NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
12 reportsClear category filter45,000 miles · Aug 19, 2008
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesService Brakes, HydraulicCrash
IN 2007, HORN WOULD JUST BLOW ON IT'S OWN AT RANDOM TIMES. EVEN THOUGH THE BATTERY WAS ONLY ONE YEAR OLD AT THE TIME, I REPLACED IT AGAIN. LAST WEEK, 8/09/08 THE HORN JUST STARTED BLARING AGAIN WHILE DRIVING. IT NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT DUE TO ANOTHER CAR SWERVING OUT OF THE LANE NEXT TO MY VEHICLE AND INTO MY REAR DRIVER'S …
Read full complaint
IN 2007, HORN WOULD JUST BLOW ON IT'S OWN AT RANDOM TIMES. EVEN THOUGH THE BATTERY WAS ONLY ONE YEAR OLD AT THE TIME, I REPLACED IT AGAIN. LAST WEEK, 8/09/08 THE HORN JUST STARTED BLARING AGAIN WHILE DRIVING. IT NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT DUE TO ANOTHER CAR SWERVING OUT OF THE LANE NEXT TO MY VEHICLE AND INTO MY REAR DRIVER'S SIDE QUARTER-PANEL. SINCE THE FIRST INSTANCE, THERE SEEMS TO BE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, AS THE RADIO AND CLOCK ALWAYS RESET, THE TRIP ODOMETER RESETS TO ZERO, AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS DO NOT WORK. THERE ARE NO BLOWN FUSES, AND NO DAMAGE TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. NO ONE OR BUSINESS CAN SEEM TO FIND THE SOURCE OF THE PROBLEM. IT WILL TAKE OVER $5000 TO REWIRE THE CAR. AS A WORKING CLASS CITIZEN, AND UNEMPLOYED VETERAN, I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY, NOR ACCESS TO IT. I HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO DRIVE AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. I HAVE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WITH WARPING ON THE ROTORS (TWICE). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10238826
Mileage unknown · May 16, 2007
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
BOUGHT 2003 GALANT NEW. WITH 54,000 JUST REPLACED BRAKE ROTORS FOR THE 2ND TIME. BRAKES STILL GOOD, BUT ROTORS WARPED, CAUSING WHEEL SHIMMY WHEN BRAKING AND TIRE CUPPING. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10190966
Mileage unknown · Apr 12, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic
I PURCHASED A 2003 MITSUBISHI GALANT IN DECEMBER 2002. SINCE PURCHASING THE CAR THE BRAKES AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED EVERY YEAR. ALSO, THERE IS A HUGE LIST OF OTHER PARTS AND REPLACEMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN DONE; THE MOST RECENTLY TIMING BELT, WATER PUMP, VALVE COVER AND GASKET, HEATER HOT WATER CONTROL, VALVE, THERMOSTAT FOR…
Read full complaint
I PURCHASED A 2003 MITSUBISHI GALANT IN DECEMBER 2002. SINCE PURCHASING THE CAR THE BRAKES AND ROTORS HAVE BEEN REPLACED EVERY YEAR. ALSO, THERE IS A HUGE LIST OF OTHER PARTS AND REPLACEMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN DONE; THE MOST RECENTLY TIMING BELT, WATER PUMP, VALVE COVER AND GASKET, HEATER HOT WATER CONTROL, VALVE, THERMOSTAT FOR COOLING SYSTEM, ETC. THIS CAR ONLY HAS 44,000 MILES, AND IT WORKS AS IF IT HAS OVER 200,000 MILES.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10187647
Mileage unknown · Jul 25, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
BRAKE ROTOR GETTING WARPED CAUSING VIBRATIONS, MACHINED(LATHE) EACH TIME AND I WANTED NEW ROTORS. IT HAPPENED AT AROUND 18,000 AND 9 MONTHS LATER 24,000 SAME PROBLEM. THE THIRD TIME AT AROUND 32,000 THEY BLAMED ME FOR THE CAUSES FROM POOR DRIVING,NON ROTATION OF TIRES,TORQUE OF WHEELS, ETC. I AM THE DRIVER MOST OF THE TIME OF TH…
Read full complaint
