Two problems related to differential unit 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.
I have a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer evolution. At 19,000 miles the car developed a very loud sound coming from the front of the car at speeds above 30mph. I work at a auto repair shop and concluded that the sound is coming from the transfer ase/front differential. More than likely from ring gear being improperly shimmed from the factory. If the problem is not resolved with the transfercase/front differential, when the problem occurs with other Lancer evolution owners there is a chance that the transfercase/differential could lock up causing a accident or cause more damage to other parts of the drivetrain.
1) I am in the military deployed to afghanistan. . . 1 month before I deployed my stock clutch was slipping. This is not covered by Mitsubishi's warranty. I was reading on my forums and there were at least 2 to 300 people experiencing the same problem all around 5000 miles on the car regardless of how the car was driven. I purchased a new clutch, $1300 and had the dealership install it for $800 figuring that they would warranty there work. I deployed to afghanistan, came back and about 2 months of driving the car my car was making a hi squealing noise. The problem was diagnosed as the clutch. Although they did no other inspection. I ordered a new clutch had them install it. . . Same problem continued. So I paid another 700 for a new clutch for no reason. Then they rediagnosed the problem as the rear differential. They replaced that under warranty. . . Problem was fixed. I was babying the car for a week or so because of the clutch break in period is suggested 1000 miles. While doing 60 mph on the highway the car noise came back just as bad as before. . . Called Mitsubishi and they refused repair by order of the district rep. 2. The noise has progressively gotten worse and has caused my car to be sluggish now. I would like my drivetrain to have a thorough inspection and fixed where necessary. I would also like to be reimbursed for my clutch that I had to buy that wasn't faulty to begin with. I also think Mitsubishi needs to adhere to a warranty on there drivetrain. Regardless if you install an aftermarket clutch in your car, the drivetrain should be covered. Who in there right mind would pay for the installation of a new stock clutch and fly wheel if its just going to go bad at the same time you need your oil change.