2003 Mitsubishi Outlander

116 federal complaints (149 component records) · 6 recall campaigns on file · 59 service bulletins · 4 Canadian recalls
See all 23 model years of the Mitsubishi Outlander →
Engine
2.4L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
FWD
EPA economy
18 city / 24 hwy
Federal complaints
116
Recall campaigns
6
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Suspension
29
Lighting
19
Engine & cooling
16
Steering
14
Glass & wipers
11
Electrical system
9
Air bags
8
Seat belts
6
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Suspension

29 complaint records
"WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY VEERED TO THE RIGHT WHICH WAS FOLLOWED BY A LOUD NOISE. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *NLM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →

Lighting

19 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES ARE CRACKING FROM THE INSIDE OUT REDUCING THE LIGHT, MAKING IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. *TR..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse lighting parts in the directory →

Engine & cooling

16 complaint records
"CONSUMER CALLED COMPLAINING ABOUT ENGINE PROBLEMS. STATED THAT VEHICLE WILL NOT HAVE ENOUGH POWER. MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED, AND HAD FIXED IT A COUPLE OF TIMES.*AK..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
16V458000SuspensionMitsubishi 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,...Normally free
04V428000EquipmentCERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.Normally free
04V197000Trailer HitchesCERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED WITH DEALER-INSTALLED TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS AND CONTROL MODULE. THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE CAN OVERHEAT.Normally free
04V067000EquipmentCERTAIN SPORT UTILITY AND PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO.Normally free
03V194000Electrical SystemON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WATER COULD ENTER THE FRONT FLOORBOARD AREA FROM OPENINGS IN THE SIDE SILL OR UPPER DASH AREA.Normally free
03V028000Vehicle Speed ControlON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DURING EXTREMELY LOW TEMPERATURE CONDITIONS, ICE CAN BUILD UP INSIDE THE ENGINE THROTTLE VALVE.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2016317
2016-06-21
Structure64,305On certain vehicles, road salt can corrode the front crossmember assembly, which may ultimately lead to separation of the control arm at the mounting point.
2004044
2004-02-04
Other3,000On certain vehicles, the owner's manual does not comply with the requirements of CMVSS 210. The manual does not contain language on the adjustment of the head restraints when using the user-ready tether anchorages.
2003139
2003-05-23
Electrical2,608On certain vehicles, water may enter the front floorboard area from openings in the side sill or upper dash area.
2003023
2003-01-31
Other2,000On certain vehicles, in extremely low temperatures, ice can build up inside the engine throttle valve and cause the accelerator pedal to stick or not to return to idle after accelerating.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
DEALER LETTER
Jul 2023
EquipmentThis is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
TSB-23-00-001
Apr 2023
EquipmentThis Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more than 1.5 percent of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or 100 lbs.
TSB-23-00-004
Apr 2023
StructureThis Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
DEALER LETTER
Apr 2023
EquipmentThis is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
TECH TALK 270
Oct 2022
SeatsTech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications.
Show 54 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
TSB-22-54-003
Apr 2022
Unknown Or OtherThis Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a defective/broken part.
TSB-22-52A-003
Feb 2022
Electrical SystemThis Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers informing them to replace the Power Seat Side Shield and apply felt tape when customers complain the Power Seat Side Shield is coming off while entering/exiting the vehicle.
TSB-22-52A-001RE
Jan 2022
EquipmentThis Technical Service Bulletin instructs dealers to apply Nonwoven Fabric Tape between the Seat Back and Urethane Pad when customers report a condition where an abnormal rubbing noise is heard from the Seat Back when a driver and/or passenger is seated in the front seat(s).
TSB-21-34-001
Jun 2021
SuspensionThis Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers informing them a shock absorber oil leak may result in replacement of absorbers unnecessarily when trace amounts of oil are noted to have adhered to the shock absorber.
TSB 21 34 001
Jun 2021
SuspensionThis Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers informing them a shock absorber oil leak may result in replacement of absorbers unnecessarily when trace amounts of oil are noted to have adhered to the shock absorber.
TSB-20-52A-002
Oct 2020
SeatsThis Technical Service Bulletin was sent informing dealers an abnormal rubbing noise is heard from the Seat Back when a driver and/or passenger is seated in the front seat(s) and instructs dealers to apply Nonwoven Fabric Tape between the Seat Back and Urethane Pad.
TT253
Nov 2019
EquipmentThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TSB-19-00-008
Jul 2019
EquipmentThis is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced Label.
TIN1800009
