1,500 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, Ralliart models recalled for fuel tank wear

Thu, Sep 24 2015

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is famous for its ability to slide at high speed through the dirt in rally stages all over the world, but 1,497 examples of the 2014 and 2015 Evo and Lancer Ralliart are now facing a recall in the US for potential wear to their fuel tanks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the right parking brake cable can rub against the tank, and this can cause a protective coating to come off, leading to rusting or even a possible leak. NHTSA documents (as a PDF) report no actual claims of this happening, though.

To rectify the problem, Mitsubishi dealers will replace the right parking brake cable on all of the affected models. While doing the work, they'll also inspect the fuel tank, and if worn, it'll be switched out, as well. Notifications to customers will go out in the next couple of weeks, according to Mitsubishi spokesperson Alex Fedorak to Autoblog.

RECALL Subject : Parking Brake Cable Contacting Fuel Tank

Report Receipt Date: AUG 31, 2015
NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V546000
Component(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE , PARKING BRAKE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,497

All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Mode lModel Year(s)
MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION 2014-2015
MITSUBISHI LANCER RALLIART 2014-2015

Details

Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

SUMMARY:
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured January 31, 2014, to September 5, 2014, and 2014-2015 Lancer Ralliart vehicles manufactured February 3, 2014, to September 5, 2014. The affected turbocharged vehicles have a right parking brake cable that may contact the fuel tank, wearing away the tank's protective coating.

CONSEQUENCE:
Without the protective coating, the fuel tank may rust and leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.

REMEDY:
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the right parking brake cable, and inspect the fuel tank, free of charge. If the fuel tank's exterior coating shows signs of damage from abrasive contact with the right parking brake cable, the fuel tank will also be replaced, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-009.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

By Chris Bruce