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2003 Mitsubishi Lancer problems

The most common problem on the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer is windows, wipers and visibility, typically around 75,000 miles. It has 5.9 times the complaints of a typical Lancer model year.

Year to avoid5.9x the typical complaints
Year score
11/100
Owner complaints
199
Recalls
2
Service bulletins
77
Worst area
Visibility
Fuel economy
23-26mpg

The worst 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer

Slipping 12Jerking 11Ball joint 9No deployment 6

Recalls 2

Suspension: front: control arm: lower armReported June 23, 2016 · 194,674 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
Risk
A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1‑888‑648‑7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.

Recall number 16V458000 · Recall details

Equipment: other: labelsReported September 1, 2004 · 100,432 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
This does not meet the 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 expected to begin during march or april 2005. The notification to the nativa owners is expected to begin during april or may 2005. Owners should contact mitsubishi caribbean at 1‑787‑251‑8715.

Recall number 04V428000 · Recall details

See all 2 recalls for the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer

Defect investigations

Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpened February 24, 2015, still 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.During the course of PE14-016, ODI determined that five additional vehicle manufacturers used inflators of a similar design and vintage also supplied by Takata. No evidence of field failures was found in vehicles produced by these five additional manufacturers.Nonetheless, at ODI's insistence, all 10 vehicle manufacturers initiated a regional recall within approximately two weeks of the opening of the investigation.The regions recalled initially included Florida, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, areas with high absolute humidity and climatic conditions believed to be a significant factor in the inflator ruptures.As part of the recall actions, inflators removed from remedied vehicles are to be returned to Takata for testing.Takata's initial test results on passenger inflators from remedied vehicles indicated a much higher than anticipated rupture frequency for inflators returned from Florida.Accordingly ODI requested all 10 manufacturers expand the regional recalls for passenger inflators to include other geographic areas where high absolute humidity conditions exist, including the Gulf States and other coastal areas.Takata's testing of the passenger inflators to date continues to indicate this geographic area as having the highest risk, with no ruptures occurring from inflators returned from outside the expanded recall regions.During PE14-016 four additional passenger inflator field events occurred, all in vehicles from the same expanded geographic region.Also during PE14-016 four additional driver inflator field events occurred including two in vehicles from regions not known for high absolute humidity, specifically California and North Carolina.Accordingly, ODI requested all five of the affected vehicle manufacturers currently using the subject Takata driver inflators expand to nationwide recalls.Significantly, neither of the affected vehicle manufacturers or Takata provided any explanation to account for these two driver air bag inflator ruptures outside the area of high absolute humidity.Takata testing of returned driver inflators indicates a lower rupture frequency as compared to passenger inflator testing.All test ruptures reported by Takata to date have occurred on inflators returned from high absolute humidity areas.The investigation now includes all manufacturers and vehicles known to be affected at this time.ODI's investigation will focus on, among other things, root cause analysis, other potential defect consequences, identification of affected vehicles scope, and adequacy of the remedy.The five ODI reports cited above can be reviewed online at http://www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following identification numbers: 10537899, 10568848, 10585224, 10605877, 10651492

EA15001

Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer 77

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 77 bulletins for the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer

2003 Mitsubishi Lancer fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
1.6L 4‑cylFWD21-2427-3023-26
2.0L 4‑cylFWD21-2328-3024-26

What 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jun 8, 2026 · MI

The front subframe on the drivers side of the vehicle broke while maneuvering a right turn at a safe speed. This incident caused additional damage to the vehicle, with noticeable damage to the quarter panel. Additional damage is expected and may include the tie rod, wheel bearing, struts, sway bar link, etc. The driver and passenger were put at risk due to the severity of the break and the inability to move the vehicle. The speed of the vehicle may have prevented further risk to the driver and passenger at the time of the incident. The issue with the subframe was confirmed by an independent service center due to the lack of a Mitsubishi dealer is proximity. However, a Mitsubishi dealer was contacted but no response was received. It is believed that this issue is associated with the discovered Unrepaired Recalls associated with this VIN. A police officer arrived at the incident and a tow truck was ordered by the officer due to the danger of remaining in the location of the incident. The issue with the subframe first appeared on Sunday, May 31st 2026 with a noise produced by the vehicle while driving on unsmooth roads and through turns. The vehicle was inspected by an independent service center on Thursday, June 4th 2026 and significant erosion was discovered on the front subframe. A Mitsubishi dealer was contacted on Friday, June 5th 2026 and a voicemail was left. No contact was received. The incident occurred on Saturday, June 6th 2026. The vehicle and associated parts are available for inspection upon request.

