Worst 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Visibility
Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Automatic Transmission
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | 28 | — | — | 107,753 mi | |
| Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System | 28 | — | — | 85,339 mi | |
| Automatic Transmission | 19 | 2 | — | 30,885 mi | |
| Power Train:Clutch Assembly | 17 | — | — | 24,163 mi | |
| Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Windshield:Electrical Heating Element | 12 | — | — | 62,920 mi | |
| Other Equipment | 10 | — | 1 | 70,443 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 9 | — | — | 137,240 mi | |
| Air Bags:Frontal | 7 | 7 | — | 20,500 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 7 | — | 1 | 134,500 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 6 | — | — | 98,900 mi | |
| Body Structure | 6 | — | — | 4,000 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 6 | — | — | 71,004 mi | |
| Manual Transmission | 5 | — | — | 11,682 mi | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | — | — | 41,002 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | — | — | 61,007 mi | |
| Steering:Column | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Instrument Cluster | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Power Train:Axle Assembly | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Power Train:Clutch Assembly:Pedal/Hand Lever(Motorcycle) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic Brakes | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Vehicle Speed Control:Cruise Control | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Heater Core | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbags | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~194,674 vehicles.
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 and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
Other Mitsubishi Lancer Years
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?
What are common problems with the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer?
How safe is the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Does the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Mitsubishi Lancer reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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