Seven problems related to body have been reported for the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer based on all problems reported for the 2003 Lancer.
Corrosion on cross member.
Upon inspection of the undercarriage in the rear, areas of severe corrosion has developed underneath the rear on the aluminum subframe bar that holds the rear differential and other suspension components in place such as the rear differential & lateral control bars that can surely compromise the cars ability to drive if unnoticed. Additionally the fuel lines along the gas tank, as well surrounding surfaces on the driver side rear, have developed noticeable corrosion as well that is also proving to be a large area of concern. I am certainly concerned for my safety when operating this and the vehicles road worthiness because of these areas. This vehicle is by no means heavily modified at all, the vehicle is never operated beyond its limitations/aggressively as it's always been great for me as is, and it resembles exactly the way it did when it left the factory. Sourcing original and dot approved replacement parts has become very difficult and it leaves me at a standstill. Please if there isn't some kind of road worthy directive in regards to this I believe there should be because it can certainly compromise safety for driver in command as well as other drivers on the roads. To whom it may concern and whomever reading this, I hope my information came off clear and is considered. I greatly appreciate you taking the time observe this and making a prominent decision. I can provide additional photos and videos upon request as well. Thank you for your time.
While replacing front sub frame structure under recall for rust and corrosion, rust damage to the rear structure was noted by dealer. Upon further inspection, there are holes in the rear structure as well.
The lower control arm became detached resulting in the inability to deive the car! I contacted the dealerships and they have basically been incorporated to helping fix the recall!!!! I do notbdrive the car because I loose control of it.
Rock chips behind the drivers side rear door. Many little chips running up the door frame. The chips are in the crease of the door jamb. I can provide pictures. I took the car (2003 Mitsubishi Lancer evolution) to hall Mitsubishi in newport news virginia around January or February. The service manager said it was rocks kicked up from the road and directed me to call a touch up paint repair specialist. I have talked to many other Lancer evolution owners and seen first hand that almost every evolution has this problem. I can provide pictures of the area in question. The chips are tiny, but they are in a place on the car that will be very susceptable to rust. I started noticing the problems about a month after I bought the car. I believe the problem is caused by a improperly aligned rear door. So far I have only noticed the problem on the drivers side of the car.
Consumer owned a 2003 Lancer evolution viii and noticed very poor paint quality. On a car that cost as much, and was as exclusive as this one , one would think it wouldn't chip and scratch so easily.
The paint job on my 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer ES is very poor. A very light contact makes a scratch on the paint. I have this car for about an year now but after the dealer washed my car for the first time, I can see the scratches on the hood. The dealer is not accepting the responsibility for this. I would say the car of this price should have much better paint and shouldn't scratch that easily.