When I first got the Lancer in 2003 one of the first things I noticed that the knob for the air and heat was really difficult to turn. I took it to the dealer, and was told that it was just a little sticky, and if I kept turning it would work itself out and be fine. I avoided using it as much as possible because it never got better. A year or so later I had to taken the vehicle to dealer for a factory recall, and during that visit I once again asked about the knob. The technician looked under the panel and said it was just sticking a bit and put some grease on the gears and said to just work it, turn it back and forth, and it would work itself out. It was fine for a couple days but went back to the way it was shortly there after. Finally, a few weeks ago, while on my way to the airport to pick up a friend, I went to turn the heat on and the knob just snapped off. This time when I took it in to the dealer they told me since the rod that connected the knob to the gears inside was what snapped it would be about $500-$600 to repair. He even asked why I never had it looked at and fixed before it snapped off. I told him I did numerous times and was blown off each time. But now that it was an actual problem. They were willing to fix it for a fee of course. Upon doing some research I realized that other people had this problem with their Lancers, and had similar problems trying to get it fixed. This was the cause for complaint. The dealer was not willing to fix it. When I mentioned the problem numerous times while the vehicle was under warranty. Now this has turned into a costly problem that I believe is a defect in the vehicles.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

When I bought the Lancer in 2003 the first thing I noticed was the knob for the air and heat was really hard to turn. My dad and I took it back to the dealer and explained it was hard to turn. The salesman got in the car and turned the knob he said yeah it is a little hard to turn but they are made like that. I told him it felt like it was going to break and he said it wont and once again they are all made like that. I only turned the knob only when I had to because I didn't want it to break. I took it back in and the dealer said they get this compliant all the time and it would be $800 dollars to fix the problem. I told him if they get a lot of complaints maybe there is a defect. In 2006 I was on my way home from a trip and I turned the knob from air to heat and it broke off. When I got home the next day I called the dealership and they told me I should have brought the car in for a check I explained that I did and every time they blew it off. He said well to fix it, and it will cost $800-$900 dollars. Is this cause for complaint.

- Ocala, FL, USA