By Ramon Castro
A security alert once again put under the magnifying glass Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. The Japanese brand decided to expand a recall that now exceeds 100,000 units of its best-known SUVsafter detecting a problem that, although silent, could generate dangerous situations in daily use.
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The problem is not in the engine or complex electronic systems, but in something easier but just as critical.
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The mechanism that holds the tailgate can fail and cause the tailgate to suddenly drop, putting anyone nearby at risk.
A problem that was growing
What started as a limited review ended up escalating nationally. At first, the measure only affected vehicles located in northern regions of the United States.where the use of road salt is common during the winter.
As the months passed, similar reports appeared in other areas. This repetition of failures led to the recall being expanded, going from 91,697 units to around 108,000 in total.
The models involved are Mitsubishi Outlander manufactured between 2014 and 2020along with Outlander PHEV hybrid versions produced between 2018 and 2022.
What exactly is going wrong
The source of the problem is in the gas springs that help open and hold the tailgate. These components can deteriorate over time, especially when exposed to moisture or residue such as salt.
The investigation determined that water can leak into the cylinder, generating internal corrosion. As the topic materials weaken, the chances of pressure loss or even rupture increase.
In the worst case, the gate could collapse without warning. There is also the possibility of the cylinder failing abruptly, increasing the risk of injury.
The company assures that there are no reports of accidents or injuries related to this failure in the United States. However, multiple warranty claims and field reports were recorded that raised alarm bells.
The intervention of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was key to moving forward with a broader solution and avoiding possible future incidents.
Repair at no cost to users
Mitsubishi confirmed that all affected owners will be able to access a free repair at official dealerships. The work includes replacing the gas springs with new parts with better anti-corrosion protection.
In addition, some elements of the previous design that were more vulnerable to environmental wear and tear are eliminated, reinforcing the durability of the system.
Notifications will begin to be sent from June 17, 2026. Customers who have already paid for repairs related to this issue may request a refund, provided they present the appropriate documentation.
For those in doubt, there is the option to check the VIN number in the official database and confirm if the vehicle is included in the campaign.
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