Lemon Law Center

certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, 'occupant crash protection.' the bilingual english/spanish removable air bag warning labels affixed to the dash and to the sunvisor do not meet the size requirements of the standard.

Corrective Action

this does not meet the requirements of the standard.

Recall Notes

mitsubishi caribbean will mail a customer notification letter containing a written description and a graphic of the bi-lingual dashboard air bag warning label. in addition, all current 2000-2004 nativa owners will also receive replacement air bag alert labels for the sun visors. this recall is expected to begin during march or april 2005. the notification to the nativa owners is expected to begin during april or may 2005. owners should contact mitsubishi caribbean at 1-787-251-8715.

2004 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage

Consequence of Defect

on certain sport utility vehicles, when the fuel tank is full and the vehicle is parked facing forward on an upward slope, the fuel tank leveling valve may not maintain proper sealing in the event the fuel expands from a rise in the ambient temperature.

Corrective Action

if the fuel leveling valve does not seal properly, fuel may leak onto the ground. fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the leveling valve. the recall began on august 30, 2004. owners should contact mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037 or mitsubishi caribbean at 1-787-251-8715.

2004 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Equipment:Other:Labels

Consequence of Defect

on certain sport utility vehicles, the vehicle capacity weights as stated on the tire and loading information label are in error.

Corrective Action

this information could potentially result in consumers loading their vehicles beyond the gross vehicle weight rating (gvwr).

Recall Notes

owners will be sent replacement labels with instructions on how to install them. the recall began on april 14, 2004. owners should contact mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.

2003 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Equipment:Other:Labels

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

this does not meet the requirements of the standard.

Recall Notes

2003 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

if the fuel leveling valve does not seal properly, fuel may leak onto the ground. fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the leveling valve. the recall began on august 30, 2004. owners should contact mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037 or mitsubishi caribbean at 1-787-251-8715.

2002 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. the accumulator that is installed on the hydraulic brake booster may have been improperly manufactured. over a period of time, this could result in leakage of the pressurized nitrogen gas from inside the accumulator.

Corrective Action

the loss of this gas pressure could result in an abnormal noise from the left side of the dash panel when the brakes are applied, and possibly a delayed first time brake boost assist after the vehicle has been parked for a period of time, which could result in a vehicle crash.

Recall Notes

dealers will install an improved accumulator. owner notification mailing began october 1, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.

2002 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Equipment:Other:Labels

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

this does not meet the requirements of the standard.

Recall Notes

2002 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

if the fuel leveling valve does not seal properly, fuel may leak onto the ground. fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the leveling valve. the recall began on august 30, 2004. owners should contact mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037 or mitsubishi caribbean at 1-787-251-8715.

2001 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

2001 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Equipment:Other:Labels

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

this does not meet the requirements of the standard.

Recall Notes

2001 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices:Exterior

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. some of these vehicles are equipped with outside rearview mirrors on the passenger side which do not comply with the requirements of fmvss 111, "rearview mirrors."

Corrective Action

this limits the driver's field of vision on that side of the vehicle.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the rearview mirror.

2001 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Equipment:Other:Owners/Service/Other Manual

Consequence of Defect

certain sport utility and passenger vehicles fail to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, øchild restraint anchorage systems.ø the ownerøs manual does not contain a step-by-step description for headrest adjustment when installing a child restraint system (crs) tether strap.

Corrective Action

if the tether strap is improperly installed to the tether anchor, the child safety seat may not be sufficient restrained. in the event of a crash, the child could be injured.

Recall Notes

a letter outlining the problem will be sent to owners along with a sticker containing the correct instructions as well as instructions on where to affix the sticker in the ownerøs manual. the recall began on march 29, 2004. owners should contact mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.

2000 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Equipment:Other:Labels

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

this does not meet the requirements of the standard.

Recall Notes

1999 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Equipment:Other:Labels

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

this does not meet the requirements of the standard.

