Three problems related to frame rust have been reported for the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer based on all problems reported for the 2003 Lancer.
Severe rear frame rail unibody rust. Specifically where the rear aluminum subframe mounts to the body. My vehicle, along with thousands other, have shared similar rust and rot from the exact same locations on 2003-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer evolutions. Absolutely no frame protection for the steel body. There is already a recall on the front subframe for rust that can allow the front lower control arm to fall out. The same could happen to the rear of these vehicles where the entire rear end/drivetrain and suspension could fail and fall out, potentially causing a severe safety issue. Any part of the us where high humidity/rainfall or where road salts/solutions are used accelerate the corrosion process. Being a unibody vehicle this is a serious problem and design flaw. It happens over time and doesn't discriminate to conditions. Happens on both driver and passenger sides of the rear frame legs where the subframe mounts.
Takata recall. On front driver side the control arm/subframe is rusted/rusting out really bad. There is a whole the size of a fist where the control arm attaches to the frame.
Car had manual transmission problems roughly at 30k, transmission problems again, needed to be replaced, not covered under warranty. Car is rusting on frame, on exterior, carpet inside is paper thin, road salt had eaten through it - already have visible rust on wheel well. This car is pathetic, wouldn't give this make to my worse enemy. I will be making another phone call to Mitsubishi motors. Definitely a lemon in every sense of the word.