The 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer has 6 recalls, the most serious involving a front control arm that can detach from the vehicle, causing an immediate and total loss of steering control and raising the risk of a crash.
On the mechanical side, a tensioner flange on the accessory drive belt can crack and allow the belt to come free. When that belt detaches, the alternator stops charging the battery and the engine stalls, leaving the driver without power in traffic. Vehicles equipped with a sunroof face a separate hazard: the glass panel can separate from the sunroof assembly while the car is moving and land in the road, becoming a debris hazard for other drivers.
The remaining recalls cluster around electrical and climate systems. Unstable voltage in the electrical system can cause the headlights, taillights, and windshield wipers to cut out intermittently, reducing both visibility and the car's visibility to others. The blower motor that drives the cabin's heating and defrost system can also fail prematurely, leaving the windshield defroster unable to clear fogging or frost and reducing the driver's view forward.
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.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
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
The drive belt tensioner flange may crack, which can cause the accessory drive belt to come loose and detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the belt tensioner with an improved design at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The blower motor that circulates air through the cabin heating and cooling system may fail and stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the blower motor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electronic control unit that operates your headlights, taillights, and windshield wipers may have unstable voltage due to a manufacturing error.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected electronic control unit at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The blower motor may have been manufactured incorrectly, causing it to fail prematurely. This reduces defroster performance and window visibility, increasing crash risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the blower motor and power transistor as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
