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Campaign 16V458 Posted June 23, 2016 194,674 units

2002-2013 Mitsubishi Lancer/Outlander Recall 16V458: Rust

Recall 16V458 affects 194,674 2002-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander, Lancer Wagon, Lancer Evolution, and Lancer vehicles for corroded crossmembers. Repair is free at any franchised Mitsubishi dealer.

Mitsubishi is recalling 194,674 2002-2013 Outlander, Lancer Wagon, Lancer Evolution, and Lancer vehicles originally sold or registered in states where road salt exposure can corrode the front cross member. A detached front lower control arm can cause loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk; Mitsubishi dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The front lower control arm is a suspension link that helps hold the front wheel in position while the vehicle steers, brakes, and moves over bumps. On 2002-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander, Lancer Wagon, Lancer Evolution, and Lancer vehicles in this recall, that arm attaches to the front cross member, the steel structure that supports key front suspension parts.

The problem starts when the front cross member corrodes after long exposure to snow melt water, road salt, and other anti-freezing agents. Mitsubishi found that the rust protection on the cross member was not enough for those conditions. As corrosion advances, the cross member loses strength and the front lower control arm can detach from its mounting point.

There is not a clear driving warning sign listed for owners before the part reaches that condition. A Mitsubishi dealer inspection can identify the corrosion condition and determine whether the cross member needs replacement.

Who's affected?

Spans 4 Mitsubishi models across 2002-2013, all involving the lower control arm.

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander lower control arm
2012 Mitsubishi Outlander lower control arm
2011 Mitsubishi Outlander lower control arm
2010 Mitsubishi Outlander lower control arm
2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Wagon lower control arm
Units affected194,674
Field incidentsNHTSA 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 vehicle.

What's the safety risk?

A detached front control arm can cause loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. The condition is identified through a Mitsubishi dealer inspection, so book the inspection and repair soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Mitsubishi dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2002-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander, Lancer Wagon, Lancer Evolution, or Lancer is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Mitsubishi dealer to schedule the free front cross-member inspection and corrosion repair that protects the lower control arm from detaching.
  3. Bring the recall notice if Mitsubishi mailed one. If not, reference recall number 16V458 when you call.
  4. Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, especially in road-salt areas named in the recall.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a Mitsubishi technician inspects the front cross member for corrosion. Depending on what the inspection shows, the technician applies a sealing and anti-corrosion agent or replaces the front cross member with a new treated part. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. If you paid out of pocket for a repair tied to this recall, contact the Mitsubishi Customer Relations Department for instructions on how to apply for a refund. Keep your receipts and repair documentation with your claim.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

June 23, 2016 NHTSA published the recall
September 14, 2016 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 16V458?

Recall 16V458 covers 194,674 2002-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander, Lancer Wagon, Lancer Evolution, and Lancer vehicles with front cross members that can corrode after road-salt exposure. A corroded cross member can let a front lower control arm detach, increasing crash risk.

What should I do if my 2002-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander, Lancer Wagon, Lancer Evolution, or Lancer is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V458. If it is, contact a franchised Mitsubishi dealer for the front cross member inspection and recall repair. Reference recall number 16V458 or Mitsubishi recall SR-16-003 when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mitsubishi says dealers will inspect the front cross member, apply anti-corrosion sealant, or replace the front cross member free of charge.

What is the safety risk?

The risk is loss of vehicle control. If corrosion causes the front lower control arm to detach from the front cross member, the driver can lose control of the vehicle, increasing crash risk. Mitsubishi dealers inspect the cross member and complete the needed free repair.

What if I bought my Mitsubishi used?

The free recall repair still applies. This recall covers specific vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, listed road-salt states and the District of Columbia, so ownership history does not decide coverage. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Mitsubishi dealer if your vehicle is included.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V458000
Mitsubishi customer service1-888-648-7820
NHTSA recall #16V458
NHTSA recall # (full)16V458000

Source documents

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 →