Mitsubishi Car Side Crash/Impact Results

Mitsubishi Cars Crash

New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrationin (NHTSA) started side crash-tested vehicles from 1997. It began with model year 1997 cars, then in 1999 started testing light trucks, sport utility vehicles and vans.

From NCAP's website

How does NHTSA side-crash test and rate vehicles?

For testing side impact collisions, crash-test dummies are placed in driver and (driver's side) rear passenger seats, on the side of vehicle struck, and secured with the vehicle's seat belts. This test represents an intersection-type collision with a 3,015 pound barrier moving at 38.5 mph into a standing vehicle. The barrier is covered with material that has "give" to replicate the front of a vehicle. Since all tested vehicles are impacted by the same size barrier, it is possible to compare all vehicles with each other when looking at side crash protection ratings.

NCAP's Side crash-test stars

Side-collision star ratings indicate the chance of a life threatening chest injury for the driver, front seat passenger, and the rear seat passenger. Head injury is not measured in these tests. As with the front-impact ratings, a serious injury is one requiring immediate hospitalization and may be life threatening. [NCAP]

5 Star: 5% or less chance of serious injury

4 Star: 6% to 10% chance of serious injury

3 Star: 11% to 20% chance of serious injury

2 Star: 21% to 25% chance of serious injury

1 Star: 26% or greater chance of serious injury

Note: in 1999, there were about 2.5 million side collisions resulting in loss of about 8000 lives and many more seriously injured.

Mitsubishi Side Collision Results

Only those getting a "failing " grade - 1 or 2 stars are listed here. Many Mitsubishi vehicles have not been tested.

Side Collision (Front Seats)

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer 4-DR. - 2 Star

2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution 4-DR. - 2 Star

2003 Mitsubishi Lancer 4-DR. - 2 Star

2002 Mitsubishi Lancer 4-DR. - 2 Star

1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse 2-DR. HB. - 1 Star

1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse 2-DR. HB. - 1 Star

Side Collision (Rear/back Seats)

1997 Mitsubishi Galant 4-DR. - 2 Star

1998 Mitsubishi Galant 4-DR. - 2 Star

Mitsubishi with 3 Star Ratings

There are a few other Mitsubishi vehicles that scored low - 3 Star rating. While 3 Star ratings can be "technically" considered passing - why take chances with your and your dear ones when they can buy cars with 4 and 5 Star ratings - 5 preferred.

Side Collision Rear Seats

1997 Mitsubishi Galant 4-DR.

1998 Mitsubishi Galant 4-DR.

2002 Mitsubishi Galant 4-DR.

2001 Mitsubishi Galant 4-DR.

2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse 2-DR. HB.

2003 Mitsubishi Galant 4-DR.

2004 Mitsubishi Eclipse 2-DR. HB.

2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Head Injury

2002 Mitsubishi Montero Sport 4-DR. 4x4 rear seat side collision result was commented as "Higher Likelihood of Head Injury."


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(Last Updated: February 3, 2004.)


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