Mitsubishi recalls nearly 430,000 Australian cars

Determined not to be outdone by Toyota’s Australian recall of 324,000 cars this week, Mitsubishi has one-upped its Japanese rival with a recall of around 430,000 vehicles built between 2009 and 2016. The largest recall in Australian history covers virtually every model sold during that period for a variety of technical issues related to electrical systems, power steering, electric motors and fuel tanks.

The recall isn’t related to Mitsubishi’s fuel-consumption test numbers scandal that led to its recent takeover by Nissan.

The numbers can be deceptive, as some vehicles are subject to a number of simultaneous recalls. A Mitsubishi spokesman said, “There are multiple recalls on the same vehicle, so although a really big number has been reported, some cars, such as the Lancer for instance, are being doubly counted. There have been no confirmed incidents, accidents or injuries relating to any of these recalls and the recalls are issued as a precautionary measure.”

In all there are seven separate recalls. Mitsubishi’s i-MiEV opens proceedings with a recall for 2010 and 2012 model year cars for a brake vacuum pump fix. Some who own a 2012 model i-MiEV are also notified of a recall over a defect in the insulated base of the Motor Control Unit which could make it impossible to charge or start the car.

A total of 1513 Mitsubishi Colts are also being recalled over a potentially defective terminal in the power steering system which could cause the power steering to fail and increase steering effort.

A fuel tank fix has been mandated for 85 Lancer Evo 10s and 90 Lancer Ralliart models built between 2014 and 2015 over concerns that a brake cable could abrade the fuel tank’s rustproof coating. In a worst case scenario, this could cause the tank to rust and leak.

The 2016 Outlander is being recalled over a defective electric trailer brake harness. 55 cars are affected but owners of Outlander PHEV are in the clear.

By far the largest recall concerns Challenger, i-MiEV, Lancer Sedan, Lancer Sportback, Outlander, Pajero and Triton models. This affects a total of 383,379 vehicles, all affected by turn signal and light connector terminals that are insufficiently rigid and which could corrode. If conduction fails, the headlamps, turn signal lamps, parking lamps, fog lamps, tail lamps, number plate lamps and cabin lamps could all fail, or operate intermittently.

To discover the VIN ranges of the affected vehicles click here.

Owners of recalled vehicles will be contacted via mail and are advised to present their vehicle at a local dealer for free of charge fixes. For more information, contact Mitsubishi Motors Australia on 1300 131 211.