2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 76about this part
- Share
- 38%of 199 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,910miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 76 complaints about the visibility of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer, 38% of the 199 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,910 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The hot/cold switch broke off. Since I bought this car it has been difficult to turn the switch for temperature control. Both knobs are damaged and now im not able to control the direction of the air neither the temperature. This has to be a manufacture defect since. During my research online I've found many similar problems like this one. Mitsubishi should make a recall and fix it .”
NHTSA complaint #10500998, filed 2013-03, 60,000 miles“I have had my 2003 Lancer for about 4 years and the AC/heater knob has always been difficult to turn. Recently the knob broke and it is now stuck on AC and I now have no heat therefore it means I have no defrosters. This is a visibility issue and there should be a recall. According to all of the complaints this is a common problem that needs to be addressed and taken care of.”
NHTSA complaint #10475576, filed 2012-09, 77,000 miles“The heat/AC knob on my 2003 Mitsubishi has been extremely difficult to turn. This is especially hazardous when trying to defrost the windshield. I've reported the issue several times to Mitsubishi and they have stated that they've never heard of this problem. However, the more I research, the more I find that this is a problem for others. This knob has been difficult to use from day one.”
NHTSA complaint #10370705, filed 2010-12, 108,000 miles“No heat/defrost in Mitsubishi Lancer (2003) usually, its kind of hard to turn, but if you twist the knob fast enough, you'll hear this sliding sound behind the center console signifying the change from cold to heat. The knob is no longer doing that, no matter how I turn it. I will turn it the full 180 degrees, and it won't pop into place and it'll end up turning back to about 160 degrees (the dial location).”
NHTSA complaint #10378234, filed 2011-01, 200,000 miles“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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10170074Aug 28, 2015This 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.
- 10018940Dec 1, 2005Insufficient heater performance.
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 1 | 17% |
| 2016 | 1 | 3% |
| 2015 | 2 | 9% |
| 2012 | 2 | 11% |
| 2011 | 3 | 9% |
| 2010 | 6 | 12% |
| 2009 | 4 | 4% |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 2 | 5% |
| 2005 | 1 | 4% |
| 2004 | 22 | 28% |
| 2003 | 76 | 38% |
| 2002 | 26 | 18% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
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 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 29, 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