Mitsubishi / Outlander / 2003
2003 Mitsubishi Outlander problems
Owners have filed 149 complaints about the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander with NHTSA. Suspension accounts for 19.5% of them — the clear leader, ahead of exterior lighting at 12.8%.
Complaints149
Crashes12
Fires6
Injuries11
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Suspension 19.5% · 29
Exterior lighting 12.8% · 19
Steering 9.4% · 14
Engine and engine cooling 8.7% · 13
Electrical system 6.0% · 9
Air bags 5.4% · 8
Visibility 4.0% · 6
Seat belts 4.0% · 6
Severity
Of those complaints, 12 describe a crash, 6 describe a fire and 11 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 4 model years of the Mitsubishi Outlander in this data, 2003 draws comparatively few complaints; 2022 is the outlier year.
Filings have fallen off, 10 in the last three years against 22 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 67,384 miles.
In owners' own words
The contact owns a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v458000(suspension); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available. Suspension
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 approximate failure mileage was 190,000. Suspension · reported at 190,000 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 stationary as it cannot be driven. Suspension · reported at 120,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…