2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 3%of 199 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 20,237miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the brakes of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer, 3% of the 199 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 20,237 miles. 1 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.
“On jan. 10, 2011 I was driving my friends 2003 Mitsubishi, Lancer. As we were leaving the doctors office parking lot I attempted to stop at the parking lot exit, a slight incline before a busy street. The brake pedal was firm but the car continued to roll forward. Even though I was pressing the brake as hard as I could I was unable to stop and the front end of the car was smash by a semi truck. My friend and I were unharmed but shaken up. …”
NHTSA complaint #10377981, filed 2011-01, 80,000 miles“When driving my vehicle the transmission does not shift gears properly. Normal operation of the vehicle leads to jerky transitions from gear to gear and results in the inability to gauge the amount of pressure need to maintain/reach/sustain speed. This occurs in both highway and city environments. I have had the car serviced according to mfg'r recommendations of every 3000 miles. I have about 35000 miles on the vehicle at this point. It started doing this at about 4000 miles. I have had the vehicle checked multiple times. When taken to the dealership they informed me nothing was wrong. …”
NHTSA complaint #10075188, filed 2004-06, 1,500 miles“Our 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer es has only 15,520 miles on it and we've had to replace the front brake pads and rotors. We took it to the dealership and I asked if there was an issue with the brakes on this model of Mitsubishi, explaining that my wife drives this car and it is parked in a covered garage, as evidenced by the excellent condition and low mileage. I was told this seems to be low mileage for the front brake pads and rotors to require replacement, but that happens.”
NHTSA complaint #10152935, filed 2006-03Related service bulletins
- 10170087Dec 7, 2012This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170086Nov 1, 2012This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10018380Dec 1, 2004Sport pedal installation tools. Mitsubishi. Tech talk.
- 10014418Oct 1, 2002Click or pop noise when braking.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 1 | 20% |
| 2011 | 2 | 6% |
| 2010 | 7 | 14% |
| 2009 | 16 | 16% |
| 2008 | 9 | 10% |
| 2006 | 4 | 11% |
| 2005 | 2 | 8% |
| 2004 | 2 | 3% |
| 2003 | 6 | 3% |
| 2002 | 18 | 12% |
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 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 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