Center Pillar Welded Incorrectly/FMVSS 214

Affected vehicles (1)

Component / system

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling one 2022 Outlander vehicle. A software programming error with a welding robot may have caused the vehicle's center pillar to be welded incorrectly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 214, "Side Impact Protection" 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages" and 216, "Roof Crush Resistance."

Risk / consequence

In the event of a crash, the reduced strength of the vehicle body may increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

MMNA will repurchase and replace the affected vehicle, free of charge. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-21-009.

Chronology of events

1. Sep 14, 2021

   September 14, 2021, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) was notified by Asteer that some side center pillar reinforcements were partially manufactured to Australian specifications. MMC immediately began inspecting the center pillar reinforcements on all potentially affected vehicles in MMC’s possession.

2. October 2021

   September – October 2021, MMC conducted computer analysis to determine if the partial Australian specification side center pillar reinforcements would still meet FMVSS and the potential other consequences.

3. Oct 14, 2021

   October 14, 2021, MMC determined that although initial analysis indicated the affected vehicle would meet FMVSS, out of an abundance of caution, a field action was necessary in the US, and advised Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) to conduct a non-compliance recall.

Notification schedule

Dealer notification

OCT 19, 2021 - OCT 19, 2021

Owner notification

OCT 19, 2021 - OCT 19, 2021

Documents (9)