Mitsubishi recalls SUVs over limited rearview visibility  

Franklin, TN  – May 27, 2023 – Mitsubishi (NASDAQ:MSBHF) is recalling 89,907 SUVs because their rearview cameras may fail to display an image when backing up. This ups the risk of a crash, injury, and property damage.

This is at least the second Mitsubishi recall for this issue since last year.

The latest edition includes:

  • 2022 – 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander 
  • 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Recall summary  

Listed SUVs have a display on their dashboard as a part of the infotainment system, which reproduces the image from the rearview camera when backing up. In affected vehicles, a software error may cause this display to show a black screen instead of the rearview camera’s feed

Recall risks

The recall comes on the back of several warranty claims and field reports but fortunately, no injuries or crashes have been reported. All risks caused by an inoperable rearview camera are explained in this article about a similar GM recall.

Other Mitsubishi recalls

In July 2022, Mitsubishi recalled more than 50,000 Outlanders over a similar problem with their rearview cameras.

In addition, some of these SUVs may have been affected by a recall from August 2022 caused by transmission issues

The repair

Dealers will fix the issue by upgrading the relevant software free of charge.

Owners should be notified on June 20, 2023. 

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

Almost 90,000 SUVs are affected by this Mitsubishi rearview camera recall. To do a Mitsubishi recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicMitsubishi recalls SUVs over limited rearview visibility  

Mitsubishi recalls Outlander Sport SUVs over transmission problem

Franklin, TN – August 20, 2022 – Mitsubishi Motors (OTCMKTS:MSBHF) is issuing a recall for 76,508 2019-2022 Outlander Sport sport utility vehicles (SUVs). The transmission may downshift unexpectedly, which could cause the engine to stall, increasing the risk of a crash and injury.

Recall summary

The affected vehicles have a continuously variable transmission, or CVT, which is an automated transmission that seamlessly shifts through gears using an electronic control unit (ECU), improving a vehicle’s efficiency and resulting in convenience for the driver. 

In the affected vehicles, a software error could lead the transmission to unintentionally shift to a lower gear. If this happens at speeds higher than 62 miles per hour, it could lead to the engine over-revving, which could cause engine damage and eventually stalling. 

The component involved in this recall is the control unit T/M with part numbers 8631B846 and 8631B847.

Recall risks

Read more about stalling risks in our recent article about a transmission issue with Chrysler minivans.

Other Mitsubishi Outlander recalls 

In February 2022, Mitsubishi recalled 16,616 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SUVs for faulty fuel pumps, which could cause the vehicle to stall and increase the risk of a crash.

In July 2022, the Mitsubishi Outlander was again the subject of a recall, this time involving 56,080 vehicles for the 2022 model year. This was on account of a faulty rearview camera that failed to show images on the screen as the vehicle is reversing, increasing the risk of a crash and leading to injury and property damage.

The repair

Dealers will reprogram the CVT-ECU with the correct software upgrade. Repairs will be performed free of charge, and Mitsubishi will reimburse customers who had related Mitsubishi transmission issues fixed prior to the recall announcement. 

Affected owners will be notified on or around August 24, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 76,000 vehicles are included in this Mitsubishi Outlander Sport transmission recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Mitsubishi recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloMitsubishi recalls Outlander Sport SUVs over transmission problem

Mitsubishi issues Outlander recall over faulty rearview cameras

Franklin, TN – July 17, 2022 – Mitsubishi (NASDAQ:MSBHF) has issued a recall for 56,080 vehicles over a problem with the rearview camera. The device could fail to show an image of the vehicle’s rear portion while reversing, increasing the risk of accidents and injury as well as property damage. 

The recall covers the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander compact crossover SUVs.

Recall summary

The rearview camera enhances safety by providing drivers with a view of the vehicle’s rear while the transmission is in Reverse gear. This image is displayed on the dashboard monitor, allowing users to see more behind the vehicle than is normally possible with the rearview mirror.

Due to a Mitsubishi software issue, the recalled vehicles could fail to show the image on the screen, restricting the driver’s view of the area.

The component involved in this recall is the in-vehicle infotainment system, with part numbers 8740A049 and 8740A050.    

Recall risks

Read more about the risks of this defect in our recent article about a similar recall issued by Stellantis.

Other Mitsubishi recalls 

There was a Mitsubishi Outlander recall in February 2022 over a problem with the fuel pump. “Abnormal wear” on the component could cause it to fail, leading to the engine stalling while the vehicle is in motion. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.

