Recall Alert: Mitsubishi Lancer, Lancer Evolution

Mitsubishi has issued a recall order for about 30,000 2008 and 2009 Lancers and Lancer Evolutions currently registered or originally sold in 23 "salt belt" states, in order to correct a defect that could prevent airbags from opening properly in an accident.

In a recall notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety administration, the automaker explains, "In areas where heavy road salt is used in the winter, a long term exposure to a mixture of melted snow with salt thrown up by the other vehicles on the road may cause a water-salt mixture to adhere to the front impact sensors." The salt mixture could corrode the sensors. "In the event of a vehicles crash of the type that would deploy the airbags this type of short-circuit may cause a delay in the deployment of the airbags which could result in driver or passenger injury."

The recall affects vehicles originally sold 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.

Mitsubishi dealers will "install new front airbag sensors that have improved corrosion resistance," free of charge. Owners should receive a recall letter in the mail this month, but those who wish to make their own repair arrangements may contact Mitsubishi at (888) 648-7820.


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