2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 51about this part
- Share
- 26%of 199 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 11,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 51 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer, 26% of the 199 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 11,000 miles. 3 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.
“Ever since I bought my car 2 years ago it has sputtered and jerked but at first not that bad. The last year has been the worst. It stays revved up and then it will kick into gear. Finally christmas eve it broke down. The mechanic told me it is a hair line crack about 2 inches long on the transmission housing. Sure enough there is and I have a dead car.”
NHTSA complaint #10146597, filed 2005-12, 77,000 miles“Loss of clutch operation while at red stop light, clutch pedal depressed, car in first gear, foot slightly on brake. Clutch pedal started feeling soft, then without clutch pedal movement, clutch engaged. Later that day, I find oil under my car. Took to dealership and reported problem, and was advised that slave cylinder was leaking.”
NHTSA complaint #10116138, filed 2005-03, 59,840 miles“The transmission in my 2003 evolution is sometimes very rough going into second gear. The tranny feels as if the gears are grinding for a second before engaging; I have brought this up to the attention of mitusbishi corporate and several service depts and they do not appear to be concerend. This is an issue that a lot of evolution owners are experiencing.”
NHTSA complaint #10063730, filed 2004-03, 2,500 miles“First occurrence happened while attempting to leave a convenience store. Clutch went to floor of vehicle, and did not know what was wrong. Since 1st occurrence it has happened regularly approximately every 3-4 weeks. For the last 8 years. Clutch become spongy and requires me to refill master cylinder with brake fluid. Several occasions I have been driving when the occurred. Car loses ability to shift due to clutch not engaging gears. I must be attentive to fluid levels to prevent it from happening. Has been diagnosed as slave cylinder problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10532271, filed 2013-07, 45,000 miles“When driving my Lancer either on city or highway, it refuses to shift. The rpms go up, but the car wont accelerate. It actually slows down as if I'm pressing on the brakes (and im not) then out of nowhere the gear will shift and the car lurches forward unexpectedly. It does this all the time. The last time it did it I ran into a car. This is a huge hazard. When I step on the brakes the car almost stops, then jumps forward about 2 feet before actually stopping. This is a horrible thing to do to a driver. …”
NHTSA complaint #10346248, filed 2010-07, 114,000 milesRelated 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.
- 10170096Mar 5, 2013This 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.
- 10170086Nov 1, 2012This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10021743May 1, 2007Reprogramming the pcm drivability or sensitivity issues can be corrected.
- 10017671Dec 1, 2005Emissions recall campaign - incorrect parameters in the pcm software that may allow a malfunction in the vehicle speed sensor to go undetected by the on-board diagnostic system…
- 10017676Oct 1, 2005Clutch release bearing installation.
- 10016754Jul 1, 20052-3 SHIFT FLARE.
- 10014357May 1, 2004Gl-5 and gl-4 oil requirements.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | 33% |
| 2016 | 21 | 70% |
| 2015 | 5 | 22% |
| 2014 | 6 | 38% |
| 2013 | 2 | 40% |
| 2012 | 6 | 32% |
| 2011 | 6 | 18% |
| 2010 | 4 | 8% |
| 2009 | 14 | 14% |
| 2008 | 11 | 12% |
| 2006 | 1 | 3% |
| 2005 | 1 | 4% |
| 2004 | 7 | 9% |
| 2003 | 51 | 26% |
| 2002 | 22 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
76 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 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 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