The problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, 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 the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
The risk
A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 16V-458 (16V458000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | SR-16-003 |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. |
| Component | Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm |
| Report date | June 23, 2016 |
| Owners notified | September 14, 2016 |
| Vehicles affected | 194,674 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
- 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
- 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer
- 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer
- 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer
- 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
- 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer
- 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
- 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
- 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
- 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
- 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
- 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
- 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
- 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
- 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
- 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
- 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
- 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
- 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
- 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander
Plus 1 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the suspension
- 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer suspension problems 15
- 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer suspension problems 10
- 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer suspension problems 8
- 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer suspension problems 2
- 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer suspension problems 9
- 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution suspension problems 1
- 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution suspension problems 4
- 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution suspension problems 3
- 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander suspension problems 28
- 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander suspension problems 20
- 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander suspension problems 9
- 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander suspension problems 6
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 16V-458 repair free?
Yes. Mitsubishi dealers will fix the problem at no cost: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has a…
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 194,674 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.