The 2022 Outlander has also been the subject of two complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over defective airbags. One incident was recorded on July 7, when an Outlander’s front airbags failed to deploy, despite the vehicle sustaining severe damage to the “front quarter panels.”

The repair

Dealers will reprogram the software to fix the problem. This will be performed free of charge. Owners who have availed of a remedy prior to the recall order will be directed to contact Mitsubishi for reimbursement.   

Affected owners will be notified by August 1, 2022. 

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 56,000 vehicles are included in this Mitsubishi rearview camera recall. To see if your vehicle is affected, run a Mitsubishi recall check using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.  

Joseph EstabilloMitsubishi issues Outlander recall over faulty rearview cameras

Mitsubishi recalls SUVs that may stall

Franklin, TN – February 5, 2022 –  Mitsubishi (NASDAQ:MSBHF) is recalling 16,616 cars whose fuel pumps may fail, causing the vehicle to stall in traffic, which increases the risk of a crash and injury. This recall affects the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SUVs.

Recall summary  

Vehicles that are part of this Mitsubishi Outlander recall have a fuel pump with two parts that were incorrectly fused during due to a supplier error. As a result, they may experience “abnormal wear” and eventually render the pump inoperative.

This may cause the car to stall without any prior warning.

Recall risks

Read more about the dangers of stalling in fast-moving traffic in this article about a recent Mazda recall for the same issue.

Other Mitsubishi recalls 

In addition to this fuel pump issue, some of these Mitsubishi Outlander 2022 vehicles are subject to two more recalls. The larger of the two was done in August of last year because of a faulty seat belt retractor that may fail to adequately secure a child seat. That recall was due to a broader issue with the retractor supplier, Swedish-American parts’ manufacturer, Autoliv, and has impacted most major manufacturers.

Outlander’s older model-years were recalled a year ago due to parking brake issues, as reported.

The repair

Dealers will rectify the issue by replacing the fuel pump with an upgraded version free of charge. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on March 18, 2022. Drivers who paid for repairs out of pocket may be eligible for a reimbursement.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This Mitsubishi Fuel Pump recall affects more than 15,000 SUVs. To do a Mitsubishi recall check and see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Bojan PopicMitsubishi recalls SUVs that may stall

Mitsubishi recalls Outlander vehicles for parking brake issue

Franklin, TN – January 15, 2021 – Mitsubishi Corporation (NASDAQ:MSBHF) has recalled 21,758 vehicles, due to corrosion in the parking brake system. The parking brakes may not operate correctly, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall includes 2016  Mitsubishi Outlander and 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles.

Recall summary  

The parking brake system prevents the car from rolling away when parked on a hill by engaging rear brakes, which lock the rear wheels of a car in place. 

Due to a supplier assembly error, the rear brakes of these cars may lack a rust prevention coating. Without that coating, water may penetrate the brake system and corrode it. As a result, the parking brake may fail and not keep the car from rolling away.

Risks 

If the driver believes that the parking brake is set and the brake malfunctions, the vehicle may roll into traffic, hit another parked vehicle or injure a pedestrian. This is particularly dangerous if the vehicle is parked on an incline.

Other Mitsubishi Outlander recalls

Outlander and Outlander Sport cars are subject to several recent recalls.  Both cars, for example, were among the ones recalled back in the summer for improperly designed seat belts. They are also subject to a May recall due to a part of the suspension detaching due to corrosion.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to replace the rear brake caliper assemblies. The repair is free of charge. Mitsubishi expects the recall to begin January 25, 2021.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 21,000 vehicles are included in this Mitsubishi Outlander recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydMitsubishi recalls Outlander vehicles for parking brake issue

Mitsubishi Outlander recalled for faulty seat belts

Pleasanton, CA – July 13, 2020 – Mitsubishi Motors (NASDAQ:MMTOF) has recalled 177,000 Mitsubishi Outlander SUVs due to an issue with the second-row seat belt. When the seat backs are folded down, the right-side seat buckle latch may become inoperable. The recall includes: 

  • 2014-2019 Outlander SUVs
  • 2018-2019 Outlander PHEV SUVs

Recall summary  

Due to an improper design, when folding the left-hand back row seat, the center seat may damage the belt buckle of the right-hand seat. If this happens, the buckle latch may not restrain an occupant during an accident.

Risks 

Seat belt use is critically important. If an occupant is not restrained by a seat belt, he or she has a high risk of injury in the event of a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nearly 15,000 lives were saved in 2017 by seat belts used in passenger vehicles. Over 90% of occupants used seat belts in 2019.