BRAKE ROTOR GETTING WARPED CAUSING VIBRATIONS, MACHINED(LATHE) EACH TIME AND I WANTED NEW ROTORS. IT HAPPENED AT AROUND 18,000 AND 9 MONTHS LATER 24,000 SAME PROBLEM. THE THIRD TIME AT AROUND 32,000 THEY BLAMED ME FOR THE CAUSES FROM POOR DRIVING,NON ROTATION OF TIRES,TORQUE OF WHEELS, ETC. I AM THE DRIVER MOST OF THE TIME OF THIS CAR SINCE IT'S THE NEWEST OF 5 CARS AND I AM THE MOST EXPERIENCED. I NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH MY HONDA,SUBARU,TOYOTA, AND MAZDA. I SPOKE TO MITSUBISHI CUSTOMER RELATIONS OFFICERS TO NO AVAIL. THEY INSIST IT IS WEARABLE ITEM AND IT'S NOT COVERED ALTHOUGH THE FIRST TIME THE OFFICER TOLD ME WHEN I ASKED FOR NEW ROTOR THEY WILL DO IT THE NEXT TIME SINCE IT WAS JUST TURNED(LATHE). BUT THE SECOND TIME THEY DENY TELLING ME THAT AND WANTED ME TO PAY THE DEALER TO HAVE IT OPENED AND HAVE IT INSPECTED. I JUST LEFT, WHY PAY THEM FOR WHAT I FEEL A WARRANTY ISSUE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10163385
35,200 miles · Nov 21, 2005
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
I PURCHASED MY CAR ON AUGUST 10. 2005, AT APPROXIMATELY 32,000 MILES. ON NOVEMBER 8, 2005 I WAS DRIVING ON I-285. I WENT TO APPLY MY BRAKES, BUT MY CAR FAILED TO STOP, AND SKIDDED FOR UP TO A MINUTE. ON NOVEMBER 11, 2005, I HAD MY CAR SERVICED AT THE MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP. IT WAS STATED THAT MY BACK BRAKES, WERE NOT WORKING AND …
Read full complaint
I PURCHASED MY CAR ON AUGUST 10. 2005, AT APPROXIMATELY 32,000 MILES. ON NOVEMBER 8, 2005 I WAS DRIVING ON I-285. I WENT TO APPLY MY BRAKES, BUT MY CAR FAILED TO STOP, AND SKIDDED FOR UP TO A MINUTE. ON NOVEMBER 11, 2005, I HAD MY CAR SERVICED AT THE MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP. IT WAS STATED THAT MY BACK BRAKES, WERE NOT WORKING AND NEEDED ADJUSTING, CAUSING THE FRONT BRAKES TO HAVE TO DO ALL THE WORK. THIS IS TURN CAUSED THE FRONT ROTORS TO OVERHEAT AND BECOME WARPED. THE DEALERSHIP TURNED THE FRONT ROTORS, AND ADJUSTED THE BACK. ONE WEEK LATER ON NOVEMBER 18, 2005, I WAS DRIVING ON DONALD LEE HOLLOWELL PARKWAY, WHEN A DRIVER IN FRONT OF ME SLAMMED ON HER BRAKES. I IN TURN PUT ON MINE BUT THE CAR DID NOT STOP AND SKIDDED INTO THE BACK OF HER CAR, CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10143404
Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
MY CAR HAD AROUND 11,000 MILES ON IT (2003 MITSUBISHI GALANT ES) WHEN THE BRAKES STARTED TO MAKE A THUMPING NOISE. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THE BRAKES ARE STILL FINE, BUT THE BRAKES PUT ON IN THE FACTORY ARE CHEAP BRAKES AND A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH GALANT'S ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. I HAVE 12,000 MILES ON…
Read full complaint
MY CAR HAD AROUND 11,000 MILES ON IT (2003 MITSUBISHI GALANT ES) WHEN THE BRAKES STARTED TO MAKE A THUMPING NOISE. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THE BRAKES ARE STILL FINE, BUT THE BRAKES PUT ON IN THE FACTORY ARE CHEAP BRAKES AND A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH GALANT'S ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. I HAVE 12,000 MILES ON THE CAR AND THE NOISE IS GETTING WORSE. IF MY BRAKES ARE STILL GOOD, WHAT IS GOING ON? *NM
NHTSA ODI #10139280
Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 2005
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
WHILE DRIVING THE BRAKES SQUEAK VERY BADLY. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP. SHE WAS TOLD THAT THE AIR PRESSURE WAS VERY LOW AND THAT THIS COULD HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY MOISTURE. *AK *NM
