One problem related to transmission not engage has 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-8, and at approximately 2,400 miles I began having problems with my transmission, and no modifications had beed done to the car. It started out as a 4th to 5th gear shifting problem(grinding). It seems like it's rpm sensitive. I had the dealership look at it, and they said it wasn't bad enough need fixing, however, did aknowledge after they drove it that there was something "out of place" with my transmission and did experience the same problem that I was having. I have had the car in three times for this, but it is obvious that they have no desire to fix this. Then around 4,500 miles it started to have problems going into second gear, and third gear with a very notchy and rough engagement. I now have 12,500 miles on my car and the shifting is getting much worse. After browsing the internet, I found many letters and documents of people with the same transmission problems on this year and model of car with the end result being that the owner of the car is at fault and not the manufacturer/dealer. One reference # is 10063730 NHTSA complaint 464401 entered March 23, 2004.