Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The temperature control knob broke off. Vehicle was stationary. The arm inside can be turned with a needle nose pliers, but only towards the cold/ac side. It stops when turned towards the heat side and will not go- feels as though it could break if it was forced. This is extremely concerning as it is about to be winter in minnesota and with no heat, there is no defroster for windshield or rear window. I am very worried. Upon further investigation online with other owners of the 2003 Lancer, I found out there are many other people with the same issue and I am lead to believe it is a problem with Mitsubishi's design that should have been recalled. If I do not have a defroster I am in danger and I am very worried. It is also a safety issue in this state to not have heat. Temperatures drop below -10f degrees every year and often as low as -30f. …
The temperature knob broke easily because it was hard to turn making the defroster impossible to use which is a safety hazard. Furthermore the cruise control was always faulty to begin with but now it isn't even usable. Automatic transmission also loves to lurch into 3rd gear while slowing down at the same time and then jumping back into the speed I was previously going. This issue usually happens at speeds lower than 50 MPH.
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer oz rally - heater control knob not properly working. Purchased vehicle used in March 2007, noticed control knob hard to turn. Took into dealership to fix a recall on exhaust manifold & gaskets, had them also check the A/C temp knob because it was hard to turn from heat to cold. Warranty did not cover, was still operable, so did not get replaced. Eventually the knob completely broke off in December 2007, paid to replace heater control assy #mn185137hb (luckily warranty covered partial - total cost 347.27, warranty covered 247.27, paid 100.00) after knob was replaced the heater was working fine. Again,eventually the temp control knob would not stay on heat, would return midway between hot & cold. Dealership suggested replacing: heater blend door (7801a360 - $80.22) & link & lever (7801a110 - $30.03), with an additional 8 hours of labor would be $850 + tax. …
I have two issues which seem to have both already been reported. 1. While driving the transmission will idle high while driving, but the vehicle is not speeding up. Then without warning the transmission catches, and the car lurches forward. This is a random issue that happens daily with the vehicle. Servicing the transmission has not fixed the problem and continues to be a problem to this day. 2.the heater/ac control know became very difficulty to change between heater and A/C. The switch has finally broke off, and now I'm unable to switch between heater and A/C. I have done research and this also seems to be a problem that has not been resolved. I have found most other auto owners have paid for the replacement, but only to have the same problem occur again. …
Purchased vehicle brand new July 2003. Heat/ac knob has always been difficult to turn. It is now stuck on A/C. I am located in an area that acquires freezing temperatures, and evidently, will need to be able to defrost the windshield. Upon researching this issue, I have come across thousands of Mitsubishi owners with the same problem. Since most of the U.S. Experiences freezing temperatures this should, without a doubt, be a recall because it is affecting so many driver's visibilities. The other safety aspect to be considered pertains to: young children, the elderly, and the ill. Car windows open or not, how is it safe to have the young, elderly, or ill in a car over 100 degrees or under 32 degrees? This is simply unacceptable, irresponsible, and unsafe. Please advise a recall.
Heat/ac knob has always been difficult to turn. It is now stuck on A/C. I am located in an area that acquires freezing temperatures, and evidently, will need to be able to defrost the windshield. Upon researching this issue, I have come across thousands of Mitsubishi owners with the same problem. Since most of the u. S. Experiences freezing temperatures this should, without a doubt, be a recall because it is affecting so many driver's visibilities. The other safety aspect to be considered pertains young children, the elderly, and the ill. Car windows open or not, how is it safe to have the young, elderly, or ill in a car over 100 degrees or under 32 degrees? This is simply unacceptable, irresponsible, and unsafe. Please advise a recall.
Since the day I purchased the car,the knob for the ac/ heater was hard to turn. Then about 2yrs ago I cant turn it without the car being parked. It took all my strength to turn. Most of the time I wouldn't use my heat. Then one night my windshield was fogged up. I tried driving with the windows down. But I had to stop to turn the heat on for the defroster.driving across a bridge with fogged up windows is scary. When I turned the knob it broke off. I have tried to get used parts for it but it is a very common problem for these cars. And the dealers what between $700 and $900 to fix the problem with their cars.
As with so many other lancers noted here, my wife's 2003 Lancer's temp control knob has broken. Over a period of a few years the knob continually got harder to turn and recently just broke off. I also gave her a pair of needle-nose pliers to turn the plastic nub that is left, although I don't know how long this will work as each time she does it wears down the plastic some. This is obviously a wide-spread problem and not just a nuisance, as my wife needs to be able to defrost her windows as needed for visibility. Shame on Mitsubishi for not acknowledging the issue, let alone for not fixing it.
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer purchased in fall of 2003, ac/heater control knob was difficult to turn & eventually broke off. Since the unit is now stuck on A/C the defogging system does not work properly making it hazardous to drive the vehicle in winter months. I find the inoperable of the ac/heater control knob to be a life threatening risk. Will a life have to be lost before a recall is considered? How many more complaints will go unheard? The consumer should not be expected to fork up $900-1200 for a temporary fix to only have the issue reoccur.
The heat/ac knob in my 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer will not turn. It has been difficult for years, but for fall/winter 2009 I had to have a mechanic crawl under the dash and force it with pliers, then I left it that way all winter. Not very safe or convenient. I'm looking at a very expensive repair from Mitsubishi which they should pay for. It is a safety issue, you can't defrost your windows without heat, nor should you have to use such lousy equipment. Mitsubishi needs to step up and issue a recall, I've seen this complaint all over the internet.
Window & Wiper complaints in other Lancer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer, 18% of the model year's 199 complaints. The component named most often is windshield (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.