Outlander (2003)
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Engine Reliability Ratings
Mitsubishi Outlander Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
2.4-I4-Gas
2.4L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Show 3 additional engine variants with limited data
3.8-V6-Gas
3.8L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
3.0-V6-Gas
3.0L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
6G74
3.5L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Mitsubishi Outlander regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (6)
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.
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED WITH DEALER-INSTALLED TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS AND CONTROL MODULE. THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE CAN OVERHEAT.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Outlander problems?
The 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Outlander has accumulated 129 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Suspension, Exterior, Engine. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Mitsubishi Outlander engine is most reliable?
The 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Outlander was offered with 5 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.4L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Outlander a good used car?
The 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Outlander can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 129 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
The 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Outlander has 129 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Outlander?
There are 6 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Mitsubishi Outlander?
Before buying a used Mitsubishi Outlander, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Suspension, Exterior, Engine, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Outlander?
The 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander received an overall N/A-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: N/A stars. Side crash: N/A stars. Rollover: 3 stars. Electronic Stability Control: No. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 129 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.