2003 Mitsubishi Lancer visibility problems

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 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 Aug 11, 2013 · Visibility · MA

The climate control knob was hard to turn and final broke so I can't use my car in the winter because I can't turn it to heat and I have 2 young children. There should be a recall this has appended to thousands and its a safety hazard in multiply ways.

Filed May 12, 2013 · Electrical, Visibility · 180,000 miles · NY

The temperature control knob was very hard to turn on the AC/heater module and eventually broke off. A failure of the temperature selection could result in inability to defrost the windshield properly, resulting in unsafe driving environment.

Filed Mar 1, 2013 · Electrical, Visibility · 60,000 miles · CA

The hot/cold switch broke off. Since I bought this car it has been difficult to turn the switch for temperature control. Both knobs are damaged and now im not able to control the direction of the air neither the temperature. This has to be a manufacture defect since. During my research online I've found many similar problems like this one. Mitsubishi should make a recall and fix it .

Filed Dec 11, 2012 · Visibility · MO

The heat/AC knob on my 2003 mitsubishi has been extremely difficult to turn. This is especially hazardous when trying to defrost the windshield. It now does not turn any more and I do not want to force it because I am afraid it will break. Because of this I have no heat in my car and my windows fog up making it very hard to see out of the windows. I have contacted my local mitsubishi dealer and they said that this is not a recall and would cost about $1400 - $1500 to fix. There are many people who are reporting the same problem with the same car. I believe this is a design flaw and should be made a recall and repaired for free.

Filed Dec 2, 2012 · Visibility · 75,000 miles · CA

Heat/AC knob has always been difficult to turn. It is now stuck on A/C. I am located in an area that acquires freezing temperatures, and evidently, will need to be able to defrost the windshield. Upon researching this issue, I have come across thousands of mitsubishi owners with the same problem. Since most of the u. S. Experiences freezing temperatures this should, without a doubt, be a recall because it is affecting so many driver's visibilities. The other safety aspect to be considered pertains young children, the elderly, and the ill. Car windows open or not, how is it safe to have the young, elderly, or ill in a car over 100 degrees or under 32 degrees? This is simply unacceptable, irresponsible, and unsafe. Please advise a recall.

Filed Dec 1, 2012 · Visibility · IL

The heat/AC knob on my 2003 mitsubishi has been extremely difficult to turn. This is especially hazardous when trying to defrost the windshield, until it finally broke completely off. Now I have no heat in my vehicle and it visually impairs my driving when it is cold and frosts up. I tried to search for parts( complete switch or switch knob shaft) they're not available but whole unit about $300 + labor. Are they(mitsubishi) going to issue a recall? The more I research, the more I find that this is a problem for hundreds of other mitsubishi lancer owners with this same situation on their hands. The more I research, the more I find that this is a problem for others.

Filed Sep 17, 2012 · Visibility · 77,000 miles · MD

I have had my 2003 lancer for about 4 years and the AC/heater knob has always been difficult to turn. Recently the knob "broke" and it is now stuck on AC and I now have no heat therefore it means I have no defrosters. This is a visibility issue and there should be a recall. According to all of the complaints this is a common problem that needs to be addressed and taken care of.

Filed Aug 30, 2012 · Visibility · 120,000 miles · PA

Purchased vehicle brand new july 2003. Heat/AC knob has always been difficult to turn. It is now stuck on A/C. I am located in an area that acquires freezing temperatures, and evidently, will need to be able to defrost the windshield. Upon researching this issue, I have come across thousands of mitsubishi owners with the same problem. Since most of the u.s. Experiences freezing temperatures this should, without a doubt, be a recall because it is affecting so many driver's visibilities. The other safety aspect to be considered pertains to: young children, the elderly, and the ill. Car windows open or not, how is it safe to have the young, elderly, or ill in a car over 100 degrees or under 32 degrees? This is simply unacceptable, irresponsible, and unsafe. Please advise a recall.