VehicleVerdict

2003 Mitsubishi Outlander suspension problems

The 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander has 29 suspension complaints filed with NHTSA — 19% of the year's total, and the first year with meaningful reports in this category.

29

Suspension complaints

19%

Share of year

0

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Suspension complaints by year

Related recalls

16V458000SuspensionJune 23, 2016 · 194,674 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.

Consequence

A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.

What owners report

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR SUSPENSION AND CROSS MEMBER WERE CORRODED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT A TRAVEL-ARM HUBBERING WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · December 9, 2016

Common questions

How many suspension complaints does the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander have?

NHTSA has 29 complaints about the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander suspension — 19% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander suspension?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the suspension: 16V458000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.