Mitsubishi Recall - Information & Updates

Mitsubishi has issued a safety recall on their diesel ASX SUV for faulty piston rings that could become stuck while in operation, due to soot deposits collecting in the piston ring grooves because of a glitch in the software that is supposed to prevent deposits accumulating.The recall notice affects 1588 ASXs built in 2011 and 2012 powered by the 4N13 1.8-litre diesel engine. The defect could see the pistons overheat and melt, with affected vehicles stalling and becoming impossible to restart, Mitsubishi says.However the carmaker says there have been no reported incidents in Australia related to the fault, which will take about 20 minutes to rectify with a software update, spokesman John Taylor says.Owners who believe their vehicles may be affected by the recall are advised to drive gently until able to have their ASX inspected by their closest Mitsubishi dealer and fixed if needed.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott 

Lancer and Evolution models are now being recalled as a precautionary measure by Mitsubishi because of Takata airbag shrapnel risk.

Cars are either being built worse -- or companies are getting better at detecting faults.a range of models made over the last 10 years replacing potentially deadly Takata airbags in 1.3 million cars in Australia. a second, airbag-related recall for the Priusreplacing potentially deadly Takata airbags in 1.3 million cars in Australia

We've passed the annual peak for car safety recalls -- and there is still six months left to run.

The safety recall is to fix a fault that could see the powered seats' reclining lever stick in the operating position after use, allowing current to continue to flow to the seat motor. Mitsubishi says there is a risk the motor, seat cushion and surrounding parts could melt or burn."There have been two incidents recorded in Australia, with no injuries," Mitsubishi spokesperson Shayna Welsh says."There are 3,647 vehicles affected in Australia.  Customers need to take their vehicle to a dealership to be inspected, which should take around 20 mins, however, if the seat adjuster assembly needs to be replaced, this action will take up to two and a half hours."The recalled vehicles are the 2007-2013 Triton 4WD Double Cab and 2010-2013 Challenger 4WD models fitted with power front driver's and/or passenger's seat.Mitsubishi says that as a precaution until the owners have their vehicles inspected, they should make sure the reclining lever always returns to the central position after they have used it -- and whenever they leave the vehicle.All owners of affected vehicles have been contacted by mail sent to their last known address, and are asked to contact their nearest Mitsubishi service dealer to have their vehicle inspected and the seat assembly replaced if needed.Owners who believe their vehicle is in the affected range and who have not received a letter by today, September 27 -- or seek more information -- should call Mitsubishi on 1300 13 12 11 and select option 4, then select option 2.

More than 1.1 million cars have been called back to dealers for rectification work that varies from serious (a brake failure) to silly (windscreen wipers).And although 2014 is likely to be the first big sales dip since the Global Financial Crisis, the number of new car sold is also likely to top 1.1 million.The last time more cars were recalled than sold in a year was 2001.It's been a bad year for recalls globally too.General Motors has recalled 2.59 million cars because of an ignition fault so far linked to at least 30 deaths, as part of a recall of 13.8 million cars this year for other ignition problems or keys slipping out of position.But the biggest of all is the Takata airbag recall which has so far been linked to six deaths after shrapnel fired from the airbags.It's a big problem because Takata supplies 20 per cent of the world's airbags and it has taken in cars made by Honda, Toyota, Mazda, BMW, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Chrysler, Ford and General Motors.More than 18 million cars around the world have been recalled for the Takata airbag problem including 110,000 in Australia.Meantime the dubious honour of most recalls this year is a dead heat between Holden and Jeep with a record 14 each. Never before has any brand recalled so many cars in one year.Market leader Toyota was next with nine recalls ahead of Mitsubishi 8, Nissan 6, Ford 4, Volkswagen 4, Hyundai 3, Mazda 3, Land Rover 3 and Peugeot with 2.Then again the year isn't quite over yet. There may be more.

Mitsubishi has issued a safety recall on a total of 20,405 vehicles from the 2011-2012 Triton and Challenger ranges. The recall is to fix a defective weld on the front suspension lower control arms that could fail -- making the vehicle become unstable and pull to the left or right while driving.The recall affects both 2WD and 4WD versions of the models, with 17540 Tritons and 2865 Challengers impacted in Australia.Mitsubishi says if the weld fails, the driver will notice their vehicle pulling off-centre -- which poses a safety concern for both the vehicle and other traffic. Owners are advised to drive conservatively to reduce shock load on the suspension until the defect is fixed.All owners have been mailed the recall notice at their last known address, and should contact their nearest Mitsubishi service centre to have the problem rectified. They can also call 1300 13 12 11, select option 2 and enter their post code to be directed to the nearest Dealer.Owners who have not received a letter by November 22 but believe their vehicle affected by the recall -- or who want further information -- should call 1300 13 12 11, select option 4, then select option 2.  

Triton ute recalled over incorrect tow capacity labelling.

Mitsubishi has announced a global safety recall on their performance hero, the Lancer Evolution, for a faulty clutch master cylinder on the five-speed H-pattern manual transmission. The defect means the rally rocket's clutch could fail and the vehicle be unable to be shifted in and out of gears, risking a collision.The recall affects more than 12,000 cars around the world built at Mitsubishi's Mizushima plant -- the sole source of the Evolution model -- between December 12, 2007 and March 5, 2013, and 407 in Australia. "There have been no incidents of failure in Australia," Mitsubishi spokesperson Shayna Welsh says. "A fix will take approximately three hours and customers will be advised to contact their local Mitsubishi dealer to book in their vehicle."The carmaker will notify owners, and their local Mitsubishi service centre will replace the clutch master cylinders of any affected cars.This reporter is on Twitter: @KarlaPincott