2003 Mitsubishi Outlander Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 5%of 116 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 97,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander, 5% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 97,000 miles.
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.
“When slowing down and then accelerating at about 35mph, the transmission downshifts hard, jerking the car forward hard and causing one of the rear cv joints to pop. The dealer said there wasn't enough occurrences of it happening to warrant any inspection or repair. They called in a Mitsubishi rep and he claimed to never feel or hear the problem even though the service tech did.”
NHTSA complaint #10302312, filed 2010-01, 97,000 miles“Regular use. Wiring connection to automatic shifter control has broken. Shifter has to be replaced. Automatic drive lights don't work (drive, reverse, neutral, etc.) and manual shifter fails to work. No longer safe to drive without repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10220182, filed 2008-03, 103,800 miles“While driving automatic transmission stick shift indicator broke, making hard to shift the gear. Dealer stated they didn't have the part, and didn't know when they will have it.”
NHTSA complaint #10042431, filed 2003-10Related 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.
- 10016754Jul 1, 20052-3 SHIFT FLARE.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 7% |
| 2024 | 4 | 15% |
| 2023 | 5 | 10% |
| 2022 | 8 | 4% |
| 2020 | 1 | 3% |
| 2019 | 3 | 10% |
| 2018 | 3 | 5% |
| 2017 | 7 | 14% |
| 2016 | 64 | 44% |
| 2015 | 25 | 47% |
| 2014 | 7 | 16% |
| 2013 | 4 | 15% |
| 2012 | 6 | 27% |
| 2011 | 6 | 10% |
| 2010 | 6 | 10% |
| 2009 | 5 | 11% |
| 2008 | 9 | 16% |
| 2007 | 8 | 6% |
| 2005 | 3 | 16% |
| 2004 | 3 | 6% |
| 2003 | 6 | 5% |
Other parts of the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
28 complaintsExterior lighting
19 complaintsSteering
14 complaintsEngine cooling
13 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
11 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsSeat belts
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