2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

149

Owner Complaints

12 Crashes 6 Fires

6

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

18

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

The 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER has received a total of 149 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, TRAILER HITCHES, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL. 18 technical service bulletins have been issued by Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Suspension (20 complaints), Exterior Lighting (12 complaints), and Steering (10 complaints).

Recalls for the 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

NHTSA has recorded 6 recalls for the 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER, potentially affecting up to 505,930 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 04V197000 — TRAILER HITCHES

| 2,175 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED WITH DEALER-INSTALLED TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS AND CONTROL MODULE. THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE CAN OVERHEAT.

Consequence: OVERHEATING OF THE TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS MODULE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: OWNERS ARE BEING REQUESTED TO STOP USING THE HARNESS UNTIL A NEWLY DESIGNED REPLACEMENT IS PROVIDED AND CAN BE INSTALLED BY THE DEALER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 28, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-888-648-7820.

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Recall 04V067000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

| 134,000 vehicles affected

Defect: CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT CONTAIN A STEP-BY-STEP DESCRIPTION FOR HEADREST ADJUSTMENT WHEN INSTALLING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM (CRS) TETHER STRAP.

Consequence: IF THE TETHER STRAP IS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED TO THE TETHER ANCHOR, THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT RESTRAINED. IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE CHILD COULD BE INJURED.

Remedy: A LETTER OUTLINING THE PROBLEM WILL BE SENT TO OWNERS ALONG WITH A STICKER CONTAINING THE CORRECT INSTRUCTIONS AS WELL AS INSTRUCTIONS ON WHERE TO AFFIX THE STICKER IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 29, 2004. OWNERS...

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Recall 03V194000 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

| 43,649 vehicles affected

Defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WATER COULD ENTER THE FRONT FLOORBOARD AREA FROM OPENINGS IN THE SIDE SILL OR UPPER DASH AREA. THIS WATER COULD COLLECT UNDER THE SEAT AND CAUSE ELECTRICAL CORROSION TO OCCUR IN THE HARNESS CONNECTORS THAT CONTAIN THE WIRING FOR THE SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER, SIDE AIR BAG IMPACT SENSOR, AND STOP LAMPS.

Consequence: ELECTRICAL CORROSION OF THE HARNESS COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER TO MALFUNCTION, THE SIDE AIR BAG NOT TO DEPLOY AND/OR THE BRAKE LAMPS NOT TO ILLUMINATE OR TO FALSELY ILLUMINATE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SIDE SILLS AND DASH PANEL FOR OPENINGS THAT MAY ALLOW WATER LEAKAGE INTO THE VEHICLE CABIN. IN ADDITION TO SEALING ANY OPENINGS THAT MAY BE FOUND, THE WIRING CONNECTORS WILL BE INSPECTED FOR SIGNS OF ELECTRICAL...

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Recall 03V028000 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

| 31,000 vehicles affected

Defect: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DURING EXTREMELY LOW TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS, ICE CAN BUILD UP INSIDE THE ENGINE THROTTLE VALVE. THIS ICE BUILD-UP COULD CAUSE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO STICK OR NOT TO RETURN TO IDLE AFTER ACCELERATING.

Consequence: FAILURE TO RETURN TO IDLE COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ENGINE CONTROL COMPUTER TO ELIMINATE THIS CONDITION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JANUARY 29, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY...

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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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Owner Complaints for the 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

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

Suspension
Complaints: 20
Exterior Lighting
Complaints: 12 1 Crash 1 Fire 1 Injury
Steering
Complaints: 10 2 Crashes 3 Injuries
Electrical System
Complaints: 5 2 Fires
Suspensionrear
Complaints: 5
Unknown Or Other
Complaints: 5 1 Crash
Visibilitywiper
Complaints: 5
Air Bags
Complaints: 4 3 Crashes 1 Fire 3 Injuries
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System
Complaints: 4
Exterior Lightingheadlights
Complaints: 4
Seat Belts
Complaints: 4 1 Fire
Vehicle Speed Control
Complaints: 4 1 Crash 1 Fire
Air Bagsfrontal
Complaints: 3 3 Crashes 2 Injuries
Engine
Complaints: 3
Engine And Engine Coolingengine
Complaints: 3
Equipment
Complaints: 3
Fuelpropulsion System
Complaints: 3
Suspensionfront
Complaints: 3
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
Complaints: 3
Electrical Systemwiring
Complaints: 2
Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Cooling
Complaints: 2
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan
Complaints: 2
Exterior Lightingheadlightsconcealment Devices
Complaints: 2
Fuel System Gasoline
Complaints: 2
Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch
Complaints: 2
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
Complaints: 2
Steeringlinkages
Complaints: 2
Structure
Complaints: 2
Structurebody
Complaints: 2
Air Bagssidewindow
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemradiator Assembly
Complaints: 1
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
Complaints: 1
Equipmentelectrical
Complaints: 1
Exterior Lightingbrake Lights
Complaints: 1
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap
Complaints: 1
Power Train
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmission
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissioncontrol Module Tcmpcmtecm
Complaints: 1
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiontorque Converter
Complaints: 1
Power Traindrivelineconstant Velocity Joint
Complaints: 1
Power Trainmanual Transmissionshift Pattern Indicator
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsfrontretractor
Complaints: 1
Seat Beltsrearother
Complaints: 1
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads
Complaints: 1
Steeringlinkagestie Rod Assembly
Complaints: 1
Steeringrack And Pinionrack
Complaints: 1
Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields
Complaints: 1
Suspensionfrontcontrol Armupper Arm
Complaints: 1
Tiressidewall
Complaints: 1
Visibility
Complaints: 1
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
Complaints: 1 1 Crash 2 Injuries
Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher
Complaints: 1
Wheels
Complaints: 1

