2003 Mitsubishi Lancer recalls and problems
The 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer has 2 safety recalls and 199 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mitsubishi dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer recalls
Recall 16V-458: Suspension
Problem: 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.
Risk: A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 04V-428: Equipment
Problem: 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: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
Fix: 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.
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer problems reported by owners
| 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 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 6 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 5 |
Most reported parts
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 28
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 19
- Power Train › Clutch Assembly — 17
- Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Windshield › Electrical Heating Element — 12
- Air Bags › Frontal — 7
- Structure › Body — 6
- Power Train › Manual Transmission — 5
- Steering › Column — 3
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 50,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Mitsubishi Lancer years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer: 16V-458 (suspension), 04V-428 (equipment). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Owners report visibility problems most often (71 reports), followed by power train (53). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 50,000 miles.
Are Mitsubishi recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mitsubishi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.