Mitsubishi Recalls 45K Outlander Sports Over Fire Concerns

Generally speaking you don’t want your vehicle to leak in any way: gas, oil, or any other fluid. For that reason, Mitsubishi is recalling more than 45,000 vehicles that may leak transmission fluid, increasing the risk of a fire. 

The carmaker says it will recall 45,731 model year 2015 Outlander Sport crossover SUVs after determining that an issue during assembly may lead to a leak in the vehicles’ transmission.

According to a notice [PDF] posted with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a clamp for a CVT hose may not have been properly secured, allowing the hose to detach and leak transmission fluid.

If enough fluid leaks, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may become inoperable, increasing the risk of a crash.

Additionally, if leaking transmission fluid contacts an a hot surface, there is an increased risk of a fire.

The carmaker says it became aware of the issue after receiving a warranty claim beginning in December 2015 claiming that “the vehicle quit moving.”

Three months later a second claim was filed, followed by two additional claims in May 2016. In July, it was determined that a potential safety hazard existed, and a recall was needed.

Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the hose clamps, correcting their installation, as necessary, free of charge.

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