2003 Mitsubishi Lancer: jerking or lurching

Filed Jan 27, 2016 · Acceleration, Visibility · 20 miles · FL

The temperature knob broke easily because it was hard to turn making the defroster impossible to use which is a safety hazard. Furthermore the cruise control was always faulty to begin with but now it isn't even usable. Automatic transmission also loves to lurch into 3rd gear while slowing down at the same time and then jumping back into the speed I was previously going. This issue usually happens at speeds lower than 50 MPH.

Filed May 17, 2011 · Transmission, Visibility · 100 miles · CA

I have two issues which seem to have both already been reported. 1. While driving the transmission will idle high while driving, but the vehicle is not speeding up. Then without warning the transmission catches, and the car lurches forward. This is a random issue that happens daily with the vehicle. Servicing the transmission has not fixed the problem and continues to be a problem to this day. 2.the heater/AC control know became very difficulty to change between heater and A/C. The switch has finally broke off, and now I'm unable to switch between heater and A/C. I have done research and this also seems to be a problem that has not been resolved. I have found most other auto owners have paid for the replacement, but only to have the same problem occur again. I have done research on both of these issues and is has been reported as far back as 2004, and at this point I do see any recalls by mitsubishi to fix either of the problems.

Filed Jul 30, 2010 · Steering, Transmission · 114,000 miles · NV · crash

When driving my lancer either on city or highway, it refuses to shift. The rpms go up, but the car wont accelerate. It actually slows down as if I'm pressing on the brakes (and im not) then out of nowhere the gear will shift and the car lurches forward unexpectedly. It does this all the time. The last time it did it I ran into a car. This is a huge hazard. When I step on the brakes the car almost stops, then jumps forward about 2 feet before actually stopping. This is a horrible thing to do to a driver. The car literally has a mind of it's own and the dealership refuses to do anything about it. I've seen complaints about other owners with the same issue and all of them say that their transmission died completely thus leaving their car permanently motionless. I can't even look forward to getting this fixed...I can only look forward to.....nothing. I can't sell the car nor get a new one because I've spent so much money on this lancer and nothing fixes it. I was told that it was the brake pads, the transmission fluid, the catalytic converter, the tires, the gas pedal line, and air in the brakes... I had all of these things replace and no cheap costs and it's still not fixed. Please! Order mitsubishi to recall this defective transmission! It should be a crime to sell such a defective and deadly product. Mitsubishi should be investigated! Also, when the car's rpms are above 4000, the power steering dies and I cannot turn left or right, thus I lose all control of the vehicle. I've taken it to the henderson nv dealership and they said that there was no type of recall and everything should be fine....I've nearly crashed and probably could have lost my life countless times. Countless. Mitsubishi should be banned from making vehicles in america!

Filed Mar 18, 2009 · Body, Visibility · TX

The air/heating unit button on the dash broke off completely. It was extremely hard to turn the knob to heat while attempting to turn it to the right. When I contacted the dealer they knew exactly what I was talking about. They said that they've had many car owners buying the unit because this is a common problem with the 2003 lancer. The unit itself is very expensive to buy at a cost of $379.00. This does not include the labor. The labor was quoted at $549.00, because they would have to take the dashboard/ trim out and off to replace the unit. I just replaced the unit and the same problem has started again. This is just one of many problems. I have experienced. The car will jerk and hestitate and lose power while driving. The gears will shift and I will lose momentum while driving. You can hear a revving sound like the transmission is about to go out. These are just a few problems - I haven't mention that I've had to replace the air condition unit because of the condensation leaking into the front passenger floor board causing it to fill with water. This problem occurred twice. The dealer replace the unit with a new one.

Filed Dec 30, 2005 · Transmission · 77,000 miles · OR

Ever since I bought my car 2 years ago it has sputtered and jerked but at first not that bad. The last year has been the worst. It stays revved up and then it will kick into gear. Finally christmas eve it broke down. The mechanic told me it is a hair line crack about 2 inches long on the transmission housing. Sure enough there is and I have a dead car.

Filed Feb 12, 2005 · Transmission · 11,000 miles · IL

Upon driving my 2003 lancer, I've noticed that periodically the transmission will skip and the car will do a jerk. It alarmed me because at that time the car had only about 11,000 miles on it. I am concerned because I haven't even had the car a year, and I thought I was getting a quality vehicle. As I looked on the complaint board I realized im not the only one with this issue. Is mitsubishi aware of this problem? And if so, what are they going to do about all of these cars? If anyone is having the same issues please contact danielle@847)619-5879.

Filed Jun 10, 2004 · Brakes, Transmission · 1,500 miles · FL

When driving my vehicle the transmission does not shift gears properly. Normal operation of the vehicle leads to jerky transitions from gear to gear and results in the inability to gauge the amount of pressure need to maintain/reach/sustain speed. This occurs in both highway and city environments. I have had the car serviced according to mfg'r recommendations of every 3000 miles. I have about 35000 miles on the vehicle at this point. It started doing this at about 4000 miles. I have had the vehicle checked multiple times. When taken to the dealership they informed me nothing was wrong. I have changed the trans. Fluid as well as all filters. I was told this is 'normal' for the car. I do not think however that this is a typical behavior for new vehicles. I have also had a problem for the past 1500 or so miles with my breaks squeaking. When I try to stop or pull out from a parking space they have a squealing sound. I have also had this evaluated at the mitsubishi repair shop and was informed they are fine.

Filed May 11, 2004 · Transmission · FL

While shifting vehicle jerked and shook uncontrollably. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and drove it to the dealer for inspection, but mechanic was unable to duplicate the problem.

Filed Dec 30, 2003 · Transmission · 4,000 miles · WA

Mitsubishi lancer evolution clutch has been making loud squeeling noises since 4000 miles. It now has 8300 miles on it and is getting worse. The other day I went to start the vehicle, (clutch fully depressed and in 1st gear) and the car lurched forward about 6 inches before the clutch disengaged!

Filed Oct 5, 2003 · Transmission · 12,000 miles · WA

Continuation of odi#10023954--within 2 weeks of repair on transmission (replaced valve body)--car repeated the same symptoms would not kick into gear to get on freeway or would jerk and lurch, slipping and sticking. The dealer replaced 6 parts on the outside of transmission--never looked inside for internal damage even though an independent mechanic told me there was probably internal damage when the valve body failed.

Filed Jun 28, 2003 · Transmission · 9,200 miles · WA

Transmission on my 2003 mitsubishi lancer is failing--went to get on freeway and had no speed--pedal was to the floor when it finally kicked into gear. It lurches and jerks and slips gears. The mitsubishi service dept. Tried to tell me nothing was wrong with it--when I took the technician for a ride we got ten feet and it jerked and clicked into gear--they say the transmission body valve is failing--ordered the part--told me it was safe to drive the car until it is fixed even though it is getting worse everyday, and I am leary of driving it on the freeway. It is under warranty, but I feel either this is a defect or I got a lemon. More to come after the repair.