Tirefolio Find my fitment

2004 Mitsubishi lancer tire sizes & fitment

Approved tire and wheel sizes for the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer, sourced from manufacturer fitment data and refreshed monthly.

Approved fitments

Tire size Rim size PCD (bolt pattern) Offset Load index Speed rating
205/50R16 OEM R16 N/A N/A N/A N/A
195/50R16 OEM 6x16 N/A 46mm 84 V
205/50R16 6.5x16 N/A 46mm 87 V
205/45R17 6.5x17 N/A 46mm 88 V
185/65R14 OEM 5.5x14 N/A 46mm 86 S
195/55R15 6x15 N/A 46mm 85 H
195/60R15 6x15 N/A 46mm 88 H
185/65R14 OEM R14 N/A N/A N/A N/A
235/45R17 OEM R17 N/A N/A N/A N/A
195/60R15 OEM R15 N/A N/A N/A N/A

Best by use case

Four tires, four jobs

Best all-season

Bridgestone

Ecopia EP422 plus 205/50R16

all-season touring

Best budget

Yokohama

AVID ascend GT

Lowest cost per mile in this size; UTQG 740

Best quiet

Michelin

X-Ice snow

71 dB cabin noise (EU label); quietest in this size

Best winter

Michelin

X-Ice snow

Dedicated winter (premium compound); ice/snow grip

See the best tires for the Mitsubishi Lancer, ranked by category →

Tire recalls & safety complaints for the Mitsubishi Lancer →

Plus-size and winter-downsize options for every Mitsubishi Lancer factory size →

Compatible alternative sizes for 205/50R16

Sizes within the ETRTO ±3% overall-diameter safe-fit tolerance. Each row links to the size's own page.

Alternative size%Δ ODCategoryVerdict
225/40R17 0.07% plus 1 Safe
185/55R16 -0.25% winter narrower Safe
195/40R18 0.29% plus 2 Safe
215/60R14 0.36% alternative Safe
195/65R14 -0.38% alternative Safe

For the full list of alternatives with comfort/handling impact, see 205/50R16 upsize options. To check an arbitrary size pair, use the tire compatibility calculator.

Check a different size against this vehicle

Type any tire size below; we'll compute its overall-diameter delta against the OEM 205/50R16 and verdict using the ETRTO ±3% rule.

Common upgrade paths

Use the plus-size calculator to evaluate any rim step against the OEM size.

How to choose tires for the 2004 mitsubishi lancer

The 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer ships from the factory on 205/50R16 tires mounted on R16 wheels. 7 approved fitments are documented for this model year, allowing some flexibility between performance, comfort, and winter compounds. The Compatible alternative sizes table above lists every safe substitution within the ETRTO ±3% overall-diameter tolerance.

Tire choice on the Mitsubishi Lancer comes down to three trade-offs that matter more than brand loyalty: load index (must equal or exceed the OEM number), speed rating (must match or exceed the placard), and UTQG treadwear (higher means longer life, lower usually means stickier rubber). Owners replacing factory tires with the same compound class, for example all-season for all-season, generally see no change in ride characteristics or fuel economy. Switching categories (performance summer to all-season touring, for example) is where the trade-offs show up at the contact patch.

For 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer owners considering a plus-size upgrade, the safer option is a Plus-1 step (one rim size up with a 10-point aspect drop and ~10 mm of additional section width). Plus-2 is technically viable on this chassis if the alternative-sizes table lists a Plus-2 candidate within tolerance, but expect a meaningful ride-harshness penalty and a tire-cost premium of 30–60% per tire relative to the OEM fitment. For winter use the recommended pattern is one width step down (e.g. from a 235 to a 225) with the aspect ratio bumped up to preserve overall diameter; narrower tires apply higher contact pressure per square inch on snow, which translates directly into shorter braking distances. The plus-size calculator evaluates any specific rim step against this OEM size.

Before purchasing, verify the tire size on the driver-door placard of your specific 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer, since trim levels and option packages can shift the original fitment from what is documented here. The placard reading is the authoritative source per FMVSS 110, and dealers will reference the placard rather than aftermarket catalogs when validating warranty claims.

NHTSA-reported issues for 2004 mitsubishi lancer

1
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

Top issue category: Sidewall

Reported across: 2004 – 2004 (1 year)

What owners described

Sidewall failure is the most common description, in 18% of these reports. Percentages are shares of the 11 reports covering every model year of the Mitsubishi Lancer that include a written account; a single report can describe more than one problem, so they do not total 100%.

Reported problemThis subjectAll tire complaintsRelative
Sidewall failure 18% 15% 1.2×
Pressure-monitoring (TPMS) fault 18% 2% 7.6×
Cracking or dry rot 9% 9% 1.0×
Premature or uneven wear 9% 1% 7.0×

Mileage at failure

6 of these reports state an odometer reading. The middle report is at 11,500 miles, with 8 in 10 falling between 4,300 and 19,000 miles.

In owners' own words

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA about Mitsubishi Lancer. Reports are published by NHTSA as filed and are lightly cleaned here only to remove intake codes.

