Recall 18V220 affects 17,120 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles for passenger air bag inflators that can explode. Repair is free at any franchised Mitsubishi dealer.
Mitsubishi is recalling 17,120 2004-2006 Lancer vehicles under recall 18V220 because moisture intrusion over time can make the passenger-side frontal air bag inflator explode during deployment. In a crash that deploys the passenger air bag, the inflator can send metal fragments into occupants and cause serious injury or death, so Mitsubishi dealers will replace it free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The passenger-side frontal air bag inflator in a 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer is the small metal canister inside the air bag module that fills the bag during a crash. In a severe frontal impact, it burns propellant to create gas quickly enough for the passenger air bag to cushion the occupant. The inflator has to build pressure without breaking apart.
This recall involves Takata non-desiccated PSAN inflators, including like-for-like replacement inflators installed during an earlier interim repair. These inflators do not contain a drying agent to control moisture. Over time, moisture exposure breaks down the propellant wafers. When the air bag deploys, that degraded propellant burns too aggressively, pressure rises inside the inflator, and the metal body can rupture instead of sending only gas into the air bag.
There is no warning sign before failure. The defect matters only at the moment the passenger air bag deploys, so a Lancer can seem normal until a crash triggers the inflator.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2004, 2005, and 2006 Lancer model years, with the same passenger-side front air bag inflator module listed for each year.
| 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer | front air bag |
| 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer | front air bag |
| Units affected | 17,120 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash that deploys the passenger frontal air bag, the inflator can explode and send metal fragments toward occupants. This creates a risk of serious injury or death. Schedule the recall repair soon and keep passengers out of the front seat until the repair is complete. 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-side frontal air bag inflator replacement, which removes the inflator at risk of exploding during air bag deployment.
- Bring the recall notice if Mitsubishi mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V220 when you call.
- Ask the dealer whether to limit front-passenger seating until the repair is complete.
- Call Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820 with questions about scheduling or owner notices.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mitsubishi technician installs a final replacement passenger side frontal air bag inflator. Parts and labor are covered under recall 18V220. This replaces the interim or uncertain prior inflator repair identified for affected Lancer vehicles, with Guam and Saipan vehicles included where Mitsubishi cannot confirm the earlier inflator type. For reimbursement of expenses tied to this recall, Mitsubishi directs owners to contact the Mitsubishi Customer Relations Department for instructions on how to apply for a refund. Bring any repair paperwork and payment records when you speak with customer relations or the dealer.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 5, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 19, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| April 19, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 26, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 26, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V220?
Recall 18V220 covers 17,120 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles with passenger-side frontal air bag inflators that are susceptible to moisture intrusion. In a crash with air bag deployment, the inflator can explode and send metal fragments toward occupants. Mitsubishi dealers install the final replacement 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 18V220. If it is, contact a franchised Mitsubishi dealer and schedule the final passenger-side frontal air bag inflator replacement. Reference recall number 18V220 or Mitsubishi recall SR-18-005 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Mitsubishi's remedy says dealers will install the final replacement passenger-side frontal air bag inflator free of charge. Federal recall law also requires the manufacturer to complete the recall repair at no cost at a franchised Mitsubishi dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is serious occupant injury or death during a crash that deploys the passenger frontal air bag. The recalled inflator is susceptible to moisture intrusion over time, and an inflator explosion can send metal fragments into the vehicle cabin.
What if I bought my Mitsubishi Lancer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the VIN, not the first owner. If you never received Mitsubishi's owner notice, check your VIN, then call a franchised Mitsubishi dealer with recall number 18V220 or SR-18-005.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V220000 |
|---|---|
| Mitsubishi customer service | 1-888-648-7820 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V220 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V220000 |
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 →