Mitsubishi recalls vehicles with defective brakes

Cypress, Calif. – Feb. 14, 2018 – Mitsubishi Motors North America has recalled more than 170,000 vehicles possibly equipped with corrosion-prone and improperly installed brake components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The safety campaign affects 2014-2016 Mitsubishi Outlander sport utility vehicles produced between April 12, 2013, and Feb. 2, 2016, as well as 2013-2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUVs manufactured between July 20, 2012, and July 8, 2016. The Japanese automaker suspects all of the models referenced in the action contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected vehicles could contain parking brake shafts and rear brake caliber boots that are not properly water-sealed. As a result, moisture could penetrate both of these fixtures and cause extensive corrosion damage. Additionally, these models feature defective automatic brake pad adjusters. Together, these parts greatly inhibit braking functionality and therefore pose a serious threat to occupants. However, Mitsubishi has not received reports connecting the defective components to any accidents or injuries.

Timeline of Events

In October 2014, Mitsubishi received a field report from a dealer in the U.K. outlining an instance of rear brake disintegration. The automaker launched an investigation and in October 2014 came to the conclusion that corrosion had caused the parking brake shaft to stick. Engineers took this data and began developing a production solution, which debuted in January 2016. At this point, assembly crews began coating all parking brake components in an anticorrosion covering. Mitsubishi launched an extended field monitoring program to measure the effectiveness of the coated components.

As this situation unfolded, Mitsubishi dealt with another developing safety issue centered on brake assemblies. In February 2015, the company received a field report from the Japanese market that referenced nonworking automatic brake pad adjusters. Mitsubishi engineers investigated the issue for more than one year but could not pinpoint a root cause. They did, however, find that one of the washers installed on one of the problematic brake calibers was scratched. Investigators began working with operations to develop a technical solution that would prevent scratching while also moving forward with their root cause analysis.

In October 2016, Mitsubishi introduced new washers made of stronger material that were impervious to scratching. The investigation moved forward.

Nearly one year later in September 2017, compliance officials at the company discovered that its brake caliber supplier, Akebono Brake Industry, had performed ineffective post-production inspections. This resulted in the release of defective calibers that did not meet predetermined production specifications. These unfit features, combined with the scratched washers, affected the performance of brake the pad automatic adjusters, which in turn led to decreases in braking performance due to increased pad wear.

On Jan. 19, 2018, quality assurance personnel met and decided that a voluntary safety recall aimed at addressing both braking issues was necessary.

The Solution

Mitsubishi intends to direct dealers to inspect and, if necessary, replace the rear brake calibers and parking brake boots on affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The car company plans to notify dealers Feb. 9 and reach out to owners via first-class mail March 27.

Owners in need of more immediate assistance can connect with Mitsubishi customer service staff at (888) 648-7820. Callers should use the internal recall reference code SR-18-002. Owners can also speak with the NHTSA using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesMitsubishi recalls vehicles with defective brakes

Mitsubishi recalls vehicles with defective drive belt components

Cypress, Calif. – Feb. 13, 2018 – Mitsubishi Motors North America has recalled more than 141,000 vehicles potentially equipped with defective drive belt components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

  • 2009-2012 Mitsubishi Lancer sedans produced between March 20, 2008, and Nov. 17, 2011.
  • 2010-2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback sedans produced between June 17, 2009, and Nov. 15, 2011.
  • 2008-2012 Mitsubishi Outlander sport utility vehicles produced between June 25, 2008, and Nov. 16, 2011.
  • 2011-2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUVs produced between Aug. 26, 2010, and Dec. 15, 2011.

The Japanese automaker suspects all the vehicles referenced in the recall contain the defective features.

The Defect

The models included in the safety action could contain drive belt automatic tensioners whose flanges are prone to cracking. Such an event could lead to complete drive belt detachment, resulting in the immediate termination of engine and power steering operations, and increasing the likelihood of an accident. As a result, the defective part poses a serious threat to occupants. However, Mitsubishi has not received reports connecting the any accidents or injuries to the defect.

Drivers with vehicles on the verge of shutting down due to drive belt automatic tensioner fracturing will see the battery charge warning light illuminate.

Timeline of Events

Mitsubishi received a field report in September 2010 describing an instance of automatic tensioner breakage. This prompted the company to launch an investigation into the issue to ascertain a root cause. In December 2011, engineers for the automaker found that production staff had swapped the bearing in the automatic tensioner for a lead-free alternative in March 2008 and suspected that the new product was cracking when operating in high-load environments. Mitsubishi reshaped the bearing to reduce surface stress and initiated a field monitoring campaign with an expiration date of November 2015.

