Recall Alert: 2008-09 Mitsubishi Lancer and Lancer Evolution

Mitsubishi is recalling 29,353 Lancers and Lancer Evolutions from the 2008-09 model years, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration.

In areas where road salt is used in the winter, long-term exposure to a mixture of melted snow and salt may cause it to adhere to the car’s front-impact sensors. This recall affects vehicles originally sold in or currently 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.

This water-salt coating may cause corrosion on the sensor. In a crash that would deploy the airbags, this type of short circuit may cause a delay in the airbag deployment, which would result in injuries to the driver or passenger.  

Dealers will install new front-airbag sensors that have improved corrosion resistance for free. This recall is expected to begin by Nov. 27.

For more information, owners can call Mitsubishi at 714-372-6000 or NHTSA’s hotline at 888-327-4236.

Cars.com Podcast: Two Hatches, One Podcast

This week, Cars.com editors Mike Hanley, Kelsey Mays and Joe Wiesenfelder examine two cars with a rear hatch that haven’t taken the auto world by storm. Find out why the new 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback and the 2009 Infiniti EX35 haven’t warmed the hearts of our staff.

You can download the podcast via iTunes here or listen to it in your browser here.

2010|Mitsubishi|Lancer

2009|Infiniti|EX

Recall Alert: 39,711 Mitsubishi Lancers and Outlanders

Mitsubishi has issued a recall of 39,711 Lancers and Outlanders from the 2008-09 model years due to a faulty brake-booster check valve, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The brake-booster check valve was built with poor material composition, leaving it vulnerable to sticking when the engine is shut off, NHTSA said. This, in turn, may lead to loss of responsiveness in the brakes and increased stopping distance during slower vehicle maneuvers.

Dealers will replace the valve free of charge. Owners can contact Mitsubishi at 800-222-0037 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Up Close

I was a bit surprised to learn Mitsubishi was showing off the upcoming hatchback version of its Lancer at the 2009 Chicago auto show. Being a fan of all things with a hatch, I quickly hit the down escalator to the company’s booth and got an up-close look.

First, the Sportback is kind of awkward-looking in person. The back reminds me of a smaller Toyota Venza, which is also awkwardly shaped. From the side, though, the sloping profile is pretty sweet.

There’s one problem:

Lancer Evolution on Hiatus for 2009

You should probably get used to seeing posts like this – we’re sure more are coming. Like the Saturn Astra, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution will take a breather for 2009.

According to Mitsubishi spokeswomen Christine Jew, there were no changes planned for a 2009 Evo, and there was enough inventory to last until the 2010 model is released later this year. Cars.com’s listings show 887 Lancer Evolutions from the 2008 model year still available.

While Mitsubishi doesn’t break down sales by model, we concur with the automaker that its supply of Evos should suffice; at $30,000-$40,000 the Evo is Mitsubishi’s most expensive offering.

Don’t think this means the Evo is a sales laggard, however; sales were up 50.9% for 2008, Mitsubishi says. When the 2010 Lancer Evolution goes on sale, there will be a few minor changes, Jew said.

Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Coming This Summer

If anyone out there is looking for a hatchback version of the new Mitsubishi Lancer, your wish has just been granted. The company confirmed today that it will indeed bring the Lancer Sportback and Sportback Ralliart to the U.S. this summer. The car is already on sale overseas.

The Lancer will come in two trim levels:

Sportback GTS with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine good for 168 hp, with either a five-speed manual or a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Sportback Ralliart with an engine upgrade: a turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 237 hp, and all-wheel drive standard. It also comes with the Lancer Evolution’s six-speed twin-clutch transmission.

Rear cargo volume is an impressive 52.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded flat. The Subaru Impreza only sports 44 cubic feet, and the outgoing Mazda3 hatchback has just 43.8 cubic feet.  

Both Sportbacks will go on sale this summer, and we expect them to be priced similarly to the sedan equivalents, which go for $18,340 and $26,490 for the GTS and Ralliart, respectively.

More Lancer News

Cars.com Videos: 2008 Ford F-250, 2008 Mitsubishi Evolution, 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser

2008 Ford F-250: Joe Wiesenfelder takes a look at a heavy-duty pickup truck that’s full of useful — not gimmicky — features.

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution: Wiesenfelder take this opportunity to show us how the Evo proves that a four-door car can be fun.

2008 Toyota Land Cruiser: In one video Kelsey Mays outlines the SUV’s substantial offroad skills, while a second is devoted to dissecting the Land Cruiser’s seating and cargo space.

First Drive: 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

If you find the base Mitsubishi Lancer ($13,990) a little too poky and the Lancer Evolution ($32,990) too pricey, your ship has come in. Actually, two ships have come in: a Lancer GTS ($17,990) with a larger engine for 2009, and a turbocharged 2009 Lancer Ralliart (under $27,000, estimated ) to bridge the gap between the more pedestrian Lancer and the fire-breathing Evo. Mitsubishi characterizes the Ralliart as more of a tuned-up Lancer than a detuned Evolution.

That's a sensible description, because the Evolution has a wider track and different suspension components than the Ralliart — but then again, the drivetrain is very much a detuned version of the Evo's — basically the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder with a smaller, single-scroll turbocharger, smaller intercooler and smaller-diameter plumbing. The standard all-wheel drive, which isn't offered on lesser Lancers, is likewise nearly identical to the Evo's. I spent about an hour driving this Frankenstein's monster and found it to be a compelling compromise that should make any Subaru WRX shopper think twice.

Through Ian's Lens: 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer is a rare bird in the automotive world because it is an exception to the rule that reasonably priced cars have to look, well, reasonable. The exterior of the new Lancer blurs the lines between high-performance pedigree and under-$20K price tag. Between the headlights, the pinched nose and grille feel like an homage to an older generation of Italian racecars, while the rear end is ultimately urban street racer. Image aside, this car feels like it was designed for a video game, with every angle and line produced to create the feeling of forward motion. Even if you don’t run in the street-racing crowd, you have to credit Mitsubishi for sticking its neck out there and designing a car that attempts to break away from boring, mundane sedan design. At the very least, the Lancer is unique. Let me know what you think in the comments section. A full set of photos is below.

Video: 2008 Subaru STI vs. 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

It’s the most tired clichéd predictable storied matchup in recent automotive journalism history: All-wheel-drive Japanese sport compacts with 300-hp turbocharged engines battle it out for supremacy on the track. Senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder gets behind the wheel of both in this video and explains which is better for track days and every day.