCHASE HOWEVER, SINCE THAT TIME FAN HAS REPEATEDLY MALFUNCTIONED IN TERMS OF IT RUNNING DURING THE ENTIRE TIME THAT THE VEHICLE IS IN OPERATION IN ADDITION TO IT STAYING ON EVEN AFTER THE ENGINE IS TURNED OFF AND THE KEY IS REMOVED FROM THE …
NHTSA ODI #10669401ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
MY HEAT AND COOLING CONTROL STICKS AND IT HARD TO TURN THE KNOB FROM COLD TO HEAT AND HEAT TO COLD. THE PIECE FINALLY BROKE 3 ON 11/12/11. THE UNIT NOW HAS TO BE CHANGED UNDER THE DASHBOARD WHICH I AM UNABLE TO DO WHILE DRIVING, WHEN MY WINDOWS ARE FOGGY I HAVE TO DRIVE WITH THEM BEEN FOGGY IF IT IS NOT IN THE RIGHT POSITION. IT APPEARS TO BE A KNOWN ISSUE W…
NHTSA ODI #10443533VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 MITSUBISHI LANCER SPORTBACK. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 25 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN ACCELERATING ABNORMALLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO STOP THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION BY APPLYING THE BRAKES ABRUPTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED BY A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP THAT ADVISED THAT THE FLY-BY-WIRE WOULD NEED REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED.…
NHTSA ODI #10404315ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
I OWN A 2004 MITSUBISHI LANCER SPORTBACK. THE HEATER AND COOLING CONTROL KNOB FOR INTERIOR HEATING AND COOLING WILL NOT CHANGE OVER FROM AIR CONDITIONING TO HEAT. IN THE AREA THAT I LIVE IT IS VERY COLD IN THE WINTER MONTHS ( 20 - 30 DEGREES). ACCORDING TO RESEARCH I HAVE DONE ON THIS ISSUE IT IS S KNOWN ISSUE AT MITSUBISHI. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD DUE T…
NHTSA ODI #10371754ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
I HAVE A 2004 MITSUBISHI LANCER SPORTBACK. THE FAN CONTROL UNIT IS DEFECTIVE AND RECALLED ON OTHER VARIOUS MITSUBISHI MODELS INCLUDING OUTLANDER AND LANCER. HOWEVER, SINCE MY MODEL, THE LANCER SPORTBACK WAS NOT LISTED UNDER THE RECALL, MITSUBISHI REFUSES TO REPAIR/REPLACE IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10260891
