2003 Mitsubishi Outlander Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 16%of 116 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander, 16% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My Mitsubishi Outlander headlights are cracked and hazed, this is not from normal use, this is defect in the manufacturing of the headlight assy. They have caused me to slam on my brakes 3 times due to poor illumination of the road. I believe that Mitsubishi should offer to fix the headlights, or offer a discount, not $300 hundred dollars a piece to replace!!!!!”
NHTSA complaint #10318896, filed 2010-03, 15,000 miles“The headlights on my 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander have stress cracks eventually resulting in them fogging over and even taking in water and blowing bulbs. When I researched it online, it appears this is a common problem among this make/model of vehicle. Replacement assembly kits are only available through the dealer and this is not covered under any kind of warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10276711, filed 2009-07, 25,000 miles“I also have the cracking light problem which reduces vision at night. Whenever the car was much newer I had taken it in to the dealer for a service compliance and told them about the lights and was told there was nothing they could do except replace the assemblies at about 150-200 dollars per side.”
NHTSA complaint #10329497, filed 2010-05, 30,000 miles“I have a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander which I purchased new. It has never been in an accident and has been kept in a garage when parked. Both of my headlights have severe cracks and now I have moisture inside the lights.”
NHTSA complaint #10354321, filed 2010-09, 69,000 miles“Recently bought a used 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander and the headlight lens on both sides are cracked, extremely crazed and the whole thing is milky, which dulls the headlight at night, I have researched and Mitsubishi will not replace after warranty, it would cost about $1000 to replace the entire headlight assemblies. With all the complaints on this issue, Mitsubishi should do something about it.”
NHTSA complaint #10593869, filed 2014-05, 140,000 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…
- 10170074Aug 28, 2015This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10018376Dec 1, 2004Headlamps with cracking appearance. Mitsubishi. Tech talk.
- 10014366May 1, 2004Headlamps with spider web cracking appearance.
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 4% |
| 2020 | 2 | 6% |
| 2019 | 1 | 3% |
| 2018 | 5 | 9% |
| 2017 | 3 | 6% |
| 2016 | 12 | 8% |
| 2015 | 1 | 2% |
| 2014 | 1 | 2% |
| 2013 | 1 | 4% |
| 2012 | 1 | 5% |
| 2011 | 3 | 5% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 5 | 11% |
| 2008 | 8 | 14% |
| 2007 | 9 | 7% |
| 2006 | 7 | 33% |
| 2005 | 1 | 5% |
| 2004 | 6 | 12% |
| 2003 | 19 | 16% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
28 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsEquipment
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
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