Mitsubishi Recalls Issued Over Corroded Parking Brakes Failed Drive Belt Tensioners

Mitsubishi is recalling more than 300,000 vehicles, due to problems with the parking brakes, which may cause “roll away” accidents, and issues that may cause the engine to stall unexpectedly. 

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced two separate Mitsubishi recalls last week, which impact six different models of vehicles.

At least 141,054 Mitsubishi vehicles are being recalled due to problems with the drive belt automatic tensioner flange, which may crack and allow the accessory drive belt to detach. This would could result in a battery discharge, causing the engine to stall.

The vehicles included in this recall are model years 2009 through 2012 Lancer, 2010 through 2012 Lancer Sportback, 2008 through 2012 Outlander, and 2011 through 2012 Outlander Sport models.

A second recall impacts 170,354 Outlander vehicles from model years 2014 through 2016, and Outlander Sport models from 2013 through 2016, which may be subject to water intrusion to the rear brake calipers. This defect may cause the parking brake actuator shafts to corrode and possibly bind, allowing the vehicles to roll away when in the parked position.

In the event the recalled vehicles’ parking actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not fully engage or disengage fully, potentially allowing the vehicle to move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash to occupants and bystanders.

Mitsubishi announced that it will be offering remedies for both recalls at local licensed dealers. For the vehicles impacted by the belt tensioners, owners will be instructed to schedule a free repair appointment at a local dealer, where a new drive belt tensioner will be added free of charge.

For vehicles impacted by the failing brake actuators, owners will be able to schedule an appointment at their local licensed dealer to have the rear brake calipers inspected and the parking brake boot, lever or the brake caliper body replaced as necessary.

Customers with further questions regarding the recalls may contact Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. at 1-888-648-7820, or contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 to report adverse events.