Recall 18V069 covers 141,053 2008-2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, Outlander, Lancer Sportback, and Outlander Sport vehicles for belt tensioner cracks. Free repair at any franchised Mitsubishi dealer.
Mitsubishi is recalling 141,053 2008-2012 Outlander, Lancer, Outlander Sport, and Lancer Sportback vehicles because the drive belt automatic tensioner flange can crack and let the accessory drive belt detach. If the belt comes off, the battery discharges and the engine stalls, which raises crash risk; Mitsubishi dealers will complete the dealer repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The accessory drive belt on 2008-2012 Mitsubishi Outlander, Lancer, Outlander Sport, and Lancer Sportback vehicles runs engine-driven accessories on vehicles with 4B11 or 4B12 engines. The automatic tensioner is the spring-loaded part that keeps that belt tight as the engine runs. If the tensioner holds steady, the belt stays on its pulleys and the charging system keeps working.
On affected vehicles, the tensioner's flange has a shape that concentrates stress in one area. Repeated high-load operation can crack that flange. Once the flange cracks, the tensioner can stop holding the belt in place, and the accessory drive belt can detach.
The warning sign listed for owners is the Battery Charge warning lamp after the belt detaches. There is no earlier warning sign listed before the belt comes off.
Who's affected?
Covers four Mitsubishi nameplates across the 2008-2012 model years, all involving belts and associated pulleys.
| 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander | Belts and associated pulleys |
|---|---|
| 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer | Belts and associated pulleys |
| 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander | Belts and associated pulleys |
| 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander | Belts and associated pulleys |
| 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer | Belts and associated pulleys |
| 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander | Belts and associated pulleys |
| 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer | Belts and associated pulleys |
| 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | Belts and associated pulleys |
| 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer | Belts and associated pulleys |
| 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander | Belts and associated pulleys |
| 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | Belts and associated pulleys |
| 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback | Belts and associated pulleys |
| 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback | Belts and associated pulleys |
| 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback | Belts and associated pulleys |
| Units affected | 141,053 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 14 field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing crash risk. The Battery Charge warning lamp will illuminate when the belt comes off. If that lamp appears, pull over safely and contact a Mitsubishi dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Mitsubishi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2012 Mitsubishi Outlander, Lancer, Outlander Sport, or Lancer Sportback is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mitsubishi dealer to schedule the free belt-tensioner replacement that fixes the cracked flange so the accessory drive belt stays attached.
- Bring the recall notice if Mitsubishi mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V069 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair. If the engine stalls, steer to a safe location, stop, and call for roadside help.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mitsubishi technician replaces the drive belt automatic tensioner with a new tensioner that has an improved shape. The replacement part and labor are free under the recall. If you've already paid out of pocket for a repair tied to this recall, contact the Mitsubishi Customer Relations Department for reimbursement consideration and keep your repair paperwork ready.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 26, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 9, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| February 9, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 27, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 27, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 27, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V069?
Recall 18V069 covers 141,053 2008-2012 Mitsubishi Outlander, Lancer, Outlander Sport, and Lancer Sportback vehicles with 4B11 or 4B12 engines. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange can crack, letting the accessory drive belt detach. Mitsubishi dealers replace the belt tensioner for free.
What should I do if my 2008-2012 Mitsubishi Outlander, Lancer, Outlander Sport, or Lancer Sportback is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V069. If it is, contact a franchised Mitsubishi dealer to schedule the belt tensioner replacement. Reference recall number 18V069 and Mitsubishi recall number SR-18-001 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Mitsubishi dealers replace the belt tensioner free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Mitsubishi dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is engine stalling from a detached accessory drive belt. If the tensioner flange cracks, the belt can come off, the battery can discharge, and the engine can stall while driving. That loss of power increases crash risk.
What if I bought my Mitsubishi used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner, so a used 2008-2012 Mitsubishi Outlander, Lancer, Outlander Sport, or Lancer Sportback still qualifies if its VIN is included in recall 18V069.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V069000 |
|---|---|
| Mitsubishi customer service | 1-888-648-7820 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V069 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V069000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →