Mitsubishi recalling 166k cars, crossovers over stall risk

Fri, 10 Oct 2014

Mitsubishi is recalling 165,923 vehicles in the US because it's possible for the drive belt to detach from their engines, potentially causing a stall. Specifically, the campaign covers 2008-2011 model-year examples of the Lancer, Lancer Evolution (pictured above) and Outlander as well as the 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback and 2011 Outlander Sport. All of the affected models use some version of the brand's 4B1 four-cylinder engine.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the engine pulley can wear causing the drive belt to slip off. If this happens, the alternator, cooling fan and hydraulic power steering can all stop working, and obviously, any of those things could make driving unsafe. However, if the belt detaches, then a warning light should come on in the cabin.

To fix the problem, Mitsubishi dealers will replace the original belt with a redesigned rubber part and will inspect the pulley. If worn, it'll also be replaced free of charge.

According to Mitsubishi's defect notice, the first report of this problem was in 2010 in Ukraine. After that, it began monitoring the problem and eventually instated this recall. Scroll down to read the full details.

RECALL Subject : Drive Belt may Detach due to Worn Engine Pulley

Report Receipt Date: SEP 12, 2014
NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V562000
Component(s):
Potential Number of Units Affected: 165,923
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
MITSUBISHI LANCER 2008-2011
MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION 2008-2011

MITSUBISHI LANCER SPORTBACK 2009-2011
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER 2008-2011
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT 2011

Details

Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

SUMMARY:
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4B1 engines, have an engine pulley and belt arrangement for turning the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (if equipped). These pulleys may experience unusual wear and allow for belt detachment.

CONSEQUENCE:
If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed 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-14-009.

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