2003 Mitsubishi Outlander 4WD recalls and complaints
NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander 4WD; the most frequently affected component is suspension — lower arm. Owners filed 129 complaints, most often about suspension. Among the 23 model years of this model in the database, 2003 ranks #8 for number of recalls.
Suspension — Lower armCampaign 16V458000 · 23 Jun 2016
Problem: Mitsubishi 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.
Risk: A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.
Problem: Certain 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.
Risk: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
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. In addition, all current 2000-2004 nativa owners will also receive replacement air bag alert labels for the sun visors. This recall is expected to begin during march or april 2005. The notification to the nativa owners is expected to begin during april or may 2005. Owners should contact mitsubishi caribbean at 1-787-251-8715.
Trailer hitchesCampaign 04V197000 · 26 Apr 2004
Problem: Certain sport utility vehicles may have been equipped with dealer-installed trailer hitch wiring harness and control module. The electronic control module can overheat.
Risk: Overheating of the trailer hitch wiring harness module could result in a fire.
Remedy: Owners are being requested to stop using the harness until a newly designed replacement is provided and can be installed by the dealer. The recall began on may 28, 2004. Owners should contact mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.
Equipment — Owners/service/other manualCampaign 04V067000 · 11 Feb 2004
Problem: Certain 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.
Risk: If the tether strap is improperly installed to the tether anchor, the child safety seat may not be sufficient restrained. In the event of a crash, the child could be injured.
Remedy: A letter outlining the problem will be sent to owners along with a sticker containing the correct instructions as well as instructions on where to affix the sticker in the owner's manual. The recall began on march 29, 2004. Owners should contact mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.
Electrical system — Interior/under dashCampaign 03V194000 · 20 May 2003
Problem: On 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.
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 illuminate or to falsely illuminate.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the side sills and dash panel for openings that may allow water leakage into the vehicle cabin. In addition to sealing any openings that may be found, the wiring connectors will be inspected for signs of electrical corrosion. The floor harness will be replaced if it has any signs of water damage or electrical corrosion. Owner notification began june 23, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mitsubishi america at 1-800-222-0037 or mitsubishi caribbean at 1-787-251-8715.
Vehicle speed controlCampaign 03V028000 · 30 Jan 2003
Problem: On 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.
Risk: Failure to return to idle could result in a vehicle crash without warning.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the engine control computer to eliminate this condition. Owner notification began on january 29, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
What owners complain about
Share of the 40 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.
Suspension14 · 35%
Structure5 · 12%
Visibility/wiper5 · 12%
Electrical system3 · 8%
Fuel/propulsion system3 · 8%
Engine3 · 8%
Steering3 · 8%
Air bags3 · 8%
When complaints were filed
20121
20133
20146
20153
201610
20177
20183
20195
20231
20241
From owner complaints
Single owner/user;retired, garage kept. Undercarriage so eroded wheels began to list. Impractical to repair. Body and engine without problems. Not notified by dealership at recent service there was a problem. An unknown person that drove behind me mentioned that i should get rear wheel looked at. When brought for…
Tl* the contact owned a 2003 mitsubishi outlander. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed sparks emitting near the radio. The contact also stated that there was smoke and suddenly the interior front of the vehicle caught fire. A police and fire report were filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer…
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi outlander. While attempting to check under the vehicle, the contact noticed that the rear frame was rotted. The vehicle was taken to cherry hill mitsubishi at (856) 471-1057 (1805 marlton pike w, cherry hill, nj 08002) where it was diagnosed that the rear frame needed to be…
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 mitsubishi outlander. The contact stated that the rear suspension and cross member were corroded. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who stated that a travel-arm hubbering was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The…
Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.