Recall Notes

1998 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. the front brake lines can develop pin holes due to chaffing against the edge of the pass-through hole in the inner fender.

Corrective Action

brake fluid can leak resulting in deteriorated braking performance and illumination of the brake indicator lamp.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect the front brake lines for signs of wear and routing. if the lines are not correctly centered in the pass-through hole, the lines will be repositioned by bending slightly to correct. if there is evidence of brake line wear, the brake line will be replaced.

1998 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Equipment:Other:Labels

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

this does not meet the requirements of the standard.

Recall Notes

1998 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Other

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with accessory cargo mats in the third-seat and cargo area. this cargo mat interferes with the latching integrity of the folding third seats.

Corrective Action

in the event of a crash, an occupant of the third seat may not be properly restrained and could be ejected from the vehicle.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect the third-seat latch and striker. a rectangle will be removed from the cargo mat around each striker to provide adequate striker clearance and proper latching.

1997 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. the front brake lines can develop pin holes due to chaffing against the edge of the pass-through hole in the inner fender.

Corrective Action

brake fluid can leak resulting in deteriorated braking performance and illumination of the brake indicator lamp.

Recall Notes

1997 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Other

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with accessory cargo mats in the third-seat and cargo area. this cargo mat interferes with the latching integrity of the folding third seats.

Corrective Action

in the event of a crash, an occupant of the third seat may not be properly restrained and could be ejected from the vehicle.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect the third-seat latch and striker. a rectangle will be removed from the cargo mat around each striker to provide adequate striker clearance and proper latching.

1996 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Other

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with accessory cargo mats in the third-seat and cargo area. this cargo mat interferes with the latching integrity of the folding third seats.

Corrective Action

in the event of a crash, an occupant of the third seat may not be properly restrained and could be ejected from the vehicle.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect the third-seat latch and striker. a rectangle will be removed from the cargo mat around each striker to provide adequate striker clearance and proper latching.

1996 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles: mirage model vehicles equipped with 1.5l engines; montero sport models equipped with 3.0l engines; and montero models equipped with 3.0l engines. the bolt securing the crankshaft pulley can become loose and the pulley could fall off the vehicle.

Corrective Action

the condition can result in a loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Notes

on the mirage vehicles, the dealers will install a new, improved crankshaft pulley bolt on the older engines. on new engines which already have the improved bolt, the dealer will tighten the crankshaft pulley bolt to the correct torque specification. on the montero models, dealers will tighten the crankshaft pulley bolt to the correct torque specifications. if the bolt is damaged, it will be replaced.

1995 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Other

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with accessory cargo mats in the third-seat and cargo area. this cargo mat interferes with the latching integrity of the folding third seats.

Corrective Action

in the event of a crash, an occupant of the third seat may not be properly restrained and could be ejected from the vehicle.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect the third-seat latch and striker. a rectangle will be removed from the cargo mat around each striker to provide adequate striker clearance and proper latching.

1995 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

the condition can result in a loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Notes

1994 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Other

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with accessory cargo mats in the third-seat and cargo area. this cargo mat interferes with the latching integrity of the folding third seats.

Corrective Action

in the event of a crash, an occupant of the third seat may not be properly restrained and could be ejected from the vehicle.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect the third-seat latch and striker. a rectangle will be removed from the cargo mat around each striker to provide adequate striker clearance and proper latching.

1994 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the front lower brake hoses can develop a crack, causing a loss of brake fluid.

Corrective Action

this could result in impaired braking ability and a possible crash.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the left and right lower brake hoses.

1994 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

under conditions of full lock steering and full suspension travel, the left or right front wheel-side brake hose can crack, resulting in brake fluid leakage.

Corrective Action

brake fluid leakage will cause illumination of the brake warning lamp and reduction in braking efficiency increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the left and right front wheel-side brake hoses with revised hose assemblies.

1994 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

under conditions of full lock steering and full suspension travel, the left or right front wheel-side brake hose can crack, resulting in brake fluid leakage.