The repair

To fix the issue, dealers will need to modify the seat belt buckle cover for the center seat belt in the second row. Dealers will also add a new warning label to the support base of the second row seat. The repair is free of charge and is available in September. Owners should plan on up to half a day to complete the repair.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 170,000 vehicles are included in this Mitsubishi Outlander recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Ken BoydMitsubishi Outlander recalled for faulty seat belts

Mitsubishi AirBag Inflators Cause AirBag to Deflate/Inflate Improperly

re: NHTSA campaign 20V035000

Laguna Hills, Calif. – January 17, 2020 – Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. has recalled 1998-2000 Montero vehicles due to issues with AirBag inflators. This inflator recall is one in a series of many airbag deployment issues resulting in multiple recalls.

The estimated total of affected vehicles is 20,000.

The Defect

20,000 1998-2000 Montero Mitsubishi vehicles are under recall due to airbag deployment issues. In the event of a crash or emergency airbag deployment, the airbag inflator may rupture and send hazardous metal fragments towards the driver. Airbag inflators have also been known to deflate and not provide proper protection to the driver in the event of a crash. Both could risk serious injury to the vehicle driver and other occupants.

The affected airbag inflators are installed with Non-Azide Driver air bag inflators (NADI) and were not equipped with phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. High or long term exposure to humidity or excess absorbed moisture may cause the inflators to underinflate or rupture and send hazardous materials towards the vehicles interior.

The Solution

This official recall is still under development according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Owners should expect to be notified by Mitsubishi once the official recall begins – which is March 22, 2020. All owners suspecting that their vehicle is under recall are welcome to call MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820.

For more information on this and other recalls, visit www.motorsafety.org.

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About MotorSafety.org

MotorSafety.org is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to vehicle safety and assisting consumers with the identification and resolution of vehicle manufacturing recalls and defects. Through education, awareness, government relations, repair facility referrals and strategic partnerships, MotorSafety.org hopes to remove every unsafe vehicle from the road, facilitate its proper repair, and ensure its prompt return to the owner once the vehicle has met the required safety and performance standards. For more information about MotorSafety.org, please email support@motorsafety.org.

Marshall EarleyMitsubishi AirBag Inflators Cause AirBag to Deflate/Inflate Improperly

Mitsubishi Recalls Nearly 60,000 Vehicles For Faulty Safety System Software

Lilburn, Georgia – September 26, 2018 – Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system, as well as 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross vehicles and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system and/or an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) system.

The Defect

According to the NHTSA Safety Recall Report, the software for the Hydraulic Unit’s Electronic Control Unit (HU-ECU) may be incorrect. Due to this inappropriate software in HU-ECU electrical noise is generated when the pump motor of the H/U operates, which may cause the H/U-ECU to reset.

This defect could prevent the intervention of safety systems when in use, including automatic emergency braking, Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), or the Brake Auto Hold (BAH) function. If the safety systems do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash. There have been no reported injuries or accidents due to this condition.

Timeline of Events

In March 2017, a field report from Japan was received by MMC. The report stated that the “ACC CHECK” warning appeared in the multi-information display of combination meter while driving. From April 2017 to August 2017, MMC received two additional field reports. In the first case, MMC conducted a bench test with the returned part, but was unable to reproduce the problem. After the second field report, MMC conducted the vehicle test with the additional two returned parts and was able to reproduce the problem with one of the returned parts.

MMC subsequently conducted the bench test again using the driving data of the vehicle test which had formerly successfully reproduced the problem, but was not able to reproduce the problem again, so MMC and the supplier continued to conduct tests from December 2017 to April 2018

Upon conclusion of the company’s investigation, MMC determined that inappropriate software in the H/U-ECU could generate electrical noise when the pump motor operates, causing the H/U-ECU to reset. The flaw in the software was corrected in production, and MMC continued investigating with the purpose of analyzing the variations and estimating future occurrences.

MMC concluded that the failure would occur continuously in the future, and in September 2018 the manufacturer chose to initiate a field action in the US to address the condition and advised Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. to conduct a safety recall.

The Solution

Owners of all affected vehicles will be notified and asked to bring their vehicles in to reprogram the H/U-ECU software with countermeasure software. The repair will be performed with no cost to vehicle owners. The new software does not generate the electrical noise which may reset the H/UECU, eliminating the issue. New software for the H/U-ECU was used in production starting with vehicles built in and after April 2018. The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 18V-621

Owners seeking reimbursement for any expenses associated with this recall will be directed in the notification letter to contact the Mitsubishi Customer Relations Department for reimbursement consideration. MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the Hydraulic Unit-ECU software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA’s number for this recall is SR-18-008. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153).

