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Campaign 20V279 Posted May 18, 2020 141,200 units

2008-2016 Mitsubishi Lancer/Outlander Recall 20V279: Rust

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 24, 2026

Recall 20V279 covers 141,200 2008-2016 Mitsubishi Lancer and Outlander family vehicles for front cross-member corrosion. Repair will be free at franchised Mitsubishi dealers.

Mitsubishi is recalling 141,200 2008-2016 Lancer, Outlander, Outlander Sport, and Lancer Sportback vehicles in salt-belt states because road-salt corrosion can let the front lower control arms detach from the front cross member. A detached control arm can cause loss of vehicle control and increase crash risk; the Mitsubishi dealer repair will be free once available.

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What's wrong?

The front crossmember on these 2008-2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, Outlander, Outlander Sport, and Lancer Sportback vehicles is a structural support under the front of the vehicle. It helps hold the front lower control arms in position, which keeps the front wheels aligned and the suspension connected to the body.

In NHTSA campaign 20V279, the problem is corrosion from long-term exposure to snowmelt water and anti-freezing agents, including road salt. The crossmember did not have enough rust protection for those conditions. As the metal weakens, the front lower control arms lose their mounting support and can detach from the corroded crossmember.

The recall filing lists no owner warning sign before the crossmember reaches that failure point. There is no warning sign before failure, so a normal drive feel does not confirm that the vehicle is outside the recall.

Who's affected?

Covers Lancer, Outlander, Outlander Sport, and Lancer Sportback models across 2008-2016, all tied to the front axle crossmember and lower control arm.

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer body or structural component
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer lower control arm
2008 Mitsubishi Outlander body or structural component
2008 Mitsubishi Outlander lower control arm
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer body or structural component
Units affected141,200
Field incidentsNHTSA 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 vehicle is included.

What's the safety risk?

If the front control arm detaches, the vehicle can lose control, increasing the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign before the control arm separates, so have the recall inspection handled promptly and ask the dealer whether the vehicle is safe to drive before your appointment. Repair will be free at any franchised Mitsubishi dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2008-2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, Outlander, Outlander Sport, or Lancer Sportback is included in this recall.
  2. Wait for Mitsubishi's recall instructions before scheduling the dealer repair if your VIN does not show an open remedy.
  3. Contact a franchised Mitsubishi dealer when the remedy is open to arrange the free front cross member inspection and corrosion repair that protects the lower control arms from detaching.
  4. Reference recall number 20V279 when you call the dealer or Mitsubishi customer service.
  5. Drive cautiously until the inspection is complete. Stop driving and call the dealer if steering or front suspension behavior changes.

What happens at the repair

Once the dealer repair is available, a Mitsubishi technician will inspect the front cross member for corrosion. After the inspection, the dealer will apply a sealing and anti-corrosion agent or replace the front cross member with a new one. The final dealer repair will be free once it opens. Mitsubishi offers reimbursement for expenses tied to this recall. The owner notice directs owners seeking a refund to contact the Mitsubishi Customer Relations Department for instructions on how to apply.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

May 18, 2020 NHTSA published the recall
May 29, 2020 Dealer notification began
May 29, 2020 Dealer notification ended
July 14, 2020 VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
July 14, 2020 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
August 7, 2020 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 20V279?

Recall 20V279 covers 141,200 2008-2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, Outlander, Outlander Sport, and Lancer Sportback vehicles in specified road-salt states. The front cross member can corrode, which can let a front lower control arm detach. Mitsubishi dealers inspect the cross member and apply anti-corrosion treatment or replace it for free.

What should I do if my 2008-2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, Outlander, Outlander Sport, or Lancer Sportback is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V279. If it is, call a franchised Mitsubishi dealer and ask for the front cross member inspection under recall 20V279. The dealer will determine whether anti-corrosion treatment or cross member replacement is needed.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and Mitsubishi says the inspection, anti-corrosion treatment, or front cross member replacement will be performed free of charge at a franchised Mitsubishi dealer.

What is the safety risk in recall 20V279?

The safety risk is loss of vehicle control. If corrosion causes the front lower control arm to detach from the front cross member, the vehicle can become harder to control and crash risk increases. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer inspection and repair.

What if I bought the Mitsubishi used?

The recall still follows the vehicle. Used ownership does not cancel the free repair, but you never received the original owner letter if Mitsubishi did not have your current address. Check your VIN, then call a franchised Mitsubishi dealer and reference recall 20V279.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V279000
Mitsubishi customer service1-888-648-7820
NHTSA recall #20V279
NHTSA recall # (full)20V279000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →