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 Reviews the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback

Fun, stylish, sporty aren’t necessarily words you’d associate with a hatchback, which is likely how the term “sportback” was invented. Cars.com reviewer Mike Hanley says some packaging combinations like wine in a box don’t always put the product in the best light. Read his full review of the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback to find out why this package may be pleasantly deceiving.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Review

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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.

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2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback Video

The Mitsubishi Lancer hatchback made a brief appearance in the marketplace way back in 2004, but the model only lasted a year. Mitsubishi is trying its hand again with the 2010 Lancer Sportback, hoping to combine sleek styling, performance and utility in a versatile package. From front to back, Cars.com reviewer Mike Hanley takes you through the Lancer Sportback in this video.

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Recall Alert: 2008-2009 Mitsubishi Lancer

Mitsubishi has issued a recall for 6,903 Lancer Evolution, Ralliart and Sportback vehicles from the 2008-2009 model years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall affects vehicles with turbocharged engines because of the way the fuel return pipe is attached to the engine. Frequent operation of the vehicle at certain engine revolutions could result in damage that may cause a stress crack to develop at the fixed portion of the fuel pipe.

If the stress crack develops, the pipe could leak fuel, and if an ignition source is present, start a fire.

Mitsubishi will replace the fuel return pipe and add two attachment brackets to tamp down fuel-pipe vibrations. Dealers will perform this service free of charge.

Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 888-648-7820 or NHTSA’s hotline at 888-327-4236.

Cars.com Reviews the 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

Navigating the tricky — and occasionally downright inscrutable — world of vehicle trim levels can be a headache for any car buyer. Even the experts. But Cars.com’s Joe Wiesenfelder finds that when it comes to the Ralliart version of the Mitsubishi Lancer, the automaker has a real winner. Wiesenfelder explains how the Ralliart splits the difference between the regular Lancer and the top-shelf Lancer Evolution so well.

2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Review

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2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart Video

There’s a big step up in terms of price and performance from the Mitsubishi Lancer to the Lancer Evolution. Enter the Lancer Ralliart, which fills the space between the two. Is the Ralliart a toned-down Evolution or a stepped-up Lancer? Are the differences substantive or simply cosmetic? Cars.com’s Joe Wiesenfelder examines these questions in his video review.

2009|Mitsubishi|Lancer

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.