Mitsubishi Lancer Recalls

The Mitsubishi Lancer has 25 recalls spanning the 2002–2016 production run, with the most serious being a passenger frontal airbag inflator defect on 2004–2007 models where the inflator can rupture during deployment and send metal fragments into the cabin, potentially causing serious injury or death.

The airbag inflator issue is the most persistent safety concern across the model's history. On 2004–2006 models, moisture intrusion can degrade the inflator over time, causing it to rupture violently in a crash. The 2006–2007 model years share a related inflator rupture risk. Prior repair attempts on some 2004–2006 vehicles did not fully resolve the problem, and those vehicles were subject to additional recall action. A separate airbag concern on 2008–2009 models involves the front impact sensors, which can corrode in road-salt environments, crack, and short-circuit, potentially preventing proper airbag deployment in a crash.

The 2015–2016 model years have two powertrain-related concerns. Defective electrical relays in the power distribution center can cause the engine to stall, lose power, or overheat on 2015–2016 vehicles. On 2015 CVT-equipped models, the transmission range switch can momentarily drop its signal and cause an unexpected loss of acceleration, and 2016 CVT models can experience a similar hesitation during acceleration.

Structural corrosion is a recurring issue across mid-production years. On 2002–2010 models, road salt can corrode the front subframe to the point where a lower control arm detaches from its mounting point, causing the wheel to swing off-axis and the driver to lose steering control. The 2008–2010 model years also have a sunroof glass panel that can detach while driving and become a road hazard.

On 2009–2012 models with the 4B11 or 4B12 engine, the accessory drive belt tensioner flange can crack and allow the belt to detach, discharging the battery and stalling the engine. The 2008 model year has a brake booster check valve that can stick closed after the engine is shut off, leaving reduced braking assist when the vehicle is first put into motion. Also on 2008 models, the front wiper link ball joint can corrode and separate, leaving the driver without wipers.

The 2009–2011 model years have a blower motor that can fail prematurely and reduce windshield defroster performance. On 2009–2010 models, unstable voltage can cause intermittent failure of the headlights, taillights, and windshield wipers.