Corrective Action

brake fluid leakage will cause illumination of the brake warning lamp and reduction in braking effectiveness increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the left and right front wheel-side brake hoses with revised hose assemblies.

1994 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

the condition can result in a loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Notes

1993 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

under conditions of full lock steering and full suspension travel, the left or right front wheel-side brake hose can crack, resulting in brake fluid leakage.

Corrective Action

brake fluid leakage will cause illumination of the brake warning lamp and reduction in braking efficiency increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the left and right front wheel-side brake hoses with revised hose assemblies.

1993 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

under conditions of full lock steering and full suspension travel, the left or right front wheel-side brake hose can crack, resulting in brake fluid leakage.

Corrective Action

brake fluid leakage will cause illumination of the brake warning lamp and reduction in braking effectiveness increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the left and right front wheel-side brake hoses with revised hose assemblies.

1993 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

the condition can result in a loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Notes

1992 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

under conditions of full lock steering and full suspension travel, the left or right front wheel-side brake hose can crack, resulting in brake fluid leakage.

Corrective Action

brake fluid leakage will cause illumination of the brake warning lamp and reduction in braking efficiency increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the left and right front wheel-side brake hoses with revised hose assemblies.

1992 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

under conditions of full lock steering and full suspension travel, the left or right front wheel-side brake hose can crack, resulting in brake fluid leakage.

Corrective Action

brake fluid leakage will cause illumination of the brake warning lamp and reduction in braking effectiveness increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the left and right front wheel-side brake hoses with revised hose assemblies.

1992 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

the condition can result in a loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.

Recall Notes

1992 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Trailer Hitches

Consequence of Defect

the weld on the receiver unit of the trailer hitch can break.

Corrective Action

if the failure occurs, the trailer can separate from thetowing vehicle, and could result in a vehicle crash without warning.

Recall Notes

replace the trailer hitch.

1991 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly

Consequence of Defect

the front safety belt buckle release buttons can break. these red plastic release buttons are marked "press." if a button breaks, pieces can fall into the buckle assembly causing the buckle to operate improperly.

Corrective Action

the safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.

Recall Notes

owners should promptly check the condition and operation of both front safety belt buckles and carefully inspect the red release button for any breaks or cracks. they should ensure that both buckles are operating properly by inserting each latch plate into its buckle, tugging on the belt to make sure the latch is securely locked, and then pressing the release button. the latch plate should pop out of the buckle when the button is pressed. if either release button shows a sign of breaking or cracking or if either buckle fails to operate properly, owners should promptly contact their authorized dealer to schedule an appointment to have the buckle replaced or repaired, free of charge. the manufacturer is developing a remedy designed to prevent failure of the buttons that are not currently broken.

1991 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Trailer Hitches

Consequence of Defect

the weld on the receiver unit of the trailer hitch can break.

Corrective Action

if the failure occurs, the trailer can separate from thetowing vehicle, and could result in a vehicle crash without warning.

Recall Notes

replace the trailer hitch.

1990 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

the safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.

Recall Notes

1989 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Vehicle Speed Control

Consequence of Defect

the engines are subject to throttle valve icing under certain conditions.

Corrective Action

this may cause the throttle valve to stick and not allowthe engine rpm to return to idle which could cause an accident.

Recall Notes

install a heated adapter plate.

1989 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

the safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.

Recall Notes

1988 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

the safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.

Recall Notes

1987 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

the safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.

Recall Notes

1986 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Seat Belts:Front:Buckle Assembly

Consequence of Defect

Corrective Action

the safety belts would not provide adequate protection to an occupant in a vehicle crash.

Recall Notes

1984 Mitsubishi Montero

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine

Consequence of Defect

oil pressure gauge sending unit, located on the right hand side of the engine, may leak oil. engine parts could be damaged due to resulting lack of lubrication.

Corrective Action

Recall Notes

upon inspection, a modified oil pressure gauge sending unit will be installed if necessary.