In December 2015, the car manufacturer reviewed the results of the four-year field monitoring program and began another program scheduled to conclude in January 2018.

Last month, Mitsubishi conducted another data review and found the occurrence of automatic tensioner breakage was higher than expected and increasing. The company called for a voluntary safety recall Jan. 19 to address the problem.

The Solution

Mitsubishi intends to direct dealers to replace the drive belt tensioners in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The automaker will notify dealers Feb. 9 and reach out to owners via first-class mail March 27. Those in need of more immediate assistance can contact Mitsubishi customer service at (888) 648-7820. Callers should use the internal recall identification code SR-18-001. Owners can also contact the NHTSA using its Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Ken BoydMitsubishi recalls vehicles with defective drive belt components

Mitsubishi recalls vehicles defective sunroof framing

Cypress, Calif. – Feb. 8, 2018 – Mitsubishi Motors North America has recalled more than 56,600 vehicles potentially equipped with defective sunroof framing components, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects multiple models, including:

  • 2008-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer sedans produced between Jan. 15, 2007, and March 3, 2010.
  • 2009-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution sport sedans produced between Sept. 1, 2008, and Oct. 30, 2009.
  • 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback sedans produced between June 17, 2009, and Oct. 30, 2009.
  • 2007-2010 Mitsubishi Outlander sport utility vehicles produced between Sept. 8, 2006, and Nov. 3, 2009.

The automaker suspects all vehicles referenced in the action contain the defective components.

The Defect

Affected models feature improperly manufactured polyurethane sunroof frames that may degrade in humid or high temperature environments and lead to complete detachment of the sunroof glass. This poses a serious safety risk to occupants, as the falling glass could not only cause injury but also increase the likelihood of an accident. That said, Mitsubishi has not received reports connecting the defect to accidents or injuries of any kind.

Timeline of Events

Mitsubishi received a field report from the Japanese market in March 2015 detailing an instance in which the sunroof glass installed in a vehicle detached from the sunroof frame. This prompted the company to launch an investigation in collaboration with its sunroof assembly supplier, the Webasto Japan Company. Between April 2015 and December 2017, the two parties carried out detailed field investigations and performed internal tests in an effort to duplicate the outcome described in the original report.

In December 2017, Mitsubishi engineers confirmed that Webasto had changed the polyurethane material it used in its sunroof frames in 2009, switching to a more aesthetically appealing alternative that also seemed to exhibit better bonding. The report received in the March 2015 seemed to contradict this assessment and Mitsubishi deemed the material defective, postulating that it lost bonding power in hot, humid weather.

On Jan. 19, the automaker initiated a voluntary safety recall to address the problem.

The Solution

Mitsubishi intends to direct dealers to replace the sunroof assemblies in affected models free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. The company plans to notify dealers Feb. 9 and reach out to owners via first-class mail March 27.

Those in need of more immediate assistance can connect with Mitsubishi customer service personnel at (888) 648-7820. Callers should use the internal recall reference code SR-18-003. Owners can also reach out the NHTSA directly using the agency’s toll-free Vehicle Safety Hotline at (888) 327-4236.

Sean ReyesMitsubishi recalls vehicles defective sunroof framing

Mitsubishi issues recall on i-MiEV subcompacts

 

Cypress, California – Dec. 21, 2017 – Mitsubishi Motors North America recently issued a recall for a relatively small number of its i-MiEV subcompact cars from the 2016 and 2017 model years, citing issues with air bag inflators, according to a letter filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Specifically, the defect in these vehicles relates to certain air bag inflators that are part of passenger front air bag modules, which may suffer inflator rupture in the event of a crash, caused by “propellant degradation” as a result of long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.

The recall affects just 144 vehicles from the model years above.

The Defect

When the 2016 and 2017 i-MiEV vehicles in the recall are exposed to high humidity for long periods of time, the propellant in the air bag module will degrade and cause a failure of the inflator.

If this happens, metal fragments may launch from the air bag compartment in the event of a crash, and potentially cause serious injury or even death to vehicle passengers.

Timeline of Events

Recall notices began being issued Dec. 15, 2017, to both owners and dealers, one week after the manufacturer filed its initial report on the issue. Repairs related to the recall were expected to begin that same day.

The Solution

Owners of affected vehicles are asked to bring their affected i-MiEVs to a local dealership, where repairs will be conducted free of charge to replace the passenger side frontal air bag inflator.

