2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 3%of 199 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 6,900miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer, 3% of the 199 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 6,900 miles.
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.
“We have a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer and the hot/cold switch broke off. In trying to research this, I literally found 100's of online complaints about this problem. We live in mn, and it is not possible to get the windows to defrost in the vehicle due to this problem. That is a huge safety issue. The company should be doing a recall fix on these...since getting it fixed doesn't fix the problem at all, the switch behaves the same way after about 90 days of use.”
NHTSA complaint #10262442, filed 2009-03“When I turn on the heat in my car the entire passenger side of the interior of my car floods.. Not a little leak, actual floods ?? The A/C fan no longer turn on unless you put it on the max. Setting my car only has 44k miles on it and this shouldn't be happening.”
NHTSA complaint #10169785, filed 2006-10“2003 Mitsubishi Lancer recall on the catalytic converter. Consumer states that the recall was never done but Mitsubishi states that it was fixed in june 2008.. Consumer was the owner at that time. A mechanic advised the consumer the catalytic converter needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10262329, filed 2009-03“2003 Lancer overheated and ran rough causing loss of coolant. Mechanic determined there was a blown head gasket. The consumer thought the problem may have been related to the recall that was performed on the vehicle previously.”
NHTSA complaint #10174338, filed 2006-11Related service bulletins
- 10170074Aug 28, 2015This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170071Jul 22, 2015This 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.
- 10021560Apr 1, 2007Renotification campaign.
- 10021349Mar 1, 2007Cooling fan controller.
- 10021291Jan 1, 2007Hard to start engine. Dtc p0340 (and p0335). Could be due to abnormal wear to the camshaft position sensor.
- 10015714Apr 1, 2005Collapsed upper radiator hose. Mitsubishi tech talk.
- 10015211Jan 1, 2005Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0335 and/or p0340 with malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on.
- 10018362Dec 1, 2004Diagnostic trouble code p0335 and/or p0340 with malfunction indicator lamp on. Mitsubishi tech talk.
- 10016864Dec 1, 2004Engine timing belt tensioning procedure - service manual revision.
Engine cooling: other model years
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 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsSteering
6 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 27, 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