2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 4%of 199 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 20,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the air bags of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer, 4% of the 199 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,500 miles. 7 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Was in a 45 MPH rear end collision. Air bags did not deploy, back seat passenger seat belt and tether clip failed. Sons car seat hit the back of passenger seat, luckily I had already dropped in off at day care.”
NHTSA complaint #10117983, filed 2005-04, 28,000 miles“Vehicle was involved in a front passenger side collision while driving at 40 MPH. Upon impact, neither driver's side nor passenger's side air bags deployed driver and passenger sustained minor injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #10047922, filed 2003-11, 13,000 miles“During a 30 MPH frontal collision front air bags did not deploy. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. The two occupant suffered from chest, back and shoulder injuries.”
NHTSA complaint #10079724, filed 2004-07“While driving 35 MPH consumer's vehicle was involved in a rear end collision, upon impact, front air bags did not deploy. The vehicle was towed to dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #10089762, filed 2004-08“The contact owned a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer. While driving at an unknown speed, the consumer was involved in a crash that destroyed the vehicle. The contact stated the frontal driver air bag did not deploy. The frontal passenger air bag did. The driver sustained injuries. A police report was available. The vehicle was towed to a police impound and was not examined for the cause of the air bag failure. Updated 10/21/10. Lj the consumer crashed into a telephone pole. Updated 10/26/10”
NHTSA complaint #10339956, filed 2010-06Related service bulletins
- 10170086Nov 1, 2012This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 3 | 50% |
| 2016 | 1 | 3% |
| 2015 | 5 | 22% |
| 2014 | 5 | 31% |
| 2013 | 1 | 20% |
| 2012 | 1 | 5% |
| 2011 | 2 | 6% |
| 2010 | 2 | 4% |
| 2009 | 8 | 8% |
| 2008 | 7 | 8% |
| 2006 | 16 | 43% |
| 2005 | 10 | 42% |
| 2004 | 19 | 24% |
| 2003 | 8 | 4% |
| 2002 | 23 | 16% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
76 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
51 complaintsOther or unknown
17 complaintsEquipment
13 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology