We have a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer and the hot/cold switch broke off. In trying to research this, I found 100's of online complaints about this problem, please see the attached website www.aboutautomobile.com/complaint/2003/Mitsubishi/Lancer. it is also not possible to get the windows to defrost in the vehicle due to this problem. That is a huge safety issue. The company should be doing a recall fix on these...

- Modesto, CA, USA

2003 Mitsubishi Lancer oz ralley. The heater hot and cold selector will not switch from hot to cold. You have to reach under the drivers side dash and move it from hot to cold. If not the selector switch will break. I have already replaced it once. No solution in sight. By the way I am a mechanic by trade with 20 years of experience. Also the plug coming off the dash harness has seemed to have gotten hot and as a result the plastic is deteriorating allowing a short between the wires. Which in turn causes the fuse for the heater control lights as well as the right front and rear marker lights to burn out.

- Richmond, MO, USA

We have a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer and the hot/cold switch broke off. In trying to research this, I literally found 100's of online complaints about this problem. We live in mn, and it is not possible to get the windows to defrost in the vehicle due to this problem. That is a huge safety issue. The company should be doing a recall fix on these...since getting it fixed doesn't fix the problem at all, the switch behaves the same way after about 90 days of use.

- Coon Rapids, MN, USA

The air/heating unit button on the dash broke off completely. It was extremely hard to turn the knob to heat while attempting to turn it to the right. When I contacted the dealer they knew exactly what I was talking about. They said that they've had many car owners buying the unit because this is a common problem with the 2003 Lancer. The unit itself is very expensive to buy at a cost of $379. This does not include the labor. The labor was quoted at $549, because they would have to take the dashboard/ trim out and off to replace the unit. I just replaced the unit and the same problem has started again. This is just one of many problems. I have experienced. The car will jerk and hestitate and lose power while driving. The gears will shift and I will lose momentum while driving. You can hear a revving sound like the transmission is about to go out. These are just a few problems - I haven't mention that I've had to replace the air condition unit because of the condensation leaking into the front passenger floor board causing it to fill with water. This problem occurred twice. The dealer replace the unit with a new one.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

2003 Mitsubishi Lancer oz rally - heater control knob not properly working. Purchased vehicle used in March 2007, noticed control knob hard to turn. Took into dealership to fix a recall on exhaust manifold & gaskets, had them also check the A/C temp knob because it was hard to turn from heat to cold. Warranty did not cover, was still operable, so did not get replaced. Eventually the knob completely broke off in December 2007, paid to replace heater control assy #mn185137hb (luckily warranty covered partial - total cost $347.27, warranty covered $247.27, paid 100.00) after knob was replaced the heater was working fine. Again, eventually the temp control knob would not stay on heat, would return midway between hot & cold. Dealership suggested replacing: Heater blend door (7801A360 - $80.22) & link & lever (7801A110 - $30.03), with an additional 8 hours of labor would be $850 + tax. After reviewing other complaints, I have noticed many others have had same problem. This is a safety issue, specifically due to not being able to use defroster. This issue should be reviewed.

- Atlantic Beach, FL, USA

All three brake lights stopped working with no warning. 1. normal driving to and from work, unsure of anything leading up to failure. Was alerted by another driver that was behind me while driving and then pulled up next to me at a light. Was lucky there was no crash. 2. lights are completely out, have not been able to get them back on 3. have checked the fuse as labeled in the manufacturers handbook, checked the brake light switch, checked the light bulbs, all are in ok fashion and work when tested separately.

- Herriman, UT, USA

At night driving in heavy rain, unable to turn off air conditioner and switch on windshield defrost because heater, temperature dial broke off.

- Vernon,B.C. Canada, 00, USA

Add my bumble bee to the growing list of Lancers with broken off heater/a.C. knobs due to the badly designed and faulty component coupled with in an inept service department. Should have made this complaint when it first happened instead of just waiting for the recall that never happened.

- Moore, OK, USA