Owners are encouraged to contact Mitsubishi’s customer service line at 1-888-648-7820 if they have any questions about the issue or the recall itself. They can also contact the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

adminMitsubishi issues recall on i-MiEV subcompacts

Mitsubishi recalls sedans with defective air bags

Cypress, Calif. – Oct. 10, 2017 – Mitsubishi (OTCMKTS:MSBHF) has recalled around 66,000 vehicles possibly equipped with defective Takata air bag assemblies, according to documentation filed with the National Transportation Safety Administration. The campaign affects 2004-2006 Mitsubishi Lancer sedans.

Recall summary

The cars referenced in the campaign are likely to contain Takata air bag assemblies with defective inflators prone to rupture during deployment. These fixtures pose a serious threat to occupants, as metal debris is emitted and dispersed throughout the cabin at high speeds when inflator ruptures occur. Dozens of other car manufacturers across the globe have been forced to recall models equipped with the Takata air bag assemblies addressed in this campaign. Automakers in the U.S. have recalled more than 42 million vehicles with Takata-made air bags, according to Car and Driver. At least 17 people have died as a result of these features, The New York Times reported.

In Oct. 2014, Mitsubishi recalled more than 11,000 Lancers believed to be equipped with Takata air bag inflators, according to the NHTSA. The automaker then initiated a field collection effort to recover air bag parts from affected models for further evaluation. Takata engineers reviewed the air bag components recovered from the field to see if they were actually defective. The parts provider submitted the results of the tests to Mitsubishi Nov. 19, 2004. Takata personnel had analyzed 12 inflators, with only one showing signs of abnormal inflation. The two parties convened with NHTSA officials to discuss the part, which came from a vehicle used in southern Florida.

On Nov. 24, Mitsubishi decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall that included models from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina and Texas. The campaign also covered vehicles sold in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, Saipan and American Samoa. On May 27, 2015, the automaker expanded this recall to include all 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer sedans, as well as 2006 models containing problematic Takata SPI inflators.

Between May 2015 and September 2017, Mitsubishi service teams replaced the inflators in these vehicles with like-for-like temporary parts as a stopgap measure, until permanent replacements were ready. In September 2017, the automaker finished an internal evaluation of the replacement parts, ultimately finding them satisfactory. With the replacements in hand, the car manufacturer decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall to address all of the unrepaired vehicles covered in the two previous actions.

Mitsubishi notified dealers Oct. 5.

The repair

The automaker has directed dealers to replace the defective Takata air bag inflators in affected vehicles free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. Mitsubishi plans to notify owners via first-class mail Oct. 22.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Around 66,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 10,536 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Note: June 24, 2021

We have noticed a large number of readers are interested in this recall. For that reason, we have added the last section where drivers can check if their vehicle is part of this recall and included the recall completion rate. The article has also been updated to reflect the latest editorial standards.

Recall MastersMitsubishi recalls sedans with defective air bags

Mitsubishi recalls Outlander and Outlander Sport vehicles for door problems [Video]

Cypress, Calif.—April 17, 2017—The door latches in more than 35,000  Mitsubishi vehicles could open unexpectedly, according to one recall. This recall will address these improperly produced latches, which are reportedly more dangerous in high temperatures.

All together the recall includes two 2016 models: the Mitsubishi Outlander and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The earliest of these vehicles was produced on May 11, 2015, and Ansei Corporation is the listed supplier for these components. This company is based in Japan, which is also where the first report connected to this possible issue stemmed from, although no accidents were traced to this defect as of April 6.

The official Part 573 Safety Recall Report did not list an owner or dealer notification date. It did say that the response will urge owners to replace the faulty latches.

adminMitsubishi recalls Outlander and Outlander Sport vehicles for door problems [Video]

Mitsubishi Will Replace Lift Gate Out of Caution

Recall Masters – December 28, 2016.

Mitsubishi Will Replace Lift Gate Out of Caution

The Defect

The problem appears to affect model year 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured between Aug. 26, 2010 and June 1, 2012. Also being recalled are 2016 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured between Jan. 11, 2016 and July 8, 2016.

According to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the support tubes that are meant to hold up the vehicles’ lift gates when they are open do not contain the correct amount of anti-corrosion treatment. Over time, this means that salt and water can corrode the tubes, which will in turn cause them to lose pressure more quickly. If not treated, affected lift gates could crash down on operators without warning, possibly causing injury…

Read the entire article on the Recall Masters website

Sean ReyesMitsubishi Will Replace Lift Gate Out of Caution

Mitsubishi Will Replace Lift Gate Out of Caution

Dec. 28, 2016 – Cypress, Calif. – Defective lift gates on several vehicles models have led Mitsubishi to conduct a recall of those that have been affected.

