2003 Mitsubishi Outlander problems and complaints

Owners have filed 129 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander. The most-reported areas: Suspension (28), Exterior Lighting (19), Steering (14).

Key takeaways

  • 129 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 12 involve a crash, 2 a fire, 9 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension2822%
Exterior Lighting1915%
Steering1411%
Engine And Engine Cooling1411%
Power Train108%
Air Bags97%
Electrical System97%
Visibility86%
Structure75%
Seat Belts65%
Unknown Or Other54%
Visibility/Wiper54%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2003 Mitsubishi Outlander 4-DR.Not ratedNot ratedNot rated3/5

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Suspension - filed 2024-08-27

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 and became aware of ...

Unknown Or Other - filed 2023-05-02

HVAC temperature control knob is hard to turn, it broke off.

Suspension - filed 2019-12-04

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 STATIONARY AS IT CANNO...

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More for the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.