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2003 Mitsubishi OutlanderProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 116 owner complaints about the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-458 the manufacturer reports only 17% of affected cars repaired.

2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
33
CarFlaw IndexUse caution2.0× the Outlander median · #4 of 21 years by complaints
Safety recalls6Lowest repair rate 17%Owner complaints11618 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage67kSuspension, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 27, 2024. Updated daily. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander has problems

116 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Suspension280
Exterior lighting192
Steering142
Engine and engine cooling130
Electrical system92
Air bags87
Seat belts61
Power train60
Visibility61
11 other systems332

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

6 recalls

2003 Mitsubishi Outlander recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

17%repaired · 2018 Q2

Control arm: lower arm

Recall 16V-458 · Jun 23, 2016 · 194,674 vehicles · 32,605 repaired

Risk. A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Other: owners/service/other manual

Recall 04V-067 · Feb 11, 2004 · 134,000 vehicles

Risk. IF THE TETHER STRAP IS IMPROPERLY INSTALLED TO THE TETHER ANCHOR, THE CHILD SAFETY SEAT MAY NOT BE SUFFICIENT RESTRAINED.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 2 more recalls
–no report yet

Wiring: interior/under dash

Recall 03V-194 · May 20, 2003 · 43,649 vehicles

Risk. ELECTRICAL CORROSION OF THE HARNESS COULD CAUSE THE SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER TO MALFUNCTION, THE SIDE AIR BAG NOT TO DEPLOY AND/OR THE BRAKE LAMPS NOT TO…

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mitsubishi.

Best & worst years

2003 vs. every other Outlander year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Outlander median. How we score

'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2003 Mitsubishi Outlander safety ratings

2003 Mitsubishi Outlander 4-DR. in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

2003 Mitsubishi Outlander frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crashNot rated
2003 Mitsubishi Outlander side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrierNot rated
  • Rollover: 3 stars (0.0% risk)
  • Stability control: No
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Outlander owners report

Recent suspension complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

The contact owns a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle came to an immediate stop and did not return to normal operation. The contact noticed that the front control arm had detached. No warning light was illuminated. The contact researched…
Complaint 11611129 · Aug 27, 2024 · 188,000 miles
REAR CONTROL ARMS ARE RUSTED THROUGH, THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FRONT AND HAD THE REPAIRS DONE. THE FRONT CONTROL ARM RECALL WAS DUE TO POOR RUST PROOFING DURING MANUFACTURING. THE REAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. CANNOT REALIGN REAR WHEELS AND REAR SWAY BAR BRACKET BROKE FREE ENTIRELY. VEHICLE IS NOW…
Complaint 11286857 · Dec 4, 2019 · 120,000 miles
CAR TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, ANDERSON MITSUBISHI, [PHONE]), JANUARY 2017, FOR NHTSA RECALL 16V458. CROSSMEMBER NOT REPLACED OR RUST TREATED. CROSSMEMBER FAILED 4-20-2019. REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE $2161.70. MADE CLAIM FOR REIMBURSEMENT THROUGH MITSUBISHI DEALER AND MITSUBISHI OF NORTH AMERICA. HAVE A…
Complaint 11278142 · Nov 4, 2019 · 67,384 miles

Own a 2003 Outlander?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.