NHTSA ODI #10115042
16,000 miles · Sep 16, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I HAVE A 2003 GALANT THAT I PURCHASED USED AT 16000 MILES. I HAVE HAD IT FOR ONLY 6 MONTHS AND HAVE PUT 5000 MILES ON IT. RIGHT AFTER I BOUGHT IT THE BRAKES STARTED SQUEALING PULSING. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP WHO SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. THEY CONTINUED TO GET WORSE SO I HAD THEM INSPECT THEM AT THE DEAL…
Read full complaint
I HAVE A 2003 GALANT THAT I PURCHASED USED AT 16000 MILES. I HAVE HAD IT FOR ONLY 6 MONTHS AND HAVE PUT 5000 MILES ON IT. RIGHT AFTER I BOUGHT IT THE BRAKES STARTED SQUEALING PULSING. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP WHO SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. THEY CONTINUED TO GET WORSE SO I HAD THEM INSPECT THEM AT THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN WITH MY 2ND OIL CHANGE. THEY SAID I NEEDED ALL NEW BRAKES. HOW COULD I NEED ALL NEW BRAKES IN LESS THAN 3000 MILES? THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG HERE. I WON'T PAY THEM THE 300.00 THEY WANT FOR THIS. I WILL TAKE IT SOMEWHERE ELSE AND HAVE IT DONE CHEAPER, BUT I DON'T THINK I SHOULD BE OUT ANY MONEY AT ALL FOR WHAT SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10091132
Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 2004
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
THE REAR BRAKE CYLINDERS ON THE 2003 MITSUBISHI GALANT ARE LEAKING. *MR *SC *JB
NHTSA ODI #10083756
Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2004
Air BagsService Brakes, HydraulicCrash
WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, THEY FAILED TO RESPOND WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO HIT A GUARDRAIL. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED IN AUG OF 2003 AND THE CONSUMER WA TOLD THE ROTORS WERE BAD. THREE MONTHS LATER THE ROTORS WENT BAD AGAIN AND THE DEALER MACHINED THEM AND TWO DAYS LATER THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. THE CONSUMER STATED T…
Read full complaint
WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, THEY FAILED TO RESPOND WHICH CAUSED THE CONSUMER TO HIT A GUARDRAIL. *AK THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED IN AUG OF 2003 AND THE CONSUMER WA TOLD THE ROTORS WERE BAD. THREE MONTHS LATER THE ROTORS WENT BAD AGAIN AND THE DEALER MACHINED THEM AND TWO DAYS LATER THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10052236
NHTSA investigations
2EA08011 · Passenger Door Fire
Opened Jul 1, 2008 · Closed Aug 21, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers; Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash; Visibility; Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls
IN RESPONSE TO THIS INVESTIGATION, MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA (MMNA) INITIATED A SPECIAL PROGRAM ON JULY 31, 2009, TO EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001-2003 GALANT VEHICLE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW SWITCHES TO 10 YEARS OR 120,000 MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.NOTIFICATION OF THIS SPECIAL COVERAGE PROGRAM TO ALL REGISTERED VEHICLE OWNERS IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN LATE-SEPTEMBER 2009.OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH (BLOWN FUSE, INTERMITTENT OPERATION OR POWER WINDOW MALFUNCTION) OR WHO SPILLED LIQUIDS OR BEVERAGES ONTO THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW SWITCH WILL BE ENTITLED