Mitsubishi recalls Outlander over multiple faults

MITSUBISHI Australia is recalling almost 5000 examples of its new-generation Outlander for a series of onboard computer-related faults, including an issue with the hi-tech adaptive cruise control system that could mistakenly identify tunnel walls as approaching vehicles and unexpectedly apply the brakes.

According to a recall notice issued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) overnight, high-end versions of the popular compact SUV fitted with advanced safety systems including forward collision mitigation (FCM) and adaptive cruise control (ACC) could either stop functioning or operate incorrectly.

Another problem under the recall campaign – which affects a total of 4855 Outlanders sold since its launch late last year – relates to the electronic power steering (ESP) system, which could also fail while driving.

“When driving in a tunnel with the adaptive cruise control ‘on’, the system may judge the wall of the tunnel as an approaching vehicle and automatically operate the brakes,” the recall notice said.

Another fault identified, which affects 809 vehicles, relates to failure warnings for the FCM, ACC and adaptive stability control (ASC) systems that “may be displayed on the combination meter with a warning alarm, and these systems may stop functioning”.

Furthermore, the recall notice said that internal programming of the electronic time and alarm control system (ETACS) computer “may result in failure of the turn signals, if the ‘answer back’ feature is activated when operating the electric tailgate”.

The ‘answer back’ function is the ‘beep’ noise the vehicle makes when the operator locks the doors. In this case, indicator signals could fail if the doors are being locked at the same time the electric tailgate is being opened or closed.

The problem with the electronic power steering system affects 3633 vehicles. As well as prompting a warning lamp to illuminate, the ACCC said “in the worst case this may require an increased effort to turn the steering”.

A further 413 vehicles are affected by a combination of faults.

The recall notice says “the defects listed above, whether they occur individually or in a combination, pose a safety hazard to the driver and other road users”.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited manager of corporate communications Caitlin Beale said there are no recorded incidents in Australia relating to the faults and that the affected systems are fitted to Outlander models only, not to any other Mitsubishi vehicles sold here.

MMAL said it sent letters to customers on Friday asking them to take the vehicle to their local dealer where technicians will either replace the electronic control unit (ECU) for the EPS or reprogram the ACC/FCM/ETACS ECU.

The service should take around 30 minutes to replace one ECU and an hour if both ECUs require replacement.

Mitsubishi recalled 7500 ASX mini-SUVs in Australia early last year for a fault that caused the power steering system to become inoperative. Ms Beale said this was a separate fault to the one affecting Outlander.

In May this year, 3300 examples of the new Mirage light hatch were recalled after the discovery of a moisture issue with the front wheel sensors.