Mitsubishi Recalls Outlander, Outlander Sport over Transmission Issue

Mitsubishi is calling back more than 80,000 vehicles in the U.S. because of a transmission problem. Affected models include newer Lancer, Outlander, and Outlander Sport vehicles.

The Problem: The recalled vehicles are equipped with constant velocity transmissions that may delay acceleration.  The hesitation may increase the risk of a crash, according to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“During initial acceleration from a standstill, or when accelerating again after either constant speed operation or coasting down, affected CVT equipped vehicles may experience a hesitation if the range switch momentarily experiences a loss of signal,” a safety recall report concludes.

Mitsubishi learned of the problem from a customer complaint in January 2016. Later, tests confirmed the range switch on affected vehicles sometimes lost signal “due to a decrease in contact pressure between two electrical terminals within the switch.” The signal loss causes a drop in engine torque, which leads to the hesitant acceleration feel.

The Fix: Mitsubishi dealerships will reprogram the CVT control unit with a modified software. The inspection is said to take around 30 minutes. The recall began August 15.

Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: The recall affects an estimated 82,436 vehicles in the U.S. These vehicles include the 2016 Mitsubishi Lancer, 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander, and 2015-2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.

Source: Automotive News (Subscription required)

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