The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer has 8 recalls, the most serious involving the front subframe corroding from road salt exposure until a lower control arm detaches, causing a sudden and complete loss of steering control.
Vehicles in road-salt regions face additional corrosion problems: the front impact sensors can crack, allow water inside, and short-circuit, potentially affecting airbag performance in a crash. These sensor issues appear across multiple filings but describe the same underlying corrosion mechanism. On the braking side, the brake booster check valve can stick closed after the engine is shut off, leaving drivers with reduced braking assist and a longer stopping distance when first getting underway.
Two visibility concerns round out the list. On vehicles equipped with a sunroof, the glass can detach from the assembly while driving and land in the road, creating a hazard for other vehicles. Separately, water draining from the windshield cowl area can corrode the wiper linkage ball joint until it separates, leaving the wipers unable to clear the windshield.
At a glance
What can fail
The front cross member can corrode from road salt exposure in certain regions, which may cause the front lower control arms to detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front cross member and either apply a sealing agent or replace it with a new one, free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
Road salt can corrode the front cross-member (subframe). A lower control arm may detach from the corroded cross-member, causing loss of vehicle control.
What the fix does
A dealer will inspect the front cross-member. If corrosion is minor, a sealing and anti-corrosion coating is applied. If corrosion is significant, the cross-member is replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water from the windshield cowl drains onto the wiper link ball joint, causing corrosion and wear. Over time, the joint can separate, making wipers stop working and reducing visibility.
What the fix does
The dealer replaces the wiper link rod and wiper motor crank arm with new parts.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The sunroof glass may separate from the sunroof assembly, potentially falling onto the roadway and hazarding other vehicles.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In areas with heavy road salt, saltwater mixture can get between the front impact sensor and its bracket. Freezing and thawing cycles may crack the sensor case, allowing water inside and causing an electrical short. A crash could then delay front airbag deployment.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front impact sensor and replace it if cracked. An updated bracket and cover will be installed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In salty road conditions, the front impact sensors can corrode where they connect to the bracket. Over time, corrosion may crack the sensor case, allowing water inside and causing an electrical short. This could delay front airbag deployment in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace both front impact sensors with new ones.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In cold climates where road salt is used, salt and moisture can build up on the front impact sensors, potentially causing them to malfunction.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front airbag sensors with new ones that resist corrosion better. This repair is free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake booster check valve may stick closed when the engine shuts off. During slow maneuvers after restart, braking assistance may be temporarily reduced, increasing stopping distance.
What the fix does
The brake booster check valve will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
