Summary
The Mitsubishi Lancer has 20 recalls spanning 2003 through 2016, with the most serious being a passenger-side frontal airbag inflator defect on 2004-2007 models where the inflator can rupture during deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin and potentially causing serious injury or death. This airbag issue was the subject of multiple recall campaigns across 2004-2006 and 2006-2007 model years, including follow-up actions after earlier repairs using like-for-like replacement inflators proved insufficient. Moisture intrusion and propellant degradation from humidity and temperature cycling both contribute to the rupture risk on these years.
On the structural side, 2008-2016 models are subject to a front subframe corrosion recall where road salt attacks the front crossmember and can eventually cause a lower control arm to detach from the vehicle, allowing the wheel to kick out of alignment and resulting in loss of control. The same corrosion mechanism applies to the 2003 model year as a separate filing. The 2008 model also has corroded front impact sensors that can develop cracks in the sensor casing, allow water in, and short-circuit, which can affect airbag readiness.
The 2015 model year has two distinct recalls: a faulty electrical relay in the power distribution center that can cause the engine to stall, reduce power, or disable the cooling fan and lead to overheating; and a continuously variable transmission range switch that can momentarily lose its signal and cause an unexpected drop in acceleration.
The 2008 model has a brake booster check valve that can stick closed after the engine is shut off, and when the car is restarted and moved slowly, braking assist may be temporarily reduced and stopping distances lengthened. There is also a wiper linkage ball joint on 2008 models that can corrode from water draining off the windshield cowl area and eventually separate, leaving the wipers unable to clear the glass.
On 2009-2011 models, the blower motor can fail prematurely, reducing the defroster's ability to clear the windshield. The 2009-2010 model years have a separate electrical system concern where unstable voltage can cause the headlights, taillights, and windshield wipers to cut out intermittently.