Aug 2018
Equipment Adaptive/MobilityThis is a Technical Information Notice sent to dealers, to inform them that MB991855V (12-13 Pin Reprogramming Adapter) is now available for purchase. To reprogram 2002 - 2006 Montero and 2003 - 2006 Outlander vehicles, MB991855 is necessary.
MEDICUpdate517
Feb 2018
EquipmentThis is a message sent to dealers, to inform them that an update for MEDIC will be available.
TT237
Feb 2018
EquipmentThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TT218
Aug 2015
WheelsThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TSB-15-54-004
Jul 2015
EquipmentThis TSB contains troubleshooting steps for diagnosis of various customer complaints relating to the audio system speakers in Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with original equipment audio components.
TT217
Jul 2015
Power TrainThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TT195
Mar 2013
Electrical SystemThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TTIndex12
Mar 2013
EquipmentThis is an index of Tech Talk newsletter articles released in 2012.
TT194
Feb 2013
Fuel SystemThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TSB-13-42A-002
Jan 2013
StructureThis Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals.
TT193
Jan 2013
Fuel SystemThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TT192
Dec 2012
Fuel SystemThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TT191
Nov 2012
Service BrakesThis is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
TSB-08-37-006
Oct 2008
SteeringMITSUBISHI: A TIE ROD FREE PLAY CHECK HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE APPLICABLE SERVICE MANUALS. *PE
137
May 2007
Power TrainREPROGRAMMING THE PCM DRIVABILITY OR SENSITIVITY ISSUES CAN BE CORRECTED. *KB
07002
Mar 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingCOOLING FAN CONTROLLER. *KB
0455003
Dec 2005
VisibilityHEATER TEMPERATURE DIAL HARD TO TURN. *TT
0523004
Jul 2005
Power Train2-3 SHIFT FLARE. *TT
0554003
May 2005
Electrical SystemFOG LIGHT CIRCUIT DIAGRAM - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT
115
Apr 2005
Electrical SystemDIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0181 UPDATE. MITSUBISHI TECH TALK. *TT
0513006
Apr 2005
Electrical SystemALTERNATOR FR TERMINAL VOLTAGE - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT
0554002
Apr 2005
Electrical SystemSPLICE LOCATIONS S061 IS INCORRECTLY IDENTIFIED - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT
54
Dec 2004
Exterior LightingHEADLAMPS WITH CRACKING APPEARANCE. MITSUBISHI. TECH TALK. *TT
09012004
Sep 2004
SuspensionSUSPENSION NOISES AFTER STRUT INSTALLATION. *EH
07012004
Jul 2004
Electrical SystemNO IGNITION KEY ILLUMINATION. *EH
05012004
Jun 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingRADIATOR HOSE COLLAPSED. *EH
05012004
May 2004
Exterior LightingHEADLAMPS WITH SPIDER WEB CRACKING APPEARANCE. *EH
0413005
Mar 2004
Power TrainPOWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) REPROGRAMMING WITH MUT-III FOR THROTTLE ICING. *TT
0314002
Dec 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingCORRECTED SPECIFIED ENGINE COOLANT - SERVICE MANUAL REVISION. *TT
0315002
Dec 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingABNORMAL EXHAUST NOISE DURING ACCELERATION. *TT
0323006
Oct 2003
Power TrainTORQUE CONVERTER SHUDDER, SURGE, AND/OR VIBRATION (POSSIBLY INTERMITTENT) WHEN DRIVING 35-50 MPH AT STEADY THROTTLE. *TT
0355008
Oct 2003
VisibilityDEBRIS (SUCH AS LEAVES, ETC) ENTERING THE FRONT COWL AREA MAY CLOG THE EVAPORATOR HOUSING DRAIN TUBE. IF THIS OCCURS, THE EVAPORATOR HOUSING MAY FILL UP WITH CONDENSATION AND OVERFLOW INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, AND INTO THE BLOWER MOTOR THROUGH THE COOLING TUBE. *TT
0355008R
Oct 2003
VisibilityDEBRIS (SUCH AS LEAVES, ETC.) ENTERING THE FRONT COWL AREA MAY CLOG THE EVAPORATOR HOUSING DRAIN TUBE. IF THIS OCCURS, THE EVAPORATOR HOUSING MAY FILL UP WITH CONDENSATION AND OVERFLOW INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT, AND INTO THE BLOWER MOTOR THROUGH THE COOLING TUBE. *TT
94
Jun 2003
Power TrainTRANSMISSION WILL NOT OPERATE IN SPORTRONIC MODE. *TT
0300009
May 2003
Trailer HitchesTOW HITCH TORQUE SPECIFICATION. *TT
93
May 2003
SuspensionSQUEAK FROM REAR SUSPENSION WHEN COLD. *TT
0317004
Apr 2003
Vehicle Speed ControlCRUISE CONTROL MAY NOT SET THE DESIRED SPEED, OR THE DRIVER MUST HOLD THE ACCELERATOR FOR FIVE TO TEN SECONDS AT THE DESIRED SPEED BEFORE RELEASING TO SET THE CRUISE CONTROL. *TT
0333001R
Apr 2003
SuspensionSTEERING DRIFT. *TT
0333001
Feb 2003
SuspensionSTEERING DRIFT CONDITION. *TT
89
Dec 2002
Fuel SystemMALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0181. *TT
33A
Nov 2002
SuspensionSTEERING DRIFT. GROUP 33A FRONT SUSPENSION. PLEASE REFER TO TSB-02-33-002. MITSUBISHI MOTORS TECH TALK. VOL 88. NOV. 2002. *TT
0233A001
Oct 2002
SteeringSTEERING DRIFT. *TT
0251001
Oct 2002
StructureFRONT BUMPER COVER. *TT
0200012
Oct 2002
Unknown Or OtherADDITIONAL 2003 OUTLANDER PRE-DELIVERY INSPECTION (PDI) INFORMATION. *TT
0233002
Oct 2002
SteeringCUSTOMER COMPLAINT OF STEERING DRIFT ON 2003 OUTLANDER MODELS. *TT
0254007
Oct 2002
EquipmentSUNROOF RESETTING PROCEDURE (OWNER'S MANUAL CORRECTION). *TT

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
  2. Do a full walk-around with every light on.Condensation inside a lens, a dim side, or a flickering tail light match this vehicle's lighting cluster.
  3. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 6 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Mitsubishi Outlander →