2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 7%of 199 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the equipment of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer, 7% of the 199 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“2003 Mitsubishi Lancer - difficulty turning the temperature knob. Had it fixed at the dealer just enough so that I could turn the knob, but is still very difficult and he warned that if I use it too much it will likely break. Apparently Mitsubishi is aware of the problem but refuses to issue a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10329851, filed 2010-05, 20,000 miles“My 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer heater knob broke off and I am unable to get the defroster to work. This has been an ongoing problem as this is a material defect in hundreds if not thousands of Lancer automobiles. Please help force Mitsubishi to recall and fix this dangerous problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10368147, filed 2010-11, 65,000 miles“The heat/AC knob in my 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer will not turn. It has been difficult for years, but for fall/winter 2009 I had to have a mechanic crawl under the dash and force it with pliers, then I left it that way all winter. Not very safe or convenient. I'm looking at a very expensive repair from Mitsubishi which they should pay for. It is a safety issue, you can't defrost your windows without heat, nor should you have to use such lousy equipment. Mitsubishi needs to step up and issue a recall, I've seen this complaint all over the internet.”
NHTSA complaint #10342615, filed 2010-07, 48,000 miles“I have two issues which seem to have both already been reported. 1. While driving the transmission will idle high while driving, but the vehicle is not speeding up. Then without warning the transmission catches, and the car lurches forward. This is a random issue that happens daily with the vehicle. Servicing the transmission has not fixed the problem and continues to be a problem to this day. 2.the heater/AC control know became very difficulty to change between heater and A/C. The switch has finally broke off, and now I'm unable to switch between heater and A/C. …”
NHTSA complaint #10401304, filed 2011-05, 100 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 recalls
- 04V428000Sep 1, 2004Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, 'occupant crash protection.' the bilingual…Covers: Mitsubishi Lancer 2002–2004, Eclipse 1998–2005, Montero 1998–2004 +9 more
Related service bulletins
- 10240443Jul 21, 2023This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10235608Apr 24, 2023This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of…
- 10235606Apr 21, 2023This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10169006Nov 26, 2019This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10163703Jul 30, 2019This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced Label.
- 10130468Feb 27, 2018This is a message sent to dealers, to inform them that an update for MEDIC will be available.
- 10130469Feb 26, 2018This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170070Jul 29, 2015This TSB contains troubleshooting steps for diagnosis of various customer complaints relating to the audio system speakers in Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with original equipment…
- 10170099Mar 5, 2013This is an index of Tech Talk newsletter articles released in 2012.
- 10030330May 1, 2009Mitsubishi: abs hydraulic unit bracket torque spec. Changed; service manual revision. To provide corrected tightening torque specifications for the abs hydraulic unit mounting…
Equipment: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
76 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
51 complaintsOther or unknown
17 complaintsBody and structure
13 complaintsElectrical system
12 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 30, 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