2003 Mitsubishi Lancer · 1,026 MOT tests
2003 Mitsubishi Lancer reliability
2003 Mitsubishi Lancers fail 13.4% of first MOT tests, 67% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 9 Lancer years (1,026 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Mitsubishi Lancers: 33.2%)
- 13.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Mitsubishi Lancers: 33.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 67% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 79,596
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,026
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2003 against the years either side
- 2002 cars: 73% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- 2004 cars: 67% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2003 car does worse)
- Weak spot: number plates and vin, 1.6% of tests fail here (124% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: suspension, 79% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2003 car carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Common problems
What fails on a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics6.1%
- Suspension3%
- Brakes2.9%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks2.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors2.7%
- Body, chassis and structure1.9%
- Number plates and VIN1.6%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Rear fog lamp not working 1.36%
A failed rear fog lamp reduces visibility in fog and leaves you less visible to following traffic, so repair it.
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 1.36%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Position lamp not working 1.27%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Lambda reading outside specified limits 0.97%
An out-of-range lambda reading suggests poor fuel mixture or a failing catalytic converter, so diagnosis is needed.
Registration plate lamp not working 0.88%
A dark number plate lamp makes the plate hard to read at night, which is illegal and must be fixed.
Carbon monoxide high after fast idle 0.88%
High carbon monoxide can point to engine or catalytic converter faults, so ask for diagnosis before buying.
Common advisories
Brake pipes corroded and greasy (6.24%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (3.41%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (2.53%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (2.34%) · Track rod ball joint slight play (2.05%) · Suspension mounting area showing corrosion (1.66%)
Other years
Every Mitsubishi Lancer year
The full picture: Mitsubishi Lancer reliability. Before you pay for any Mitsubishi Lancer, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?
2003 Mitsubishi Lancers fail 13.4% of first MOT tests, 67% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 9 Lancer years (1,026 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer MOT?
Most often rear fog lamp not working (1.36% of tests), suspension mounting area seriously corroded (1.36% of tests), position lamp not working (1.27% of tests).
How many miles should a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer shows 79,596 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2003 car?
A car first registered in 2003 carries a 52 plate (January–February 2003), or a 03 plate (March–August 2003), or a 53 plate (September–December 2003).
Check a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.