The problem
Mitsubishi is recalling model year 2008-2009 lancer and lancer evolution vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia, wisconsin and district of columbia. In areas where heavy road salt is used in the winter, a long term exposure to a mixture of melted snow with salt thrown up by the other vehicles on the road May cause a water-salt mixture to adhere to the front impact sensors.
The risk
This coating over time May cause corrosion of the sensor. In the event of a vehicle crash of the type that would deploy the airbags this type of short-circuit May cause a delay in the deployment of the airbags which could result in driver or passenger injury.
The fix
Dealers will install new front airbag sensors that have improved corrosion resistance. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on November 27, 2009. Owners May contact Mitsubishi customer relations department at 1-888-648-7820.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 09V-435 (09V435000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. |
| Component | Air bags › Frontal › Sensor/control module-inactive |
| Report date | November 5, 2009 |
| Owners notified | November 27, 2009 |
| Vehicles affected | 29,353 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the air bags
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 09V-435 repair free?
Yes. Mitsubishi dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install new front airbag sensors that have improved corrosion resistance. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on November 27, 2009. Owners May contact Mitsubishi customer relations department at 1-888-648-7820.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 29,353 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.