Mitsubishi
Although the company’s name translates to three diamonds, not every Mitsubishi owner would rate their vehicle so highly. Like any major car maker, Mitsubishi has had to issue numerous recalls over safety issues and defects that could increase the likelihood of a crash or cause serious injuries in the event of a collision. Regardless of whether your car has been recalled or not, if you are experiencing problems with your vehicle that aren’t being satisfactorily repaired by the dealer, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement under California lemon law. The law applies to vehicles sold in California while under the manufacturer’s warranty, whether you purchased or leased your vehicle.
Learn more about Mitsubishi below, including its recent history of safety problems. If you have a defective Mitsubishi and can’t get satisfaction from the dealer, contact Nita Lemon Law Firm in Los Angeles to consult with an experienced California lemon law attorney.
A Brief History of Mitsubishi – From Shipbuilder to Airplane Manufacturer to Carmaker
Mitsubishi was founded in 1870 as a shipping firm that diversified into related areas to support its core industry. It began manufacturing internal combustion engines in 1921 alongside building airplanes. The Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, or Mitsubishi Motors, can trace its origins within the conglomerate to 1917 with a limited production of Model As, but full-scale vehicle production didn’t get going until after the Second World War.
Today, Mitsubishi Motors is the sixth-largest automaker in Japan and the 19th-largest globally in terms of production. The brand is one-third owned by Nissan and is part of a strategic alliance with Nissan and Renault, making it an essential component of a worldwide automotive juggernaut. The company’s current vehicle lineup includes the Outlander, Outlander Sport and Outlander PHEV, the Mirage and Mirage G4, and the Eclipse. This small but diverse lineup is comprised of one hybrid vehicle, three crossovers, and two cars (one four-door sedan and one compact hatchback).
Small Lineup, Large Recalls
Despite its limited lineup, Mitsubishi has been subject to a steady stream of recalls over the past decade affecting models such as the Outlander, Outlander Sport and Mirage, and the Lancer, which all but ended production in 2017 save for in China and Taiwan. Notable recalls include a 2018 recall of over 83,500 model year 2014-2018 Mitsubishi Mirages for a faulty internal acceleration sensor capable of disabling the airbags unintentionally. An even larger recall that same year impacted over 140,000 Outlanders, Outlander Sports, Lancers and Lancer Sportbacks of model year 2008-2012 due to a potential battery discharge that could cause the vehicles to stall mid-operation. Mitsubishi had earlier issued a recall in 2014 for the same problem.
Other large Mitsubishi recalls in the last ten years include issues with corrosion of brake components and faulty sunroof assemblies. And of course, Mitsubishi has not been immune from the infamous Takata airbag recall. Mitsubishi’s website lists the following vehicles as subject to the airbag recall 2004 – 2007 Lancer vehicles; 2006 – 2009 Raider vehicles; and 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2017 i-MiEV vehicles. These recalls noted above cover nearly half a million affected vehicles, not including the airbag recall.
Kelley Blue Book currently lists the following active recalls for Mitsubishi on its website, among others:
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2022-2023 Mitsubishi Outlander and 2023 Outlander PHEV – A software error may impair the proper functioning of the backup camera rearview image.
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2019-2022 Outlander Sport – A software error in the transmission control unit could cause the engine to stall while at high speed. Affected vehicles include those equipped with continuously variable transmissions and mechanical key ignition systems.
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2022 Outlander – Defects in manufacture could cause the fuel pump to fail, leading to an engine stall and potential crash.
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2022 Outlander – Another recall plaguing the 2022 Outlander relates to a fault in seat belt automatic locking retractors which could keep the child restraint system from functioning correctly.
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2013-2015 Outlander Sport – In certain regions of the country, the front lower control arms are subject to saltwater corrosion which could cause them to detach, leading to a loss of vehicle control.
All told, these recalls impact 279,951 units in the United States. You can check your particular vehicle for any active recall by typing your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website at www.nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Contact Nita Lemon Law Firm if Your Mitsubishi Turns Out to Be a Lemon
Sometimes vehicles are manufactured with defects that cause problems ranging from obnoxious noises and smells to serious safety issues. Luckily, owners and lessees in California benefit from the protections offered under California’s powerful lemon law. As the name implies, Nita Lemon Law Firm is a law firm dedicated to helping car owners navigate California’s lemon law to a successful and satisfying conclusion. For help with your Mitsubishi Outlander, Mirage or other model, call Nita Lemon Law Firm in Los Angeles at 213-232-5055 or call toll-free statewide at 877-921-5256. You can also schedule your free consultation online at our website or email attorney Nick Nita directly at nick@nitalemonlaw.com. No matter how you reach us, our experienced and successful California lemon law attorney will respond to you promptly and personally address your concerns.