The Defect

The problem appears to affect model year 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured between Aug. 26, 2010 and June 1, 2012. Also being recalled are 2016 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured between Jan. 11, 2016 and July 8, 2016.

According to documents compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the support tubes that are meant to hold up the vehicles’ lift gates when they are open do not contain the correct amount of anti-corrosion treatment. Over time, this means that salt and water can corrode the tubes, which will in turn cause them to lose pressure more quickly. If not treated, affected lift gates could crash down on operators without warning, possibly causing injury.

Timeline of Events

January 2016 – A supplier informed Mitsubishi that corrosion in a similar outer lift gate tube had caused the inner spring to snap off. The supplier suggested that Mitsubishi investigate its own components as well.

December 2016 – After a full investigation, Mitsubishi had no knowledge of any documented cases of failure on any of its vehicles. The company decided to conduct the recall out of a sense of caution, to ensure no future problems will arise.

Resolution

Mitsubishi is currently working with dealers to determine the best date in which to inform customers of the recall. Owners will be encouraged to visit their nearest dealer to have their existing lift gate replaced, free of charge.

adminMitsubishi Will Replace Lift Gate Out of Caution

Acceleration Problems Affect Some Mitsubishi Vehicles in Recall

Cypress, Calif. — Oct. 04, 2016 — One of the latest Mitsubishi recalls involves concerns over possible problems that might appear during acceleration. Earlier this year, between January and February, the manufacturer reportedly received claims of stopping vehicles, according to documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Part 573 Safety Recall Report includes 82,436 potentially affected vehicles, including the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport and 2016 Outlander Sport, Outlander and Lancer models. The combined production dates range from Jun. 25, 2014 to Jul. 8, 2016.

In these autos, the Constant Velocity Transmission system could lead to a hesitant acceleration. As the source described, this is due to a temporary loss of signal in the range switch and could require dealers to reprogram the CVT-ECU to disregard the signal loss.

To address the problem, the manufacturer addressed range switches in the affected models on different dates in 2016: the Outlander and Lancer vehicles on Feb. 22 and the the Outlander Sport on April 6. A new spring will reportedly keep the range switch from losing signal momentarily.

The manufacturer notice for dealers said that the engine in affected vehicles will reduce engine torque when the range switch loses its signal. Dealers were cautioned to ensure that vehicles aren’t delivered without being repaired first. They were also advised to use a backup battery during the reprogramming procedure to keep a steady power supply at all times.

Although all of the vehicles were included in a single report, an Advance Technical Information Notice stated that two different campaign numbers are involved. The 2015 Outlander Sport is part of campaign C1606Z, while the 2016 vehicles are included under C1607Z.

adminAcceleration Problems Affect Some Mitsubishi Vehicles in Recall

After Fuel Concerns, Mitsubishi Recalls Outlander Sport Vehicles

Cypress, Calif. — September 23, 2016 — Some improperly placed transmission hose clamps have launched a Mitsubishi recall. The manufacturer’s new action addresses a possible fire hazard, though there have been no confirmed reports of such as of this writing, according to Autoblog.

The recall includes exactly 45,731 potentially affected vehicles, as documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report. All of the concerned units are 2015 Outlander Sports produced between June 24, 2014 and Nov. 25, 2015. The continuously variable transmission fluid hoses in these vehicles may reportedly feature clamps that aren’t securely attached.

This, in turn, could allow the hose to detach and leak transmission fluid, potentially hurting the transmission as well as causing a fire hazard. The report said that each of these vehicles contains 10 susceptible hose clamps. Drivers can look for a warning light on the dashboard as a possible sign of this defect, along with possible shaking.

Because the problem centers around the included clamps, no outside component manufacturer was associated with this issue. According to the Part 573 Safety Recall report, dealers can look at each of the ten clamps and release them if necessary.

The manufacturer decided to conduct this recall on July 14, 2016. The first warranty claim related to this issue dates back to Dec. 16, 2015, when an Outlander Sport suddenly came to a stop after a transmission hose disconnected. Other claims came in March, May and June 2016: Of these, the vehicle with the highest mileage was identified March 3 and had accumulated 18,446 miles.

No recall notification schedule was listed for owners or dealers in the 573 report, though the did say it would update these later.

adminAfter Fuel Concerns, Mitsubishi Recalls Outlander Sport Vehicles