2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport recalled over brake lamps

Fri, 05 Apr 2013

Mitsubishi is recalling certain 2013 Outlander Sport models for a couple of brake-related reasons. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the brake lamps may illuminate continuously or intermittently. On top of that, the NHTSA report states that the vehicle's shift lever could be moved out of the Park position without depressing the brake pedal.

A total of 4,539 Outlander Sport models are being recalled for these issues. All of the affected vehicles were built between June 11 and September 11, 2012.

Obviously, both of these issues can be hazardous. If the brake lamps do not illuminate properly, other vehicles may not realize that the car is stopping. And if the shift lever can be moved from Park without touching the brake pedal, the vehicle could roll away unexpectedly.

Mitsubishi will be notifying owners about these issues in the near future, though no specific schedule has been released as of this writing. Scroll down for the official NHTSA release.

Report Receipt Date: MAR 29, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V116000
Component(s): EXTERIOR LIGHTING , POWER TRAIN , SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Potential Number of Units Affected: 4,539
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

SUMMARY

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured June 11, 2012, through September 11, 2012. These vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," and FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection." The brake stop lamps may illuminate continuously or intermittently. The shift lever could also be moved out of Park without depressing the brake pedal.

CONSEQUENCE

If the brake lamps do not illuminate properly other vehicles may not know when the vehicle is stopping. This could increase the risk of a crash. If the shift lever is moved from park without using the brake, the vehicle may roll causing personal injury.

REMEDY

Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will correct the installation of the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's campaign recall number is SR-13-004.

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 Steven J. Ewing