2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 5%of 199 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 113,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer, 5% of the 199 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 113,000 miles. 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.
“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“My 2003 mitsubisihi Lancer oz is experiencing some type of problem with the rear suspension. We've had the car for 3 years and it has 45,000 miles, and we've driven in very gently. Most of the 45k are highway miles from commuting to work. There is a horrible squeaking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. There is no reason this vehicle should have any problem with the rear suspension, yet it does, and we're no longer covered by the warranty so we have to pay $75 to even get it looked at.”
NHTSA complaint #10150495, filed 2006-02, 45,000 miles“While driving at 60 MPH vehicle pulled to the right. Vehicle was taken to the dealer who inspected it several times but could not reproduce or correct the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10081788, filed 2004-08, 20,000 miles“The faulty control arm issue was repaired in 2017. When I went in for a front end alignment on 9/14/2021 they noticed that the control arms were rusting through. I live in Wisconsin and noticed that there is a recall on 2007 lancers for a similar problem where the control arms were not replaced with zinc coated control arms for protection from anti icing agents used on the roads. Does this recall extend to the 2003 lancers.09/14/”
NHTSA complaint #11433196, filed 2021-09“The contact owns a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH and while making a right turn, the driver side tie rod suddenly fractured rendering the vehicle not drivable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 193,200.”
NHTSA complaint #10905681, filed 2016-09, 193,200 milesRelated recalls
- 16V458000Jun 23, 2016Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006…Covers: Mitsubishi Lancer 2002–2007, Outlander 2003–2013, Lancer Evolution 2003–2006 +1 more
Related service bulletins
- 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.
- 10017673Dec 1, 2005Rear lower arm pillow ball bushing replacement - service manual revision.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | 4% |
| 2014 | 2 | 13% |
| 2012 | 1 | 5% |
| 2011 | 2 | 6% |
| 2010 | 1 | 2% |
| 2009 | 6 | 6% |
| 2008 | 23 | 25% |
| 2006 | 9 | 24% |
| 2005 | 2 | 8% |
| 2004 | 6 | 8% |
| 2003 | 10 | 5% |
| 2002 | 15 | 10% |
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 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