Mitsubishi models we see most
| Model | US model years | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Lancer | 2002-2017 | 2002-2007 Lancers (16V458000) and 2008-2010 Lancers (20V279000) from salt states were recalled because the front cross member can rot. |
| Outlander | 2003-present | 2003-2006 Outlanders, 2007-2013 V6 models and 2008-2013 Outlanders in salt states are covered by cross member recalls 16V458000 and 20V279000. |
| Outlander Sport | 2011-present | 2011-2016 (20V279000) and 2013-2015 (21V144000) Outlander Sports were recalled for front cross member corrosion. |
| Endeavor | 2004-2011 | 2004-2010 Endeavors in salt states were recalled (10V065000): trapped salty mud can corrode the fuel filler pipe until it leaks. |
| Eclipse | 1990-2012 | 2006-2009 Eclipses were recalled (15V337000) because corrosion inside the ABS unit can seize valves and lengthen pedal travel. |
| Mirage | 1985-2002, 2014-present | 2014-2015 Mirages were recalled (15V815000): salty water off the driver's shoes can corrode an airbag wiring connector. |
| Lancer Evolution | 2003-2015 | 2003-2006 Evos are included in the front cross member corrosion recall 16V458000. |
Known Mitsubishi problems that end up at the scrapyard
Front cross members rotting until the control arm detaches
Recall 16V458000 covers about 195,000 2002-2007 Lancers, 2003-2006 Outlanders and 2007-2013 Outlander V6 models ever registered in salt states including Illinois. Road salt can corrode the front cross member until a lower control arm detaches, causing loss of control. If inspection finds the member too far gone, the car is often junked rather than rebuilt. source
The same failure on 2008-2016 Lancer, Outlander and Outlander Sport
Recall 20V279000 extended the cross member problem to about 141,000 2008-2010 Lancers, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportbacks, 2008-2013 Outlanders and 2011-2016 Outlander Sports, again in salt states including Illinois. A clunk from the front end, uneven tire wear or a car that wanders is worth inspecting before the next drive. source
Corroded fuel filler pipe on 2004-2010 Endeavor
In salt states, mud mixed with road salt can get trapped between a reinforcing bracket and the Endeavor's fuel filler pipe. Over time the pipe can corrode through and leak fuel while you fill up, a fire risk. Recall 10V065000 covers about 108,000 SUVs. A fuel smell at the pump on an older Endeavor means stop and check. source
Mitsubishi and salt: four recalls, one theme
Mitsubishi’s recall list for the salt belt reads like a single problem repeated. The front cross member on Lancers and Outlanders corrodes until a control arm lets go, and Mitsubishi recalled it twice (16V458000, then 20V279000), plus once more for 2013-2015 Outlander Sports (21V144000). The Endeavor’s fuel filler pipe rots behind a bracket. Even the little 2014-2015 Mirage was recalled because salty slush from drivers’ shoes could corrode an airbag connector. The cross member and Endeavor recalls, which apply only in salt states, name Illinois.
That history explains why so many Mitsubishis around Chicago are sold as junk cars while the engine still runs. A free recall repair fixes one part, but the floor, rockers, brake lines and exhaust have lived through the same winters. Our guide to road-salt rust helps you judge whether what’s left is worth repairing.
Check before you pay for anything
- Enter the VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup. Cross member and fuel pipe recalls are repaired at no charge by Mitsubishi dealers.
- Ask what the dealer found under the car, even if the recall was already done years ago.
- Get one repair estimate for everything else the car needs, not just the item that failed inspection.
- Compare that total with the car’s value. If it’s higher, selling as a junk car is the simpler move.
On pickup day
We tow it from your driveway, garage, alley or street spot. A car with a loose control arm shouldn’t be driven anywhere, so leave it where it is and tell us about it on the call. Leave the keys and remote, take your I-PASS and garage opener, and tell us which papers you have. Illinois rules decide what works for a scrap sale, and we confirm on the call. Every make we buy is on the junk cars by brand page.
Selling a junk Mitsubishi: questions
My Outlander failed inspection for a rotted cross member. Do you buy it?
Yes. Cross member rot is a documented salt-state problem on these Mitsubishis, and Illinois is on the recall list. Check first whether the recall was done, since the repair is free at a dealer. If the car is beyond that, we tow it at no charge and buy it as is.
Do I need to do anything about Mitsubishi Connect before selling?
Only newer models have it. If yours does, cancel the subscription and remove the vehicle in the My Mitsubishi Connect app, then clear paired phones from the screen. Older Lancers and Galants just need Bluetooth pairings and garage codes erased.