Recall 09V435000: Front Air Bag Impact Sensors

VEHICLE MAKE/MODEL: MODEL YEAR(S):

Mitsubishi/Lancer 2008-2009

Mitsubishi/Lancer Evolution 2008-2009

MANUFACTURER: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

MFR'S REPORT DATE: November 02, 2009

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 09V435000

NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: N/A

COMPONENT: Air Bags: Frontal: Sensor/Control Module

POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 29353

SUMMARY:
Mitsubishi is recalling model year 2008-2009 Lancer and Lancer Evolution vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of 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 District of Columbia. 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.

CONSEQUENCE:
This coating over time may cause corrosion or the sensor. 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.

REMEDY:
Dealers will install new front airbag sensors that have improved corrosion resistance. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before November 27, 2009. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer relations department at 888-648-7820.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.