Most Recent Complaints

#11611129 | SUSPENSION | | 188,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle came to an immediate stop and did not return to normal operation. The contact noticed that the front control arm had detached. No warning light was illuminated. The contact researched and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V458000 (Suspension). The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to the residence. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was included in the recall but already had been serviced under the recall; however, the failure occurred. The failure mileage was 188,000.
#11520124 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | | N/A miles
HVAC temperature control knob is hard to turn, it broke off.
#11286857 | SUSPENSION | | 120,000 miles
REAR CONTROL ARMS ARE RUSTED THROUGH, THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FRONT AND HAD THE REPAIRS DONE. THE FRONT CONTROL ARM RECALL WAS DUE TO POOR RUST PROOFING DURING MANUFACTURING. THE REAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. CANNOT REALIGN REAR WHEELS AND REAR SWAY BAR BRACKET BROKE FREE ENTIRELY. VEHICLE IS NOW STATIONARY AS IT CANNOT BE DRIVEN.
#11278142 | STRUCTURE | | 67,384 miles
CAR TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, ANDERSON MITSUBISHI, 8162790354), JANUARY 2017, FOR NHTSA RECALL 16V458. CROSSMEMBER NOT REPLACED OR RUST TREATED. CROSSMEMBER FAILED 4-20-2019. REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE $2161.70. MADE CLAIM FOR REIMBURSEMENT THROUGH MITSUBISHI DEALER AND MITSUBISHI OF NORTH AMERICA. HAVE A MITSUBISHI FILE NUMBER [XXX]. MITSUBISHI OF NA HAS VERBALLY AGREED TO SETTLE, BUT HAS NOT CONTACTED ME SINCE AUGUST OF 2019. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET MY CALLS RETURNED SINCE. THE CROSSMEMBER BROKE WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON CITY STREETS WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO VEER INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE, WITHOUT ACCIDENT. CAR WAS TOWED AND REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE. I NEED HELP GETTING MY REIMBURSEMENT PAID. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE CAR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
#11278142 | SUSPENSION | | 67,384 miles
CAR TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, ANDERSON MITSUBISHI, 8162790354), JANUARY 2017, FOR NHTSA RECALL 16V458. CROSSMEMBER NOT REPLACED OR RUST TREATED. CROSSMEMBER FAILED 4-20-2019. REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE $2161.70. MADE CLAIM FOR REIMBURSEMENT THROUGH MITSUBISHI DEALER AND MITSUBISHI OF NORTH AMERICA. HAVE A MITSUBISHI FILE NUMBER [XXX]. MITSUBISHI OF NA HAS VERBALLY AGREED TO SETTLE, BUT HAS NOT CONTACTED ME SINCE AUGUST OF 2019. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET MY CALLS RETURNED SINCE. THE CROSSMEMBER BROKE WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON CITY STREETS WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO VEER INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE, WITHOUT ACCIDENT. CAR WAS TOWED AND REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE. I NEED HELP GETTING MY REIMBURSEMENT PAID. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE CAR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

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Safety Rating for the 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

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

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. has issued 18 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

TSB-08-37-006 — STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY

MITSUBISHI: A TIE ROD FREE PLAY CHECK HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE SERVICE MANUALS. *PE

0554003 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

FOG LIGHT CIRCUIT DIAGRAM - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT

0554002 — ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

SPLICE LOCATIONS S061 IS INCORRECTLY IDENTIFIED - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT

09012004 — SUSPENSION

SUSPENSION NOISES. *EH

0413005 — POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) REPROGRAMMING WITH MUT-III FOR THROTTLE ICING. *TT

0315002 — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM

ABNORMAL EXHAUST NOISE DURING ACCELERATION. *TT

0300009 — TRAILER HITCHES

TOW HITCH TORQUE SPECIFICATION. *TT

93 — SUSPENSION:REAR

SQUEAK FROM REAR SUSPENSION WHEN COLD. *TT

0317004 — VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL

CRUISE CONTROL MAY NOT SET THE DESIRED SPEED, OR THE DRIVER MUST HOLD THE ACCELERATOR FOR FIVE TO TEN SECONDS AT THE DESIRED SPEED BEFORE RELEASING TO SET THE CRUISE CONTROL. *TT

0333001R — SUSPENSION:FRONT

STEERING DRIFT. *TT

Showing 10 of 18 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

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

Other Model Years of the MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

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Other MITSUBISHI Models

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