Sean ReyesMitsubishi Recalls Nearly 60,000 Vehicles For Faulty Safety System Software

Mitsubishi Recalls More Than 9,000 Vehicles Over Faulty FCM Software

Lilburn, Georgia – September 26, 2018 – Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Outlander Sport, 2018-2019 Eclipse Cross, and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system that detects pedestrians. Only vehicles that were equipped with Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system are affected, with the total number of vehicles being recalled totaling 9,166.

The Defect

According to the NHTSA Safety Recall Report, due to incorrect software, the FCM-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) may apply braking for longer than needed. The error may occur when a pedestrian was registered as being in front of the vehicle, even after a pedestrian is no longer detected. If the FCM-ECU software activates the brake for longer than necessary, the driver may react by applying additional braking. The resulting rapid deceleration of the vehicle has been suspected to increase the risk of a rear-end collision or cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

Timeline of Events

During March through May 2017, MMC received three field reports from the Czech Republic and Japan indicating that the vehicle brake was activated by FCM system. The reports stating the brake activation occurred when there were no pedestrians or other vehicles in front of the vehicle. MMC began an investigation. Between May and October 2017, as a result of the investigation, it was concluded that the FCM system operated properly. However, in February 2018, MMC received an accident report from Australia which stated that rear-end collision had occurred due to the vehicle brake being activated by the FCM system. Again, MMC concluded the FCM system operated properly.

In May 2018, two additional accident reports from Singapore and Japan were received, and it was confirmed that the driver of each vehicle had depressed the brake pedal strongly when the brake was activated by the FCM system. This caused the vehicles to be decelerated rapidly. In June 2018, MMC completely reprogrammed the software of the FCM-ECU in production, in order to specifically shorten the operation time of the brake by the FCM system. This safeguard is designed to help prevent the driver from choosing to apply a stronger brake when the danger is already past or when not necessary.

MMC subsequently continued its investigation to assess the safety risk of affected vehicles, and in September 2018, MMC determined that a field action was necessary in the US to address the potential risk, although there had been no adverse reports from the US. MMC advised Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. to conduct a safety recall.

The Solution

Owners of all affected vehicles will be notified and encouraged to bring their vehicles in to reprogram the FCM-ECU software with countermeasure software. The repair will be performed at no charge to vehicle owners. The recall is expected to begin October 16, 2018.

Any owners seeking reimbursement for any expenses associated with this recall will be directed in the notification letter to contact the Mitsubishi Customer Relations Department for reimbursement consideration.

Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA’s number for this recall is SR-18-007. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153).

Sean ReyesMitsubishi Recalls More Than 9,000 Vehicles Over Faulty FCM Software

Mitsubishi recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags

Cypress, Calif. – April 30, 2018 – Mitsubishi Motors North America (OTCMKTS:MSBHF) has recalled more than 17,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective Takata air bag assemblies, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer sedans.

Recall Summary

Affected vehicles contain Takata air bag assemblies featuring defective inflators that are prone to combustion upon deployment. When exploded, the metal inflator housing fragments, sending bits of sharp shrapnel throughout the cabin. Consequently, these fixtures pose a serious safety hazard to occupants. Takata air bags have killed 20 people and injured hundreds more worldwide, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Takata on May 18, 2015, submitted a Defect Information Report which advised all automakers involved with vehicles containing its air bag assemblies to expand ongoing recalls. NHTSA relayed this information to automotive companies May 27, 2015. In response, Mitsubishi expanded an ongoing recall involving 2004-2005 Lancer sedans to include all remaining 2005 Lancer vehicles, as well as those produced in 2006 using the Takata air bag inflators.

Between May 2015 and September 2017, the automaker replaced defective air bag assemblies with temporary like-for-like replacements. During this time, Mitsubishi also developed a viable permanent replacement, which passed the final testing phase in September 2017.

Over the following months, the automaker mass-produced the parts to build of up sufficient supply for an expanded recall action addressing all of the vehicles that received temporary replacements. On March 29, 2018, Mitsubishi reviewed the matter and decided to launch a voluntary safety recall.

The repair

The automaker will direct dealers to replace the Takata air bag assemblies in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgement document. Mitsubishi intends to notify dealers April 19, 2018, and reach out to owners via first-class mail April 26, 2018.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 1.4 million vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021, – the last date for which information was available – 8,172 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Sean ReyesMitsubishi recalls vehicles with defective Takata air bags