Recall 16V334 affects 38,628 2006-2007 Mitsubishi Lancer and Lancer Evolution vehicles for passenger air bag inflator rupture. Repair is free at any franchised Mitsubishi dealer.
Mitsubishi is recalling 38,628 2006-2007 Lancer and Lancer Evolution vehicles because the passenger frontal air bag inflator can rupture during deployment after long-term exposure to humidity and temperature cycling. Metal fragments can strike occupants and cause serious injury or death; Mitsubishi dealers will replace the inflator free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The passenger frontal air bag inflator in the 2006-2007 Mitsubishi Lancer and Lancer Evolution sits inside the passenger air bag module. In a crash that calls for deployment, the inflator burns propellant to create gas and fill the air bag in front of the passenger.
On affected vehicles, the inflator uses non-desiccated phase stabilized ammonium nitrate propellant. Without a drying agent inside the inflator, long exposure to high humidity, high heat, and temperature cycling breaks down the propellant wafers. When the air bag deploys, degraded propellant burns too aggressively, creating excessive pressure inside the inflator body. That pressure can rupture the inflator instead of allowing the air bag to deploy as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The inflator is hidden inside the air bag module, so the problem is not something an owner can see, hear, or feel during normal driving.
Who's affected?
Covers both Lancer and Lancer Evolution across the 2006 and 2007 model years, with the same passenger-side front air bag inflator module.
| 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer | front air bag |
| 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution | front air bag |
| 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution | front air bag |
| Units affected | 38,628 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific sedan.
What's the safety risk?
A passenger frontal air bag inflator rupture can send metal fragments into the cabin, striking occupants and causing serious injury or death. If your VIN is included, schedule the dealer repair promptly and avoid delaying the air bag inflator replacement. Repair is free at any franchised Mitsubishi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2006-2007 Mitsubishi Lancer or Lancer Evolution is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mitsubishi dealer to schedule the free passenger frontal air bag inflator replacement that addresses the rupture risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Mitsubishi mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V334 when you call.
- Call Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820 with questions about scheduling or recall SR-16-002.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mitsubishi technician replaces the passenger frontal air bag inflator covered by recall 16V334. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. The repair addresses the inflator inside the passenger air bag module, which is replaced instead of repaired. If you've already paid expenses tied to this recall, contact Mitsubishi Customer Relations Department for refund instructions and submit the repair documentation they request.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 23, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 14, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
| July 14, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| July 19, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| July 19, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V334?
Recall 16V334 covers 38,628 2006-2007 Mitsubishi Lancer and Lancer Evolution vehicles with passenger frontal air bag inflators that can rupture during deployment. Metal fragments can strike occupants and cause serious injury or death. Mitsubishi dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator for free.
What should I do if my 2006-2007 Mitsubishi Lancer or Lancer Evolution is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V334. If it is, contact a franchised Mitsubishi dealer to schedule the passenger frontal air bag inflator replacement. Reference recall number 16V334 and Mitsubishi recall number SR-16-002 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mitsubishi will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator free of charge at any franchised Mitsubishi dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 16V334?
The risk is metal fragments striking occupants during a crash with passenger frontal air bag deployment. The inflator can rupture because the propellant degrades after long-term exposure to humidity and temperature cycling. Mitsubishi's repair replaces the affected passenger frontal inflator.
What if I bought my Mitsubishi Lancer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Lancer or Lancer Evolution is included, then call a franchised Mitsubishi dealer and reference recall 16V334.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V334000 |
|---|---|
| Mitsubishi customer service | 1-888-648-7820 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V334 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V334000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →