Mitsubishi is recalling 39,711 Lancer and Outlander vehicles from the 2008 and 2009 models year to fix a faulty brake booster check valve. The valve can stick when the engine is off and when the car is turned back on, may cause a lack of initial startup braking under certain circumstances.
The situation was first noted by owners of Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) models who stated that their brakes weren't working properly when setting off on their morning commutes.
Owners of those 15,023 Lancers and 24,688 Outlanders affected that were built between October 23, 2007 and January 20, 2009 will be notified immediately. Repairs are scheduled to occur in April at no cost to the owners.
Below is the full recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
2008-2009
MITSUBISHI / OUTLANDER 2008-2009
Manufacturer: MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Mfr's Report Date: MAR 05, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V077000
N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE
Potential Number of Units Affected: 39711
Summary:
MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 39,711 MY 2008-2009 OUTLANDER AND LACER VEHICLES. INCORRECT MATERIAL COMPOSITION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE MAY CAUSE THE CHECK VALVE TO STICK CLOSED WHEN THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RE-STARTED AND PUT INTO MOTION, UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS (VERY SLOW VEHICLE MANEUVERS), THERE MAY BE INSUFFICIENT INITIAL BRAKING ASSIST.
Consequence:
THIS MAY TEMPORARILY INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE OF THE VEHICLE AND THEREFORE INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH. Remedy:DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
Notes:
MITSUBISHI RECALL NO. SR-09-002. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV