Mitsubishi has recalled 91,697 Outlander SUVs from model years 2014 through 2020 and Outlander Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) SUVs from model years 2018 through 2022. The company warns that springs that operate their liftgates can fail.
If the springs fail, the liftgate can fall suddenly. The recall covers only vehicles sold or registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Those states use salt on roads in winter weather. Mitsubishi warns that salt water sprayed up from the road can corrode the gas springs. “If significant corrosion occurs over time, the wall thickness of the cylinder could be reduced, causing the gas spring to rapidly lose pressure,” the company explains.
A collapsing liftgate could cause injury or leave the cargo area inaccessible to some users.
Dealers will replace both springs to fix the problem. Recall repairs are always free.
Automakers recall many cars every year, sometimes more than once. They try to reach every owner to warn them. However, some fall through the system’s cracks and unknowingly drive recalled cars. Check our easy recall tool to determine if your vehicle has any outstanding recalls.
