We admittedly don’t think much about Mitsubishi much these days, so to hear it’s issued a major recall was a bit of a surprise. But one vehicle it’s sold a fair number here in the US is the Outlander, which is the exact one with a serious safety issue owners need to have addressed.
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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the recall has to do with a problem which can cause the tailgate to fail and fall on someone. That of course could cause serious injury or worse, especially to a child.
In the NHTSA recall notice, which was issued on August 21, the problem occurs when the tailgate gas spring ruptures thanks to corrosion.
Covering that spring is a heat-shrink resin tube which is designed to keep corrosive elements out. But it’s been found if saltwater gets into the compartment, collecting under the spring dust cap, it can over time cause corrosion anyway.
Over time the cylinder wall will corrode from the inside out, the material thinning to the point it fails and the gas escapes suddenly, losing pressure.
While that can cause the tailgate to suddenly fall, the rupture could also shoot shrapnel inside the vehicle, also leading to a serious injury. It doesn’t sound like a fun thing to witness.
The recalled models are 2014 to 2020 Mitsubishi Outlanders and 2018 to 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVs. The automaker estimates only about one percent of the recalled SUVs contain the defect.
However, it’s best to have a dealer take a look at your ride if you own one of these Mitsubishis. They will replace both gas springs at zero cost, plus treat the cylinders with an anti-corrosion coating to prevent future problems.
Image via Artur Toroyan/Facebook Marketplace
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