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).
