AutoDefect IQ

2003 Mitsubishi Mitsubishi problems, complaints & recalls

Most-reported problem areas: Visibility:defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:heater Core (2) · Tires (1) · Structure:frame And Members:underbody Shields (1)

🧭 Reliability snapshot

84 /100
✓ Typical or better for this model

Compared against other Mitsubishi Mitsubishi model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →

13
Complaints
0
Recalls
5
Service bulletins
2
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Deaths

Safety recalls (0)

No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).

Service bulletins (5)

Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.

Equipment:electrical 2003-05-01 · 0342A002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

remote keyless entry (2003 models). *tt

Unknown Or Other 2002-08-01 · 85 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

bulletin review of tsb-02-00-009 2003 outlander technical specifications. *tt

Unknown Or Other 2002-08-01 · 85 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

mut ii blue rom pack update. *tt

Unknown Or Other 2002-08-01 · 85 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

subject regarding 2003 new model technical training. *tt

Unknown Or Other 2002-03-01 · 80 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions

bulletin review regarding (tsb-02-00-002) vin information for 2003 models. *tt

What owners report

2008-10-28 · Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System

“i own a 2003 diamante with about 60,000 miles on it. my windows continually fog up while driving or parked and the defroster/vents does not eliminate the fog at all, making driving very difficult and dangerous especially in rainy weather and during the nighttime. the smell of antifreeze is extremely strong inside the vehicle. i had a problem wit…”

2007-10-21 · Visibility:defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:heater Core · 65,000 mi

“in researching what might be wrong with my mitsubishi galant heater, i find it is a common problem described to the tee. not having heat in my car and living in the pacific northwest could prove to be dangerous for myself and others as visibility and freezing will occur as i have to run the cold air on my windshield to see. *tr…”

2006-04-01 · Visibility:defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:heater Core · 79,000 mi

“heater went out, and after several attempts to have repaired, was informed heater core was defective. repairing/replacing heater core is an extremely expensive procedure!! *nm…”

2005-10-23 · Structure:body:hatchback/Liftgate:support Device/Strut · 90,000 mi

“the handle on the front passenger side comes out of its place. the hatchback on the outlander no longer can stay up on its own, the arm that holds it up is defective.…”

2005-10-04 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

“i have a 2003 mitsubishi lance oz rally, car has 32,000 miles on it, i purchased it used. i have had a problem where sometimes i would smell burning odor from the vents. i think car runs very ruff and im not sure what it is.. i believe it's the transmission from reading all the post on here.. and also the shifting is rough. i will be taking it t…”

2005-09-26 · Structure:frame And Members:underbody Shields · 34,391 mi

“mitsubishi motors will not accept liability and pay to have a failure of a factory weld repaired on the right front engine cross member of my 2003 mitsubishi montero which is still under the factory warranty. my insurance adjuster has submitted a letter informing mitsubishi's vehicle department that the damage to my vehicle is due to failure from i…”

2005-07-17 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:torque Converter · 20,000 mi

“2003 montero sport xls--- studders/jerks at 30+ mph whiles driving down the rd, has been in shop 9 times …”

2005-06-02 · Power Train:clutch Assembly:pedal/Hand Lever(Motorcycle) · 33,198 mi · 💥 crash

“accelerator "stuck" & vehicle remained in idle, forcing to crash…”

2004-11-17 · Fuel System, Gasoline · 1,000 mi

“there is a rotten egg smell, all the time. i've taken it in to the dealer 3 plus times, and each time they tell me there is nothing wrong, and that i am using cheap gas. they sugguested changing gas stations. it still smells no matter where i get the gas.*ak…”

2004-11-15 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:foundation Components:disc:rotor · 6,582 mi

“brakes vibrate when applied. i have returned my '03 diamonte four times for repairs and each time they state that the rotors were warped and either replaced or machined them. brakes are now vibrating again and will need to be returned for repair or replacement. wind noise coming form the drivers side window. window adjustments were made three time…”

Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.

Other Mitsubishi Mitsubishi years