Mitsubishi is going through a difficult time. The brand has launched a massive vehicle recall campaign in the United States. It affects more than 91,000 units of the Outlander and Outlander PHEV models.
The problem is serious: the gas struts of the rear liftgate can fail due to corrosion. This causes the door to fall unexpectedly. You could literally face an "improvised guillotine" if you're not careful.
Models involved
The recall mainly affects Mitsubishi's best-selling SUVs:
- Outlander (2014–2020): 85,600 units.
- Outlander PHEV (2018–2022): 6,077 units.
In total, there are 91,700 vehicles. The reason: the struts lose pressure over time and the rear door can no longer stay up, causing sudden drops.
Why this happens
The failure is due to a design that didn't take certain weather conditions into account. In the "Salt Belt" states, saltwater enters through the dust caps of the struts. Over time, the salt weakens the metal.
When the struts lose pressure, the liftgate can fall suddenly. If no one is nearby, nothing happens. But if you're loading luggage or someone is behind, the risk of injury is real.
What is the Salt Belt?
These are the 27 states where salt is used on roads during winter. This practice accelerates the corrosion of metal parts.
Affected states: Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
What owners should do
Starting October 6, owners will receive the official notification. They must go to a Mitsubishi dealership to have the struts replaced with new ones featuring anti-corrosion protection.
The repair is free of charge. If you've already replaced it on your own, Mitsubishi will reimburse your expenses. To check if your car is affected, you only need the 17-digit VIN and to verify it on Mitsubishi's official website.
Consequences for Mitsubishi
This recall involves not only logistics and costs. It also affects the brand's image. Outlander is its best-selling model, and recalling 91,000 units due to an injury risk directly hits its reputation.
Although the failure may seem minor, a falling liftgate can cause serious injuries or accidents. Mitsubishi has taken action, but now the responsibility falls on drivers.