Filed Dec 16, 2024 · Lights · MS

Need to correct manufacture recalls. Car has 262000 miles. Actual owner in my family. Want to correct issues before accident happens. I have very poor vision when driving because of car head lights being foggy.

Filed Sep 16, 2021 · Suspension · WI

The faulty control arm issue was repaired in 2017. When I went in for a front end alignment on 9/14/2021 they noticed that the control arms were rusting through. I live in Wisconsin and noticed that there is a recall on 2007 lancers for a similar problem where the control arms were not replaced with zinc coated control arms for protection from anti icing agents used on the roads. Does this recall extend to the 2003 lancers.09/14/

Filed Dec 2, 2019 · Acceleration, Electrical · 165,000 miles · CA

The air conditioning and heater controls knobs on dashboard. Do not turn. Can't. Adjust temperature electrical cercuit in the emissions system has low voltage that causes the engine.light to cpme on and turn off at random. The front headlights are very week in lumins. When driving on the highway and city streets , the car accelerates on its own without. Me pushing. On the foot pedel.. The sunroof moter came unattended on it own.

Filed Sep 26, 2019 · Engine · CA

2 years ago I brought a new catalytic converter for my car from de dealership. That cost me 496.76$ few months ago the check engine turn in and when I check I have the code p0421. That is the code for the catalytic converter again. I couldn't believe it. I when to mitsubishi 2 days ago and they told me that they couldn't believe it because I'm the first client that comes back for the same part. One of the employees check my car and he said that my car is burning oil. He told me that I have to change the valve lifter. Do I really need to do that then buy a new catalytic converter?

Filed Mar 26, 2019 · Engine · CA

Ok ever since the gasket went bad and replaced the gasket on the lancer the catalytic converter has been giving me issues not just gas but issues sounds and pings in the engine please let me know what's the issue with this vehicle I know there is some type of recall on this exact style of vehicle awhile back thanks. After 45 MPH or so jolts and rumbles???

Filed Oct 6, 2018 · Visibility · 83,000 miles · MN

The temperature control knob broke off. Vehicle was stationary. The arm inside can be turned with a needle nose pliers, but only towards the cold/AC side. It stops when turned towards the heat side and will not go- feels as though it could break if it was forced. This is extremely concerning as it is about to be winter in minnesota and with no heat, there is no defroster for windshield or rear window. I am very worried. Upon further investigation online with other owners of the 2003 lancer, I found out there are many other people with the same issue and I am lead to believe it is a problem with mitsubishi's design that should have been recalled. If I do not have a defroster I am in danger and I am very worried. It is also a safety issue in this state to not have heat. Temperatures drop below -10f degrees every year and often as low as -30f. I am calling on the good people of the federal safety agency for help. Winter is coming and I need my defroster. Please help me.

Filed Oct 3, 2018 · Suspension · 88,999 miles · IN

Upper/lower control arms, and front the whole front supension system is making a lot of creaking and sounds like it will break when driving.

Filed Jun 7, 2018 · Suspension · 247,000 miles · NJ

Noticed suspension noise when going over speed bumps or potholes. Sounds coming from the driver side lower control arm.

Filed Mar 22, 2018 · WI · crash · 1 injury

2003 mitsubishi lancer. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle stalls and causes head-on collision. *smd

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer before you buy

Compare the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer

Other model years

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Questions about the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer

Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?

Owners have filed 199 complaints about the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer, 5.9 times a typical Lancer model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer year score?

The 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer scores 11 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mitsubishi Lancer: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer?

Windows, wipers and visibility, with 76 complaints, typically around 75,000 miles. Next is transmission (51).

How many recalls does the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer have?

2 recalls, covering suspension and equipment.

What year does the Mitsubishi Lancer have the most visibility problems?

The Mitsubishi Lancer model years with the most visibility complaints are 2003 (76 complaints), 2002 (26 complaints) and 2004 (22 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer get?

Official estimates for the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer range from 23 to 26 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21-24 city and 27-30 highway.

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