2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer. Newest first.
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…
Risk and remedy
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.
Dope, inc. IS recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on july 28, 2009. owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. combination lamps not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Lack of amber side reflectors in the lamps will decrease lighting visibility to other drivers and may possibly result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. the recall IS expected to begin during july 2006. owners may contact tradesonic at 626-934-8884.
Certain alfaotto combination headlamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy
Alfaotto will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. the recall began on may 10, 2006. owners may contact alfaotto at 626-656-2992 or visit their website at www.alfaotto.com.
Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to conform to federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Risk and remedy
Risk
Without the amber reflectors, the vehicle will be poorly illuminated, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. the recall began may 9, 2006. owners may contact anzo USA at 909-468-3688.
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 and remedy
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.
Owner complaints
199 complaints13 involved a crash1 involved a fire13 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Unknown or other
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…
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.
- Exterior lighting
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.
- Suspension
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…
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/
- Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Vehicle speed control
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…
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.
- Engine
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…
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?
- Engine
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???
- Unknown or other · Visibility/wiper
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…
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 nhtsa for help. Winter IS coming and I need my defroster. Please help me.
- Suspension
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.
- Suspension
Noticed suspension noise when going over speed bumps or potholes. Sounds coming from the driver side lower control arm.
- Unknown or other
2003 mitsubishi lancer. consumer writes in regards to vehicle stalls and causes head-on collision. *smd *js
- Structure › Body · Suspension · Unknown or other
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.
- Structure › Body · Unknown or other
The lower control arm became detached resulting in the inability to deive the car! I contacted the dealerships and they have basically been incorporated to helping fix the recall!!!! I do notbdrive the car because I loose control of it
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi lancer. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v458000 (suspension). The part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Updated 01/25/2017*ct updated 7/12/18*jb
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi lancer. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v458000 (suspension); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi lancer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 mph and while making a right turn, the driver side tie rod suddenly fractured rendering the vehicle not drivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 193,200.
- Unknown or other · Vehicle speed control · Visibility/wiper
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 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.
- Vehicle speed control
When I drive my 2003 mitsubishi lancer ES at 20 mph and 40 mph and want to increase the speed and press the gas pedal, the rpm of the car will increase and the speed of the car will decrease and all of a sudden, the speed will increase as if the gears in the auto transmission just engaged. I almost got into an accident
- Power train
Vehicle decided to shift to low gear while on the highway. It shift gears automatically for no reason. *tr
- Electrical system › Horn · Electronic stability control (esc) · Suspension
Airbag horn doesn't work I changed the clock spring but still doesn't work, suspension IS terrible I fell like I am going to crash. The heater also doesn't work and the control knob IS not working. *js
- Equipment › Appliance › Air conditioner
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi lancer. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the temperature control failed to switch from air conditioner to heat. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Unknown or other
Heater/ac knob broke off, unable to switch to heat, knob has been very difficult to turn, investigating problem and have found this to be a common event with mitsubishi vehicles during this release. Wondering if mitsubishi has issued a recall to correct the defect. Have found its going to be very…
Heater/ac knob broke off, unable to switch to heat, knob has been very difficult to turn, investigating problem and have found this to be a common event with mitsubishi vehicles during this release. Wondering if mitsubishi has issued a recall to correct the defect. Have found its going to be very pricey to fix, living on a fixed income and unable to afford the fix. Have had the car 14 years bought it in 2002 off the showroom floor not ready to give it up... *tr
- Power train
TL* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi lancer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the clutch failed to function and the contact heard a popping noise . The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
- Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
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. *tr
- Power train
First occurrence happened while attempting to leave a convenience store. clutch went to floor of vehicle, and did not know what was wrong. since 1ST occurrence it has happened regularly approximately every 3-4 weeks. for the last 8 years. clutch become spongy and requires me to refill master…
First occurrence happened while attempting to leave a convenience store. clutch went to floor of vehicle, and did not know what was wrong. since 1ST occurrence it has happened regularly approximately every 3-4 weeks. for the last 8 years. clutch become spongy and requires me to refill master cylinder with brake fluid. several occasions I have been driving when the occurred. car loses ability to shift due to clutch not engaging gears. I must be attentive to fluid levels to prevent it from happening. has been diagnosed as slave cylinder problem. *tr
- Electrical system · Visibility › Defroster/defogger/hvac system
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. *tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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…
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.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification numbers: 10537899, 10568848, 10585224, 10605877, 10651492
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10240443This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10235609This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
- 10235608This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more than 1.5 percent of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or 100 lbs.
- 10235606This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10211530This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a defective/broken part.
- 10170852This Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals.
- 10170100This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170099This is an index of Tech Talk newsletter articles released in 2012.
- 10170097This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170096This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170087This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170086This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170074This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170071This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170070This TSB contains troubleshooting steps for diagnosis of various customer complaints relating to the audio system speakers in Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with original equipment audio components.
- 10169006This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10163703This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced Label.
- 10130469This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10130468This is a message sent to dealers, to inform them that an update for MEDIC will be available.
- 10030330Mitsubishi: ABS hydraulic unit bracket torque spec. Changed; service manual revision. To provide corrected tightening torque specifications for the ABS hydraulic unit mounting bracket fasteners.
- 10026795Mitsubishi: a tie rod free play check has been added to the applicable service manuals.
- 10021743Reprogramming the pcm drivability or sensitivity issues can be corrected.
- 10021560Renotification campaign.
- 10021349Cooling fan controller.
- 10021291Hard to start engine. Dtc p0340 (and p0335). Could be due to abnormal wear to the camshaft position sensor.
- 10018940Insufficient heater performance.
- 10018380Sport pedal installation tools. Mitsubishi. Tech talk.
- 10018362Diagnostic trouble code p0335 and/or p0340 with malfunction indicator lamp on. Mitsubishi tech talk.
- 10017676Clutch release bearing installation.
- 10017673Rear lower arm pillow ball bushing replacement - service manual revision.
- 10017671Emissions recall campaign - incorrect parameters in the pcm software that may allow a malfunction in the vehicle speed sensor to go undetected by the on-board diagnostic system (obd).
- 10016864Engine timing belt tensioning procedure - service manual revision.
- 10016860Air bag warning label service campaign.
- 100167542-3 shift flare.
- 10016133Alternator fr terminal voltage - service manual revision.
- 10015820Cruise control diagnosis - service manual revision.
- 10015714Collapsed upper radiator hose. Mitsubishi tech talk.
- 10015711Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0181 update. Mitsubishi tech talk.
- 10015337Battery load test rate chart - service manual revision.
- 10015211Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0335 and/or p0340 with malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on.
Every Mitsubishi Lancer model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.