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2003 Mitsubishi Outlander: common problems and reliability
An average Outlander year.
129 owner complaints, most about suspension. 6 recalls.
Should I buy a 2003 Outlander?The 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander has 129 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are suspension and exterior lighting.
Safety record for the 2003 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Outlander years only. How we score it
Is 2003 a good year for the Outlander?
Across the 24 Outlander model years we track, complaint volume runs from 19 (2021) to 466 (2015). With 129 complaints, the 2003 Outlander sits above the model's median of 71.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2003 Outlander
vehicle speed control
Campaign 03V028000ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DURING EXTREMELY LOW TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS, ICE CAN BUILD UP INSIDE THE ENGINE THROTTLE VALVE. THIS ICE BUILD-UP COULD CAUSE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO STICK OR NOT TO RETURN TO IDLE AFTER ACCELERATING.
trailer hitches
Campaign 04V197000CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED WITH DEALER-INSTALLED TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS AND CONTROL MODULE. THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE CAN OVERHEAT.
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 04V428000CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH REMOVABLE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS AFFIXED TO THE DASH AND TO THE SUNVISOR DO NOT MEET THE SIZE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
equipment:other:owners/service/other manual
Campaign 04V067000CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 225, "CHILD RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE SYSTEMS." THE OWNER'S MANUAL DOES NOT CONTAIN A STEP-BY-STEP DESCRIPTION FOR HEADREST ADJUSTMENT WHEN INSTALLING A CHILD RESTRAINT SYSTEM (CRS) TETHER STRAP.
Show 2 more recalls
electrical system:wiring:interior/under dash
Campaign 03V194000ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WATER COULD ENTER THE FRONT FLOORBOARD AREA FROM OPENINGS IN THE SIDE SILL OR UPPER DASH AREA. THIS WATER COULD COLLECT UNDER THE SEAT AND CAUSE ELECTRICAL CORROSION TO OCCUR IN THE HARNESS CONNECTORS THAT CONTAIN THE WIRING FOR THE SEAT BELT PRE-TENSIONER, SIDE AIR BAG IMPACT SENSOR, AND STOP LAMPS.
suspension:front:control arm:lower arm
Campaign 16V458000Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
What owners say across generations
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Outlander. See the full Outlander owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Outlander listings typically run $20,398–$24,097.
Other Outlander model years
Compare every Outlander year side by side to see how 2003 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Outlander against its rivals
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