2003 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems & Reliability

If you’re cruising down memory lane and considering a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander, you’re not alone. This compact SUV, which marked Mitsubishi’s foray into the crossover market, has garnered a fair share of attention over the years. Whether you’re a nostalgic car enthusiast or someone looking for a budget-friendly ride, understanding the common problems and overall reliability of this vehicle is crucial. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the quirks and qualities of the 2003 Outlander, helping you make an informed decision about whether this early 2000s gem is the right fit for you. The 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander, with its sporty design and practical features, was quite the head-turner in its day. However, like any vehicle that’s been around for two decades, it has its share of issues. From transmission troubles to electrical gremlins, we’ll explore the most common problems reported by owners. But it’s not all doom and gloom—many drivers have found the Outlander to be a reliable companion, especially with regular maintenance. So, buckle up as we take a closer look at what makes this SUV tick and whether it can still hold its own on today’s roads.
Body Components

Parts Assessed:

Windows, power locks, manual locks, doors, trunk, tailgate, mirrors, power and manual seat controls, seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defects.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake lines, brake master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake, brake sensors, regenerative braking system (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • HVAC Temperature Knob Hard to Turn

Analysis:

The 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander seems to have a common issue with the HVAC temperature knob being hard to turn. While this might be a bit annoying, it doesn’t seem to be a major reliability concern for the vehicle overall. Most owners find that with a little extra effort or some lubrication, the knob can be managed without too much hassle.

Parts Assessed

Air conditioning compressor, AC condenser, AC evaporator, heater core, blower motor, automatic climate control system, refrigerant leaks, HVAC electrical components, temperature sensors, ventilation system.

Reported Problems:

  • The automatic transmission may fail prematurely

Analysis:

The 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander has a known issue with its automatic transmission potentially failing prematurely, which can be a significant concern for owners. While the vehicle might perform well in other areas, this transmission problem could lead to costly repairs and impact the overall reliability of the car. If youre considering this model, its something to keep in mind and possibly discuss with a mechanic.

Parts Assessed

CV joints, driveshaft, axles, differential, limited-slip differential (if applicable), traction control system, electronic stability control (ESC), four-wheel-drive (4WD) components, all-wheel-drive (AWD) components, transfer case, driveline vibration.

Reported Problems:

  • AC Not Cold Due to Failed Pressure Switch

Analysis:

The 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander seems to have some issues with the AC not being cold, often due to a failed pressure switch. This problem can be a bit of a hassle, especially during the hotter months, but it’s a relatively common issue for vehicles of this age. Overall, while the Outlander is generally reliable, keeping an eye on the AC system might save you some discomfort down the road.

Parts Assessed

Infotainment system, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen display, phone pairing, backup camera, rear entertainment system, head-up display, instrument cluster, digital gauges.

Reported Problems:

  • Erratic Blower Motor Operation Due to Failed Resistor and/or Fan Motor

Analysis:

The 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander seems to have some issues with erratic blower motor operation, often due to a failed resistor or fan motor. This problem can be pretty annoying, especially if you’re relying on your car’s climate control. While it’s not the end of the world, it’s definitely something to keep an eye on if you’re considering the overall reliability of this vehicle.

Parts Assessed

Radiator, radiator hoses, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, engine coolant reservoir, overheating prevention system, intercooler (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Engine Overheating Due to Failed Cooling Fan Controller

Analysis:

The 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander has had some issues with engine overheating, primarily due to a failed cooling fan controller. This problem can lead to significant engine performance issues if not addressed promptly. While it’s not the most common problem, it’s something to keep an eye on to ensure the overall reliability of your Outlander.

Parts Assessed

Alternator, battery, ignition switch, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, engine control module (ECM), electronic ignition system, auto stop/start function, battery cables, engine wiring harness, fuse box, relays, starter motor.

Reported Problems:

  • No Start and/or Stalling Condition Due to Faulty Crankshaft Posiiton Sensor

Analysis:

The 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander has been known to experience issues with the crankshaft position sensor, which can lead to no start or stalling conditions. This problem can be pretty frustrating, especially if it happens unexpectedly while you’re on the road. While it’s not the only issue the Outlander might face, it’s definitely something to keep an eye on if you’re considering this vehicle.

Parts Assessed

Engine rebuilds, cylinder head, head gasket, timing chain, timing belt, camshaft, crankshaft, connecting rods, turbocharger or supercharger (if applicable), valve train, piston rings, oil control system, engine knocking, engine misfires.

Reported Problems:

  • Check Engine Light due to code P0134 and/or P0154

Analysis:

The 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander seems to have a common issue with the check engine light coming on due to codes P0134 and P0154, which are related to the oxygen sensor circuit. This can affect the vehicle’s fuel efficiency and emissions, but it’s generally a fixable problem with a sensor replacement. Overall, while this issue is a bit of a hassle, it doesn’t drastically impact the Outlander’s reliability if addressed promptly.

Parts Assessed

Muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, exhaust pipes, oxygen (O₂) sensors, resonator, exhaust leaks, emissions control system.

Reported Problems:

  • Check Engine Light Due to Code P0181

Analysis:

The 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander has a known issue with the check engine light coming on due to Code P0181, which relates to a problem with the fuel temperature sensor. While this can be a bit of a hassle, it’s generally not a major issue and can be fixed with a relatively simple repair. Overall, the Outlander is considered fairly reliable, but like any older vehicle, it may have a few quirks that need attention.

Parts Assessed

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, fuel gauge sensor, evaporative emissions system, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve, charcoal canister, fuel filter, fuel tank, vapor leaks.

Reported Problems:

  • The Clutch May Failure Prematurely

Analysis:

The 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander has been known to have some issues with the clutch failing prematurely, which can be a bit of a headache for owners. This problem might lead to unexpected repairs and costs, affecting the overall reliability of the vehicle. If you’re considering this model, it’s something to keep in mind and maybe discuss with a mechanic.

Flagship-One-Engine-Computer-In-Stock
Onboard Electronics

Parts Assessed

Cruise control, keyless entry system, push-button start, wiper motor, warning lights, power mirrors, interior lighting, exterior lighting, dashboard indicators, electronic parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), alarm and security system, remote engine start, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Dashboard rattles, squeaks, wind noise, door seals, weather stripping, water leaks, air leaks, excessive road noise, suspension noise, drivetrain noise, exhaust rattles, engine bay noises.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Paint durability, clear coat protection, rust prevention, corrosion resistance, body panel alignment, door seals, window trim, plastic trim, metal finishes, fading, cracking, peeling.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Struts, shocks, control arms, sway bars, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, power steering pump, power steering fluid leaks, electronic power steering (EPS), steering rack and pinion, steering linkage, alignment issues, torsion bars, springs, air suspension (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Transmission rebuild, transmission replacement, torque converter, transmission solenoids, gear selector, gear shifting, transmission control module (TCM), transmission fluid leaks, clutch (manual transmission), automatic transmission valve body, CVT (continuously variable transmission) components, dual-clutch transmission (DCT) components.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Conclusion

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Picture of Flagship One

Flagship One

The world's top supplier of programmed OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Powertrain Control Modules (PCM), Engine Control Modules (ECM), Injection Control Modules (IDM), Body Control Modules (BCM), Transmission Control Modules (TCM), Engine Control Units and all other car control units. With over a decade in the business, we are the most reliable source when it comes to programming services for replacement engine control modules.

What Customers Think About Us