DRIVERS across the country have been warned about a sudden and surprising problem linked to one of Mitsubishi’s most popular SUVs.
What seemed like a routine convenience feature could turn into a serious safety hazard.
Over 91,000 Mitsubishi vehicles were recalled over a safety concern[/caption]
The recall pertained to a problem with the large hatch at the back of the SUVs called a liftgate[/caption]
The automaker has issued a sweeping recall of more than 91,000 vehicles, according to the recall alert.
The problem centers on the rear liftgate — the large hatch at the back of the SUV.
Authorities said a hidden flaw could cause the heavy door to come crashing down on drivers without warning.
For those who own the Outlander, that means an everyday task like unloading groceries could become unexpectedly dangerous.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a Thursday alert revealing the defect.
The agency explained that the gas spring cylinders supporting the liftgate can corrode over time.
Once corrosion sets in, the cylinders lose pressure and may even rupture.
That failure could send the liftgate slamming shut, with the potential to injure anyone standing nearby.
“The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly,” the recall states.
“A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.”
In total, 91,697 SUVs were part of the recall.
The models include 2018–2022 Outlander plug-in hybrids and 2014–2020 Outlander SUVs.
The recall applies to vehicles sold or registered in 26 states known for cold weather and road salt, along with Washington, D.C. Mitsubishi said the salty, icy conditions accelerate the risk of corrosion in the rear hatch system.
The company has promised free repairs to all affected drivers.
How can I check if my car is part of a recall?
If you own a car that’s been recently recalled, you can easily check your VIN.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) makes it incredibly quick and easy for drivers to check and see if their vehicle is part of a recent (or past) recall.
The VIN checking tool also allows drivers to see whether or not the repair was completed within the last 15 years, making it an incredible tool for buyers of used cars.
All recalls initiated by the NHTSA mean free repairs for drivers, even if it’s an engine or a transmission replacement. If your VIN shows an active recall that has not been repaired, it’s important to make an appointment at your nearest dealership.
Here’s how to make an appointment for a recall:
- Look up your VIN using the NHTSA tool.
- Find out the recall number/ID from the manufacturer.
- Call your nearest dealership’s service center with the ID number handy, and mention you’d like to schedule an appointment to repair the recall. The repair can only be done at a dealership, as they’re authorized by the manufacturer to conduct the repair free of cost using genuine parts.
- Try to make the appointment as soon as possible.
- Once the repair is completed, the dealership will update the information associated with the VIN to reflect it’s been completed.
Source: NHTSA
Dealers will replace both left and right liftgate gas springs at no cost.
Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed out starting October 6.
Until then, officials are urging driver to be extremely cautious when loading or unloading their vehicles.
The official NHTSA recall ID is 25V507000, while Mitsubishi has designated the issue as SR-25-002.
Concerned owners can call Mitsubishi’s customer service line at 1-888-648-7820 or visit the NHTSA website for updates.
To check if your vehicle was part of the recall, you can visit the NHTSA recall website.