THE BRAKES WORE OUT PREMATURELY. THE PART WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM CONTINUED EXISTS. *AK THE VEHICLE LEFT BLACK OIL SPOTS ON THE GARAGE GROUND NEAR ALL FOUR TIRES THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD IT WAS FROM EXCESS FACTORY OVER COATING. THE BRAKES SQUEALED CONTINUOUSLY, THE FRONT BRAKE PADS WORE OUT PREMATURELY AND A NAIL WAS IN THE SIDEWALL OF THE REAR TIRE AND COULDN'T BE REPAIRED BECAUSE TO THE FRONT AND REAR STRUTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO LEAKAGE, HOWEVER THE CONSUMER WAS GETTING DIFFERENT OPINIONS REGARDING THE STRUTS. THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CALIPERS AND OR BRAKE DESIGN WHICH CAUSED THE BRAKES TO PREMATURELY WEAR OUT. *SCC THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED

NHTSA complaint 435300 · 2002 vehicle

I HAVE A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE MITSUBISHI MOTORS I BOUGHT MY CAR TWO YEARS AGO IN 2007 AND THE CAR IS A 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCE AND RIGHT NOW THE CAR SAYING THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE TIRE PRESSURE SYSTEM. THE CAR CONSUMES ALOT OF GAS FOR EXAMPLE YESTERDAY I PUT TEN DOLLARS IN THE AFTERNOON AND IN THE NIGHT I DIDN'T HAVE ANY GAS. THE DEALER WAS VERY RUDE BECAUSE ITS NOT THE FIRST TIME THIS INCIDENT HAS HAPPENED. LAST YEAR THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING HAD A DEFECT AND THEY FIXED IT BECAUSE I CALLED MY BANK AND TOLD THEM DON'T SEND THE CAR PAYMENT THROUGH. AND THEY WILL GIVE A NUMBER TO CONTACT SOME PRINCIPAL MITSIBISHI WHERE THEY ARE VERY RUDE TO ME BECAUSE I HAVE A HEAVY ACCENT AND CAN'T SPEAK ENGLISH VERY WELL. IF I GET THE CARE FIXED IT WILL COST ME LIKE 350-400 TO FIX IT THANKS THANKS A LOT.

NHTSA complaint 731516 · 2008 vehicle

TIRE LOCATED ON PASSENGER FRONT SIDE OF VEHICLE IS SHOWING CRACKS BETWEEN THE TREAD AREA AND THE SIDEWALL. FOUR TIRES WERE PURCHASED ON 12/04/2009 AND WERE INSTALLED AT A LOCAL SEARS AUTO CENTER. CRACKS WERE NOTICED OCTOBER 23, 2010, AND APPEAR TO FOLLOW THE CIRCUMFERENCE OF THE TIRE IN THE AREA BETWEEN THE TREAD AND SIDE WALL OF THE TIRE. TO DATE, CRACKS WERE NOTICED ONLY ON THE ONE TIRE. TAKING VEHICLE TO LOCAL SEARS FACILITY TODAY, 10/26/2010, FOR REPLACEMENT.

NHTSA complaint 822172 · 2003 vehicle

THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THAT THE DRIVERS SIDE PASSENGER TIRE VALVE FRACTURED CAUSING THE TIRE TO BECOME FLAT. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO ADVISED HIM THAT THE VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VALVE WAS REPLACED ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE TIRES. SINCE THE REPAIR, THE TPMS LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE AND HE HAD TO AD AIR TO THE TIRES EVERY 3 DAYS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,500.

NHTSA complaint 851250 · 2009 vehicle

Complaints are voluntarily submitted to the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation and are not verified by NHTSA; they represent owner-reported problems, not proven defects. Counts can be useful as a relative quality signal across comparable tires or vehicles.

Frequently asked questions

What size tires fit a 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer?
The OEM tire size for the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer is 205/50R16 mounted on R16 wheels.. Trim levels and option packages can shift the original fitment; confirm against your specific vehicle's driver-door placard before purchase.
Can I run a different tire size on my 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Plus-sizing (larger rim, lower aspect) is possible within ±3% of the OEM overall diameter per the ETRTO safe-fit standard. The Compatible alternative sizes table on this page lists every safe option for the OEM size. Always confirm with the manufacturer or a qualified tire shop before deviating from the placard.
Where can I buy tires for my 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Online tire retailers in our affiliate network carry every size documented for this vehicle. Use the Shop online buttons above to compare prices across them; variance of $20–$40 per tire is common between merchants. The <a href="/tools/tire-install-cost-calculator/">install cost calculator</a> estimates the out-the-door including mount, balance, TPMS, and disposal by state.
What is the recommended tire pressure for the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer?
The cold-inflation pressure is printed on the driver-door placard of your specific vehicle and varies by trim, tire size, and loaded vs unloaded condition. Typical OEM front and rear pressures fall between 30 and 36 psi for passenger trims and 32–40 psi for SUV/truck variants, but the placard is the authoritative source.
Can I fit winter tires in a different size on my 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Yes; the standard winter-tire fitment pattern is one width step narrower than OEM (e.g. 225 → 215) with the aspect ratio bumped up to preserve overall diameter. Narrower tires increase contact pressure on snow for better traction. The Compatible alternative sizes table includes any winter-friendly options that fall within ±3% OD for this vehicle.
How often should I rotate the tires on my 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Every 5,000–7,500 miles is the typical OEM recommendation for passenger vehicles. AWD vehicles and high-torque trucks benefit from the shorter interval. Documented rotation history is also a tire-warranty prerequisite; most manufacturer treadwear claims require rotation receipts at the warranty inspection.

For broader tire questions; replacement timing, UTQG, EV-specific tires, winter swaps; see the tire FAQ.

Sources for this page

  1. Vehicle owner's manual tire & wheel placard; door-jamb placard on the Mitsubishi Lancer is the authoritative source for OEM tire size, load index, and cold-inflation pressure for your specific trim.
  2. NHTSA SaferCar; recall lookup for the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer.
  3. ETRTO 2024 Standards Manual §2.3; overall-diameter math used for the alternative-size verdicts above.
  4. Tire & Rim Association 2025 Yearbook; load-index to maximum-load reference.

Last verified 2026-10-07.