Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) have determined that a safety defect exists in certain cars and crossover SUV’s equipped with 4B1 engines. after an investigation into complaints of worn pulley’s found during regular inspections.
Due to an inappropriate material used to manufacture the drive belt, the resin pulley could wear obliquely. If the vehicle continues to be driven under these conditions, the belt could become damaged and detach completely. (If this happens, drivers will be alerted by an engine warning lamp illumination.) Drive belt detachment may result in depletion of the battery and an overheated engine which could cause a stall. Also, vehicle equipped with with hydraulic power steering could experience loss of steering assist. The vehicles affected by this recall include:
- 2008–2011 Lancer
- 2008–2011 Lancer Evolution
- 2009–2011 Lancer Sportback
- 2008–2011 Outlander
- 2011 Outlander Sport
Owners of affected vehicles will be notified to return to an approved repair facility to have the drive belt replaced with a rubber belt ant the pulley will be replaced if it is worn beyond a certain level. Owners who have previously paid for this repair will be directed to contact the Mitsubishi Customer Relations Department for instructions on how to apply for a refund. Mitsubishi’s recall number is SR-14-009 and the NHTSA campaign number is .14V-562. Approximately 165,923 vehicles could be affected by this defect.
