The problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. 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 a loss of vehicle control, 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. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 20V-279 (20V279000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | SR-20-003 |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. |
| Component | Structure › Frame and members |
| Report date | May 18, 2020 |
| Owners notified | August 7, 2020 |
| Vehicles affected | 141,200 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
- 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
- 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
- 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
- 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
- 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback
- 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
- 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
- 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
- 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
- 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
- 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander
- 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
- 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
- 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
- 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
- 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
- 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Owner complaints about the body & structure
- 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer body problems 10
- 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer body problems 6
- 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer body problems 1
- 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback body problems 1
- 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander body problems 5
- 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander body problems 2
- 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander body problems 2
- 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander body problems 3
- 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport body problems 2
- 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport body problems 2
- 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport body problems 5
- 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport body problems 2
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 20V-279 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.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 141,200 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.