Passenger side: inflator moduleRecall 18V-220 · 2004–2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. recall 18V-220 covers 17,120 2004–2006 Mitsubishi Lancer for a passenger side: inflator module problem, reported to NHTSA on April 5, 2018. The manufacturer's latest report (2019 Q3) shows 40% of affected vehicles repaired.
Source: NHTSA recall 18V220000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles that previously received a like-for-like passenger side frontal air bag inflator under recall 15V321 as interim remedy. Also recalled are 2004-2006 Lancer vehicles located in Guam or Saipan that previously received or never received a new inflator under 15V321 or 17V569. These passenger side frontal air bag inflators may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to explode in the event of an air bag deployment.
The risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will install a final replacement passenger side frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on April 26, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-005.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How fast cars are being fixed
40%repaired
Share of affected vehicles repaired in each quarterly report the manufacturer filed with NHTSA. 765 vehicles were listed as unreachable.
Vehicles in this recall
Built from August 4, 2003 to August 31, 2006. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.
The investigation behind this recall
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureNHTSA