MYRModel Year Report

2003 Mitsubishi Lancer

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
RENDERED 2026-11-01T17:08:02.579Z

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
199
Recalls
6

Campaigns on file for 2003

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Visibility

36% of complaints

Complaints per year

1996: 1 complaint 1996 2000: 1 complaint 2002: 148 complaints 2003: 199 complaints 2003 199 2004: 80 complaints 2005: 24 complaints 2006: 37 complaints 2006 2007: 2 complaints 2008: 91 complaints 2009: 98 complaints 2009 2010: 51 complaints 2011: 34 complaints 2012: 19 complaints 2012 2013: 5 complaints 2014: 16 complaints 2015: 23 complaints 2015 2016: 30 complaints 2017: 6 complaints
1996: 1 complaint 1996 2000: 1 complaint 2002: 148 complaints 2003: 199 complaints 2003 199 2004: 80 complaints 2005: 24 complaints 2006: 37 complaints 2006 2007: 2 complaints 2008: 91 complaints 2008 2009: 98 complaints 2010: 51 complaints 2010 2011: 34 complaints 2012: 19 complaints 2012 2013: 5 complaints 2014: 16 complaints 2014 2015: 23 complaints 2016: 30 complaints 2016 2017: 6 complaints
1996: 1 complaint 1996 2000: 1 complaint 2000 2002: 148 complaints 2002 2003: 199 complaints 2003 199 2004: 80 complaints 2004 2005: 24 complaints 2005 2006: 37 complaints 2006 2007: 2 complaints 2007 2008: 91 complaints 2008 2009: 98 complaints 2009 2010: 51 complaints 2010 2011: 34 complaints 2011 2012: 19 complaints 2012 2013: 5 complaints 2013 2014: 16 complaints 2014 2015: 23 complaints 2015 2016: 30 complaints 2016 2017: 6 complaints 2017

2003: 199 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19961
20001
2002148
2003199
200480
200524
200637
20072
200891
200998
201051
201134
201219
20135
201416
201523
201630
20176

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Visibility

36% · 71 reports

Most commonly citing defroster/defogger/hvac system and electrical heating element.

Show complaint excerpts

Purchased vehicle brand new July 2003. Heat/ac knob has always been difficult to turn. It is now stuck on a/c. I am located in an area that acquires freezing temperatures, and evidently, will need to be able to defrost the windshield.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-08-30

Also filed under Visibility/wiper

Power train

27% · 53 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and clutch assembly.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Consumer called about having problems with the right front axle, which broke while driving.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-09-12

Equipment

7% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing air conditioner and accessory scissor/screw/bottle jack/lift.

FIRE

Structure

7% · 13 reports

Most commonly citing body and frame and members.

Show complaint excerpts

Takata recall. On front driver side the control arm/subframe is rusted/rusting out really bad. There is a whole the size of a fist where the control arm attaches to the frame.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-09

Also filed under Suspension

Electrical system

6% · 12 reports

Most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel and interior/under dash.

FIRE

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2003Complaint volume 199 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2006-05-09Exterior lighting06E023000 Certain anzo combination headlamp assemblies sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps are not equipped with amber side reflectors which fail to…

    Remedy: Anzo will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began May 9, 2006. Owners may contact anzo USA at 909-468-3688.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2006-05-10Exterior lighting06E038000 Certain alfaotto combination headlamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber side reflectors fail to…

    Remedy: Alfaotto will notify owners and replace the headlamps free of charge. The recall began on May 10, 2006. Owners may contact alfaotto at 626-656-2992 or visit their website at www.alfaotto.com.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2009-07-28Exterior lighting09E025000 Dope, inc. Is recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. These headlamps fail to…

    Remedy: Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. The safety recall began on July 28, 2009. Owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. I
    2015-02-24Engineering analysisOpen Air Bag Inflator Rupture
  6. R
    2016-09-14Suspension16V458000 Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

    Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    Date not on fileEquipment04V428000 Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no.

    Remedy: Mitsubishi caribbean will mail a customer notification letter containing a written description and a graphic of the bi-lingual dashboard air bag warning label.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  8. R
    Date not on fileExterior lighting06E064000 Certain tradesonic combination lamps sold as replacement lamps for use on the above listed passenger vehicles.

    Remedy: Tradesonic will notify owners and replace the lamps free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during July 2006. Owners may contact tradesonic at 626-934-8884.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Mitsubishi Lancer — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Visibility: 71 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 53 reports on file for this year.
  • Equipment: 13 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 04V428000 · Equipment
  • Recall 06E064000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 06E023000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 06E038000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 09E025000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 16V458000 · Suspension
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer?
The most-reported component is visibility, accounting for 36% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.