Recall 17V569 affects 66,001 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles for passenger air bag inflator rupture. Repair is free at any franchised Mitsubishi dealer.
Mitsubishi is recalling 66,001 2004-2006 Lancer vehicles because moisture can reach the passenger frontal air bag inflator over time and make it rupture during deployment. If the air bag deploys in a crash, 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 side frontal air bag inflator in the 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer is the metal canister that fills the air bag when a crash sensor commands deployment. It burns propellant to create gas quickly, then sends that gas into the air bag in a controlled way. The inflator has to build pressure fast without rupturing its own housing.
On affected Lancers, moisture intrusion can reach the Takata inflator. The propellant wafers inside can degrade after years of heat, humidity, and temperature cycling. If the passenger air bag deploys, degraded propellant can burn too aggressively and create excessive pressure inside the inflator. That pressure can rupture the inflator body instead of sending controlled gas into the air bag.
There is no warning sign before failure. The vehicle can look and drive normally, and the problem only shows itself if the passenger air bag is activated in a crash.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2004, 2005, and 2006 model years, all tied to the passenger-side front air bag inflator module.
| 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer | front air bag |
| 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer | front air bag |
| Units affected | 66,001 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash that deploys the front passenger air bag, the inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, striking occupants and causing serious injury or death. If your VIN is included, schedule the inflator replacement soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mitsubishi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Mitsubishi dealer to schedule the free passenger air bag inflator replacement that addresses the moisture-intrusion rupture risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Mitsubishi mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V569 and Mitsubishi recall SR-17-001 when you call.
- Avoid carrying a front-seat passenger until the recall repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mitsubishi technician replaces the front passenger air bag inflator with a different inflator. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. If you already paid for expenses tied to this recall, contact the Mitsubishi Customer Relations Department for instructions on how to apply for a refund. Keep any repair paperwork and payment documentation ready when you ask about reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 14, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 5, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| October 5, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 12, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 12, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V569?
Recall 17V569 covers 66,001 certain 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles with a passenger frontal air bag inflator that can rupture after moisture intrusion. Mitsubishi dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with a different inflator for free.
What should I do if my 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Lancer is included in recall 17V569. If it is, contact a franchised Mitsubishi dealer to schedule the front passenger air bag inflator replacement. Reference recall number 17V569 or Mitsubishi recall number SR-17-001 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform the recall repair at no cost. Mitsubishi dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with a different inflator free of charge, and parts and labor are covered.
Is it safe to drive my Mitsubishi Lancer before the recall repair?
This recall does not include a do-not-drive instruction. The safety risk is tied to a crash that deploys the passenger frontal air bag: the inflator can rupture and send metal fragments toward occupants, causing serious injury or death. Schedule the free dealer repair promptly.
What if I bought my Mitsubishi Lancer used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to honor the recall regardless of ownership history. If you never received a letter, check your VIN, then call a franchised Mitsubishi dealer and reference recall number 17V569.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V569000 |
|---|---|
| Mitsubishi customer service | 1-888-648-7820 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V569 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V569000 |
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 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →