Mitsubishi Recalls Faulty Lancer Airbag Sensors

Chris Chase

2016-08-09 · 1 min read

Mitsubishi Recalls Faulty Lancer Airbag Sensors

Water infiltration could cause short-circuit and airbag malfunction

Mitsubishi is asking the owners of more than 66,000 Lancer sedans and hatchbacks to bring their cars to the brand's dealerships for an inspection of the front airbag sensor.

The automaker and Transport Canada discovered that in wintry climates, water and road salt may seep in between the sensor and a bracket that attaches it to the vehicle. As that moisture freezes and thaws, it can crack the sensor housing, allowing moisture inside and causing a short circuit in its electronics that could affect its performance. Transport Canada says that may lead to "delayed deployment" of the driver and front passenger airbags in a collision.

Mitsubishi is instructing its dealers to inspect the frontal impact sensor in Lancer, Lancer Evolution and Sportback models sold between 2008 and 2015 and replace it where necessary, along with installing a redesigned bracket and cover.

Chris Chase

As a child, Chris spent most of his time playing with toy cars in his parents’ basement or making car sounds while riding his bicycle. Now he's an award-winning Algonquin College Journalism grad who has been playing with real cars that make their own noises since the early 2000s.