2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 1%of 199 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 73,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the fuel system of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer, 1% of the 199 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 73,000 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.
“2003 Mitsubishi Lancer oz rally edition , sudden acceleration, car engine revs to 3000-4000 RPM. Does not have ABS so you can stop the car, take your foot off the brake and you will find the car accelerating to 50 MPH without touching the gas pedal. Can be fixed by replacing pn# mr578268 for $465( idle air control valve) , a part that is about $30 to $70 dollars for any other car. Event happens at 3-4 month intervals. Had to google on internet to solve problem. Dealers won't admit problem but have the overpriced part in stock!”
NHTSA complaint #10322828, filed 2010-03, 100,000 miles“The contact owns a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer. The service engine soon indicator light illuminated. The contact took her vehicle to be serviced. The dealer informed her that the fuel tank was leaking and needed to be replaced. She was informed that three valves needed to be replaced because they were causing an emissions leak. The contact stated that the plastic cover cracked and the bolts were rusted and corroded. One of the bolts snapped off and the entire gas tank needs to be replaced. She purchased an extended warranty for $1,500, but it does not cover the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #10206999, filed 2007-10, 46,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10170071Jul 22, 2015This 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.
- 10170097Jan 15, 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.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 1 | 3% |
| 2015 | 2 | 9% |
| 2014 | 1 | 6% |
| 2012 | 2 | 11% |
| 2011 | 1 | 3% |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 5 | 5% |
| 2005 | 1 | 4% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 6 | 4% |
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 complaintsEngine cooling
5 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