CarRecallWatchThe 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 199 complaints with NHTSA, including 13 crashes, 1 fire, 13 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Visibility (71 reports).
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer recalls
Front Control Arm Can Detach, Risking Loss of Control
Certain Mitsubishi vehicles sold in or ever registered in a number of Northeastern, Mid-Atlantic and Midwestern states may have a front cross member that corrodes from salt water exposure, such as road salt.
Most common 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer problems
Problem areas named in the 199 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Visibility | 71 |
| Power Train | 53 |
| Unknown Or Other | 16 |
| Structure | 13 |
| Equipment | 13 |
| Electrical System | 12 |
| Suspension | 10 |
| Air Bags | 8 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 |
| Steering | 6 |
What owners report
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 c
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.
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/
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.
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?
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer questions
Does the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer: Front Control Arm Can Detach, Risking Loss of Control; Equipment:Other:Labels. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Based on 199 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Visibility (71), Power Train (53), Unknown Or Other (16).
How do I check if a recall on my 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.