Mitsubishi recalls 2008-2009 Lancers and Outlanders over faulty brakes

If you have a 2008-'09 Mitsubishi Lancer or Outlander equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission, listen up – your car may be facing a recall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is working with the Japanese automaker to recall some 39,711 vehicles that may have problems with their brake boosters.

According to NHTSA, "Incorrect material composition of the brake booster check valve may cause the check valve to stick closed when the engine is shut off." As a result, when affected vehicles are re-started, there may not be enough power assist to effectively operate the brakes (particularly in slow-speed situations), increasing stopping distances and the risk of an accident.

Affected vehicles will have their brake booster check valves inspected and replaced free of charge. The recall is expected to begin next month, and owners can contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037 to learn more. Official press release after the jump.

[Source: NHTSA]

PRESS RELEASE:

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
MITSUBISHI / LANCER 2008-2009
MITSUBISHI / OUTLANDER 2008-2009

Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC. Mfr's Report Date: MAR 05, 2009

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V077000
NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 39711

Summary:
MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 39,711 MY 2008-2009 OUTLANDER AND LACER VEHICLES. INCORRECT MATERIAL COMPOSITION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE MAY CAUSE THE CHECK VALVE TO STICK CLOSED WHEN THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RE-STARTED AND PUT INTO MOTION, UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS (VERY SLOW VEHICLE MANEUVERS), THERE MAY BE INSUFFICIENT INITIAL BRAKING ASSIST.

Consequence:
THIS MAY TEMPORARILY INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE OF THE VEHICLE AND THEREFORE INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.

Notes:
MITSUBISHI RECALL NO. SR-09-002. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

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