2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 6%of 199 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 130,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the electrical system of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer, 6% of the 199 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 130,000 miles. 1 a fire, 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.
“The hot/cold switch broke off. Since I bought this car it has been difficult to turn the switch for temperature control. Both knobs are damaged and now im not able to control the direction of the air neither the temperature. This has to be a manufacture defect since. During my research online I've found many similar problems like this one. Mitsubishi should make a recall and fix it .”
NHTSA complaint #10500998, filed 2013-03, 60,000 miles“Airbag horn doesn't work I changed the clock spring but still doesn't work, suspension is terrible I fell like I am going to crash. The heater also doesn't work and the control knob is not working.”
NHTSA complaint #10661840, filed 2014-12, 137,000 miles“All three brake lights stopped working with no warning. 1. Normal driving to and from work, unsure of anything leading up to failure. Was alerted by another driver that was behind me while driving and then pulled up next to me at a light. Was lucky there was no crash. 2. Lights are completely out, have not been able to get them back on 3. Have checked the fuse as labeled in the manufacturers handbook, checked the brake light switch, checked the light bulbs, all are in ok fashion and work when tested separately.”
NHTSA complaint #10251547, filed 2008-12, 86,000 miles“The heater knob on my Mitsubishi Lancer was hard to turn from hot to cold from the very first time I got the car with 65000 miles. One day the knob broke. I went to the official dealer and they told me they had to replace the entire heating dashboard piece and I paid over 400.00. The knob even after this was not easy to turn and after a year and a half broke again. Now I find that many other people had the same problem. The dealer never mentioned this or offered any alternate solution when I mentioned the knob was still hard. I can't defrost my windshield since I cannot change the temperature. …”
NHTSA complaint #10429381, filed 2011-10, 65,000 miles“I had just left my home. I had not been driving for more than 2 minutes when my front speakers shut off. I then start to notice a burning smell. I see the interior start to fill up with smoke. I thought it was an engine fire at first until I noticed a fire in my passenger door speaker. I pulled over but was not able to extinguish the flames. I made a call to 911 to send the fire department. Thankfully the fire house was very close and was able to put the fire out before it damaged more than just the door. I have the door and subsequent damage scheduled to be repaired aug 18th 2008. …”
NHTSA complaint #10237314, filed 2008-08, 186,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10170096Mar 5, 2013This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170100Feb 6, 2013This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170087Dec 7, 2012This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10016133Apr 1, 2005Alternator fr terminal voltage - service manual revision.
- 10015711Apr 1, 2005Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0181 update. Mitsubishi tech talk.
- 10015337Feb 1, 2005Battery load test rate chart - service manual revision.
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 4 | 13% |
| 2015 | 6 | 26% |
| 2014 | 1 | 6% |
| 2012 | 1 | 5% |
| 2011 | 4 | 12% |
| 2010 | 5 | 10% |
| 2009 | 19 | 19% |
| 2008 | 7 | 8% |
| 2006 | 1 | 3% |
| 2005 | 2 | 8% |
| 2004 | 7 | 9% |
| 2003 | 12 | 6% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
76 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
51 complaintsOther or unknown
17 complaintsEquipment
13 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsSuspension
10 complaintsAir bags
8 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 28, 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