Mitsubishi recalls thousands of Outlander SUVs over rear hatch safety risk
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Mitsubishi is recalling nearly 92 000 Outlander and Outlander plug‑in hybrid vehicles in the United States following the discovery of a defect in the rear hatch mechanism that could pose a safety hazard. The recall was disclosed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which flagged the issue after reports of potential injury risk caused by rear hatches falling unexpectedly.
The vehicles in question are equipped with liftgate gas springs that help raise and hold the rear hatch in place. According to filings by the NHTSA, these springs are susceptible to corrosion over time, particularly in colder regions where road salt is used during the winter. If corrosion occurs, the internal pressure in the cylinders can deteriorate or rupture, causing the hatch to fall without warning.
Risk linked to regional exposure
The recall covers standard Outlander models from the 2014 to 2020 model years and Outlander plug‑in hybrid electric vehicles manufactured from 2018 to 2022. The affected vehicles were primarily sold or registered in 26 states identified as having colder climates where salt usage is more frequent, as well as Washington D.C.
While Mitsubishi has not confirmed any injuries resulting from the defect, the company acknowledged in its filings that the issue carries a material risk to users when accessing the cargo area. The recall notice cited a failure in both springs due to internal corrosion as the root cause of the malfunction.
What owners need to know
Mitsubishi plans to notify affected owners beginning October 6. Owners will receive notification letters by mail with instructions to bring their vehicles to a dealership for a no‑cost replacement of both rear hatch gas springs. Drivers who suspect their vehicle may be affected can also search their vehicle identification number using the NHTSA’s online recall tool.
In the meantime, Mitsubishi is advising caution when using the liftgate on these vehicles. While there are no temporary fixes or software patches available, the replacement of both components is expected to fully resolve the issue.
Vehicle owners may also report any related incidents directly to the NHTSA through its online portal or toll‑free hotline. This allows regulators to track compliance and assess whether the scope of the recall should be adjusted over time.
Industry response and broader recall trends
Though the nature of this defect is mechanical, it draws attention to the complex interplay between environment, material durability, and safety engineering. The auto industry has seen a growing trend in software-related recalls, which now make up more than 20 percent of all vehicle recall events. Still, traditional component failures such as liftgate springs remain significant, especially when they affect vehicle usability or safety in everyday conditions.
Automakers face increasing pressure from both consumers and regulators to respond quickly and transparently to such incidents. Mitsubishi’s move to act early and offer a full remedy without charge aligns with industry best practices, which prioritize accountability and customer retention during safety events.
Dealers prepare for service influx
Franchise dealers will likely experience a spike in service appointments once notifications go out in early October. Mitsubishi has indicated that parts are already being distributed to service centers in affected regions to avoid bottlenecks. Technicians will be responsible for replacing both the left and right liftgate support cylinders with updated corrosion-resistant parts.
The recall offers a practical example of how vehicle design must be constantly evaluated for real-world wear and tear, particularly in markets with extreme seasonal conditions.
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