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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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Duders 8:36AM (3/17/2009)
The recalls going to begin next month, so everyone with faulty brakes will just have to continue running into things.
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TwinTurbo3000GT 7:46PM (3/17/2009)
funny, exept there hasn't been a single incident reported to have been caused by this...
Duders 7:58PM (3/17/2009)
I know. It was just a joke. But on a serious note, zomg mitsubishi.
Assass1n 9:33AM (3/17/2009)
First the plastic accelerator breaks of, now the brake pedal possibly won't work, whats next- the steering wheel breaks off if you turn it too fast?
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DZ 12:49PM (3/17/2009)
Amazing how the internet makes people like you think accelerator pedals fall off every 3rd car they build (by the way that happened once and has yet to happen again) and that the brake issue affects every model this company makes.
With that logic no one would ever drive if they looked at the NTSB recall lists... go check them out and see what other mfg's car are having problems with... ya know just little things like cars starting on fire... and GASP!! brake issues! and steering linkage, and on and on and on and on....
Avinash machado 10:00AM (3/17/2009)
Japanese reliability.
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Iridium 10:08AM (3/17/2009)
If you pump your brake pedal once when you start the car you won't have a problem.
SO many people just start the car and don't even let it run for a few seconds before they shift into gear. They just start the car and take off.
Maybe if we did a better job of teaching people how to drive we wouldn't have so many accidents.
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Shawn 10:31AM (3/17/2009)
Is that normal for you? I have never experienced a brake failure with all the cars/trucks I had over the years...and I've never pumped the brakes at start or warmed up the vehicle unless it is freezing outside.
Jj 10:35AM (3/17/2009)
It's easy to get all bent out of shape over this but it isn't really "Faulty Brakes" its "Faulty Brake Power Assist" even if the valve is stuck the car still has brakes.
Not to say that a recall isn't in order but it isn't as bad as it sounds.
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Franz 11:36AM (3/17/2009)
A recall is a recall... especially for those Domestic vs Import types who usually show up on these forums arguing superiority... but if I'm reading this correctly, the fault only causes the loss of power assist on the brakes. Push hard enough and they'll still work.
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DZ 12:42PM (3/17/2009)
Well Mitsubishi as an auto company went downhill because of their cover-up over NOT recalling their Work Trucks with faulty breaks. Look on the bright side, at least they aren't doing that anymore...
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