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.

Consumer Reports' Top 10 Automakers

Today, Consumer Reports released the results of its annual car reliability survey, which includes more than 1.4 million vehicles. This is one of the most important publications of the year for consumers interested in a car’s reliability. There were few surprises in terms of which makes are most and least reliable, with Scion maintaining the top spot. Porsche, Saab, Suzuki and Pontiac saw the biggest gains while Lincoln and Mini took the biggest hits. Check out Consumer Reports full report if you’re a subscriber. We list the top 10 most and least reliable automakers below.

Mitsubishi's Concept Hybrid Will Win Your Heart, Nose

To make their new PX-MiEV plug-in hybrid crossover concept stand out, Mitsubishi went with an interesting tactic: impress drivers through their nostrils.

The PX-MiEV has an enhanced “cocochi” interior package. This includes upholstery coated with an anti-allergen and visible light photo catalyst that the automaker says counteracts offensive odors, organic compounds, ticks, pollen and other allergens. In addition, the vehicle’s four seats are individually air-conditioned to increase air circulation.

Are your olfactory sensors happy yet? No? Well, good, because there’s more.

The crossover also has a driver monitoring system that can sense when a driver’s concentration is faltering and will emit a “distinctive fragrance” as well as visual, vibrational and audio alerts. The air conditioning will emit a “relaxing perfume” and enriched negative-ion oxygen that increases brain alertness and averts fatigue behind the wheel.

Even if you don’t buy a single word of this — as a natural-born skeptic, sign me up for a test drive — at least the hybrid has a measurable benefit: a drivetrain that Mitsubishi says will attain 118 mpg.

No production plans were announced at the Tokyo Motor Show where the vehicle debuted, but we’ll follow the PX-MiEV and keep our noses to the ground (Ba-dum-bump!).

Tokyo Motor Show: the Best-Smelling Car of All Time (The Independent)

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

2010|Mitsubishi|Lancer

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

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.

2010|Mitsubishi|Lancer

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.

Mitsubishi i-MiEV goes on sale in Japan in July

One of the first electric vehicles produced by a major automaker will start rolling off the assembly line in July -- but it won’t be sold in the U.S. just yet.

Mitsubishi will start selling its electric vehicle, dubbed the i-MiEV, to Japanese corporations and the Japanese government in July. After that, it will sell the vehicle in the Japanese market by April 2010. The suggested retail price for the i-MiEV is $45,000.

The i-MiEV will have an electric range of 100 miles using lithium-ion batteries, and it will take seven to 14 hours to charge.

In April, Mitsubishi confirmed its intention to sell the i-MiEV in the U.S. sometime before 2012.

Subaru has also announced plans to build an EV for around the same price as the i-MiEV, and the American firm Coda Automotive launched an electric vehicle with a similar price and range earlier this week.

With an average price of $45,000, would you be willing to buy an electric vehicle that only has a 100-mile range?

Mitsubishi i-MiEV to Electrify Japan in July (Reuters)
Mitsubishi i MiEV Electric Car Coming to U.S. (KickingTires)

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

2009|Mitsubishi|Lancer

Mitsubishi i MiEV Electric Car Coming to U.S.

Mitsubishi confirmed yesterday its intention to sell a relatively inexpensive electric vehicle in the U.S. in the near future.

The small EV, named i MiEV (Mitsubishi Innovative Electric Vehicle) would be one of the first mass-produced EVs on the global scene, the automaker said. The i MiEV should start showing up in Japan and Europe over the next few years.

The vehicle is based on a small city car called the i that’s sold in Japan. The gas engine, transmission and fuel tank are replaced by a battery pack and electric motor.

The lithium-ion battery pack will give the vehicle an 80-mile range on a single charge. It will take 12-14 hours to charge the vehicle using a normal outlet. Mitsubishi says there’s also a fast charger available that allows an 80% charge in just 30 minutes.

According to Automobile Magazine, Mitsubishi has made some engineering changes in the i MiEV for U.S. tastes: The vehicle’s track has been widened for better ride comfort, and the front and rear overhangs have been increased for better crash protection.

While an exact date for the i MiEV’s release wasn’t announced, the automaker did unveil a new partnership with Oregon utility firm Portland General Electric, which will develop electric charging stations in preparation for the EV’s arrival.

According to Autoblog, company representatives said the car should arrive in the U.S. sometime "before 2012."

Mitsubishi's i MiEV May Come to America (Automobile Magazine)
Mitsubishi confirms i-MiEV will come to U.S. (Autoblog)