2003 MITSUBISHI LANCER — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

241

Owner Complaints

17 Crashes 2 Fires

6

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

24

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2003 MITSUBISHI LANCER

The 2003 MITSUBISHI LANCER has received a total of 241 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 6 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING. 24 technical service bulletins have been issued by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Visibility (28 complaints), Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System (28 complaints), and Power Trainautomatic Transmission (19 complaints).

Recalls for the 2003 MITSUBISHI LANCER

NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 2003 MITSUBISHI LANCER, potentially affecting up to 634,399 vehicles.

Recall 16V458000 — SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

| 194,674 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 09E025000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 42,540 vehicles affected

Defect: 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 THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 06E038000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 724 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 06E023000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

| 292,000 vehicles affected

Defect: 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."

Consequence: 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.

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Recall 04V428000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

| 100,432 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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...

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Recall 06E064000 — EXTERIOR LIGHTING

| 4,029 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

Consequence: 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.

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Owner Complaints for the 2003 MITSUBISHI LANCER

241 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 MITSUBISHI LANCER. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Visibility
Complaints: 28
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 28
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 19 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Power Trainclutch Assembly
Complaints: 17
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 15 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemwindshieldelectrical Heating Element
Complaints: 12
Equipment
Complaints: 10 1 Fire
Suspension
Complaints: 9
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 7 7 Crashes 7 Injuries
Electrical System
Complaints: 7 1 Fire
Power Train
Complaints: 6
Structurebody
Complaints: 6
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 6
Power Trainmanual Transmission
Complaints: 5
Structure
Complaints: 5
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 5
Steeringcolumn
Complaints: 3
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
Complaints: 2
Engine
Complaints: 2
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 2
Power Trainaxle Assembly
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Power Trainclutch Assemblypedalhand Levermotorcycle
Complaints: 2
Seat Belts
Complaints: 2 1 Injury
Service Brakes Hydraulic
Complaints: 2
Steering
Complaints: 2 1 Crash
Tires
Complaints: 2
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
Complaints: 2
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core
Complaints: 2
Air Bags
Complaints: 1
Child Seattether Strapwebbing
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Electrical Systemhorn
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemignition
Complaints: 1
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 1
Electronic Stability Control Esc
Complaints: 1
Electronic Stability Controlautomatic Asc
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor
Complaints: 1
Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Other
Complaints: 1
Power Trainclutch Assemblybell Housing
Complaints: 1
Power Traintransfer Case 4 Wheel Drive
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 1 Injury
Service Brakes Airsupplycheck Valve
Complaints: 1 1 Crash
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Components
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 1
Structurebodybumpers
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Members
Complaints: 1
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 1
Visibilitywindshield
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11630953 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | | N/A miles
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.
#11433196 | SUSPENSION | | N/A miles
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/
#11286324 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | | 165,000 miles
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.
#11286324 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING | | 165,000 miles
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.
#11286324 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | | 165,000 miles
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.

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Safety Rating for the 2003 MITSUBISHI LANCER

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2003 MITSUBISHI LANCER in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 MITSUBISHI LANCER

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. has issued 24 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 MITSUBISHI LANCER. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

0455003 — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:ELECTRICAL HEATING ELEMENT

HEATER TEMPERATURE DIAL HARD TO TURN. *TT

05002 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

EMISSIONS 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). *TT

0522003 — POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY

CLUTCH RELEASE BEARING INSTALLATION. *TT

0517001 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

CRUISE CONTROL DIAGNOSIS - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT

04006 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

AIR BAG WARNING LABEL SERVICE CAMPAIGN. *TT

0411005 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

ENGINE TIMING BELT TENSIONING PROCEDURE - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT

0313009 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING FOR DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0507. *TT

0335003 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

CLICKING, SQUEALING, OR GROANING NOISE WHEN BRAKING. *PH

0322001 — POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

NEWLY CONFIGURED 5TH GEAR SYNCHRONIZER SLEEVE FOR 2003 LANCER EVOLUTION MANUAL TRANSMISSION. *PH

0355008 — VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR

DEBRIS (SUCH AS LEAVES, ETC) ENTERING THE FRONT COWL AREA MAY CLOG THE EVAPORATOR HOUSING DRAIN TUBE. IF THIS OCCURS, THE EVAPORATOR HOUSING MAY FILL UP WITH CONDENSATION AND OVERFLOW INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, AND INTO THE BLOWER MOTOR THROUGH THE COOLING TUBE. *TT

Showing 10 of 24 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 MITSUBISHI LANCER

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the MITSUBISHI LANCER

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Other MITSUBISHI Models

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