Outlander (2003)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
2.4-I4-Gas
2.4L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Mitsubishi Outlander Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mitsubishi Outlander, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
On a used 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the suspension (28), the exterior lighting (19) and the engine (16). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Drive over a speed bump and a rough patch at 15 to 20 mph with the radio off.Safety. NHTSA has 28 owner complaints on the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander about the suspension.
- Check every exterior light, the wipers, the washers, the mirrors and the glass.Safety. NHTSA has 19 owner complaints on the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander about the exterior lighting.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 16 owner complaints on the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander about the engine.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 14 owner complaints on the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander about the steering.
- With the engine cold, check the coolant level and color, then watch the temperature gauge on the drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 13 owner complaints on the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander about the cooling system.
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 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.
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.
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.
Show 1 older recall
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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Outlander complaints?
Owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Outlander. The systems they name most often are the suspension, the exterior and the engine.
Is the 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Outlander a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 116 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Outlander. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
NHTSA has 116 owner complaints on file for the 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Outlander as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Outlander?
NHTSA lists 6 recalls covering some 2003-2003 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Mitsubishi Outlander?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the suspension, the exterior and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and 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. 116 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.