2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Other or unknown Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 9%of 199 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the other or unknown of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer, 9% of the 199 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I turned the hot/cold dial to hot one winter morning and the cable snapped there for the heat did not work anymore. I took it in for repairs, they replaced the cable $300 later it snapped again 2 months later. No the Mitsubishi dealership is telling me that its the heater box that needs to be replaced and its going to cost me $2000 to have it replace. So now its november 15 and I don't have any heat!”
NHTSA complaint #10173593, filed 2006-11, 53,000 miles“I am a chemically sensitive individual having been poisened 9 years ago. I did not recoginize the hazards because the dealership complied with my request to not detail car with chemicals, but the off gassing of the plastics, vinyls, carpets, materials and ? (I do not know if I have over looked something else) has caused muscle pain, headaches, nausea, fatigue, passing out at the wheel, weakness in my limbs, internal cramping and eczema on my hands. …”
NHTSA complaint #10071179, filed 2004-01, 500 miles“After purchasing my vehicle I noticed two things, one that is troublesome and the other a major inconvenience. One day after stepping out of my vehicle while the vehicle was running with the A/C on I heard a loud rattling sound every time the A/C kicked on. I took it into a dealership while I was having them check my temperature control knob (the other problem) and told them about it. They just put grease on the knob and told me that the A/C is supposed to sound like that. Well, just this last fall my A/C compressor (I think it is the compressor) blew out and started smoking. …”
NHTSA complaint #10184871, filed 2007-03, 35,000 miles“The temperature control knob broke off. Vehicle was stationary. The arm inside can be turned with a needle nose pliers, but only towards the cold/AC side. It stops when turned towards the heat side and will not go- feels as though it could break if it was forced. This is extremely concerning as it is about to be winter in minnesota and with no heat, there is no defroster for windshield or rear window. I am very worried. …”
NHTSA complaint #11138804, filed 2018-10, 83,000 miles“The temperature knob broke easily because it was hard to turn making the defroster impossible to use which is a safety hazard. Furthermore the cruise control was always faulty to begin with but now it isn't even usable. Automatic transmission also loves to lurch into 3rd gear while slowing down at the same time and then jumping back into the speed I was previously going. This issue usually happens at speeds lower than 50 MPH.”
NHTSA complaint #10822669, filed 2016-01, 20 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10211530Apr 7, 2022This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by…
Other or unknown: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3 | 10% |
| 2015 | 6 | 26% |
| 2013 | 2 | 40% |
| 2012 | 1 | 5% |
| 2011 | 3 | 9% |
| 2010 | 5 | 10% |
| 2009 | 5 | 5% |
| 2008 | 3 | 3% |
| 2006 | 2 | 5% |
| 2004 | 5 | 6% |
| 2003 | 17 | 9% |
| 2002 | 8 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
76 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
51 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 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