TO HAVE THE SWITCH REPLACED AND ANY RELATED REPAIRS PERFORMED AT NO CHARGE.THE AGENCY IS AWARE OF 35 ALLEGED FRONT PASSENGER DOOR PANEL HEAT, SMOKE OR FIRE INCIDENTS, INCLUDING THREE REPORTED MINOR BURNS OR BRUISES.THERE ARE NO REPORTED CRASHES OR FATALITIES.THERE ARE 307 WARRANTY CLAIMS OF SWITCH MALFUNCTIONS OR SHORT CIRCUITS WITHOUT ANY REPORTED HEAT, SMOKE OR FIRE.MMNA INSPECTION AND ANALYSIS OF FIRE-DAMAGED DOOR PANELS/SWITCHES FOUND EVIDENCE OF SPILLED LIQUIDS WITH HIGH SUGAR CONTENT ON THE POWER WINDOW SWITCHES.MMNA CLAIMS THE RESIDUE OF THESE LIQUIDS LED TO A SHORTING/SMOKE/ FIRE CONDITION INSIDE THE SWITCH/DOOR PANEL ASSEMBLY.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
Additional source detail variants (5)
Electrical System
IN RESPONSE TO THIS INVESTIGATION, MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA (MMNA) INITIATED A SPECIAL PROGRAM ON JULY 31, 2009, TO EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001-2003 GALANT VEHICLE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW SWITCHES TO 10 YEARS OR 120,000 MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.NOTIFICATION OF THIS SPECIAL COVERAGE PROGRAM TO ALL REGISTERED VEHICLE OWNERS IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN LATE-SEPTEMBER 2009.OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH (BLOWN FUSE, INTERMITTENT OPERATION OR POWER WINDOW MALFUNCTION) OR WHO SPILLED LIQUIDS OR BEVERAGES ONTO THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW SWITCH WILL BE ENTITLED TO HAVE THE SWITCH REPLACED AND ANY RELATED REPAIRS PERFORMED AT NO CHARGE.THE AGENCY IS AWARE OF 35 ALLEGED FRONT PASSENGER DOOR PANEL HEAT, SMOKE OR FIRE INCIDENTS, INCLUDING THREE REPORTED MINOR BURNS OR BRUISES.THERE ARE NO REPORTED CRASHES OR FATALITIES.THERE ARE 307 WARRANTY CLAIMS OF SWITCH MALFUNCTIONS OR SHORT CIRCUITS WITHOUT ANY REPORTED HEAT, SMOKE OR FIRE.MMNA INSPECTION AND ANALYSIS OF FIRE-DAMAGED DOOR PANELS/SWITCHES FOUND EVIDENCE OF SPILLED LIQUIDS WITH HIGH SUGAR CONTENT ON THE POWER WINDOW SWITCHES.MMNA CLAIMS THE RESIDUE OF THESE LIQUIDS LED TO A SHORTING/SMOKE/ FIRE CONDITION INSIDE THE SWITCH/DOOR PANEL ASSEMBLY.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers
IN RESPONSE TO THIS INVESTIGATION, MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA (MMNA) INITIATED A SPECIAL PROGRAM ON JULY 31, 2009, TO EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001-2003 GALANT VEHICLE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW SWITCHES TO 10 YEARS OR 120,000 MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.NOTIFICATION OF THIS SPECIAL COVERAGE PROGRAM TO ALL REGISTERED VEHICLE OWNERS IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN LATE-SEPTEMBER 2009.OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH (BLOWN FUSE, INTERMITTENT OPERATION OR POWER WINDOW MALFUNCTION) OR WHO SPILLED LIQUIDS OR BEVERAGES ONTO THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW SWITCH WILL BE ENTITLED TO HAVE THE SWITCH REPLACED AND ANY RELATED REPAIRS PERFORMED AT NO CHARGE.THE AGENCY IS AWARE OF 35 ALLEGED FRONT PASSENGER DOOR PANEL HEAT, SMOKE OR FIRE INCIDENTS, INCLUDING THREE REPORTED MINOR BURNS OR BRUISES.THERE ARE NO REPORTED CRASHES OR FATALITIES.THERE ARE 307 WARRANTY CLAIMS OF SWITCH MALFUNCTIONS OR SHORT CIRCUITS WITHOUT ANY REPORTED HEAT, SMOKE OR FIRE.MMNA INSPECTION AND ANALYSIS OF FIRE-DAMAGED DOOR PANELS/SWITCHES FOUND EVIDENCE OF SPILLED LIQUIDS WITH HIGH SUGAR CONTENT ON THE POWER WINDOW SWITCHES.MMNA CLAIMS THE RESIDUE OF THESE LIQUIDS LED TO A SHORTING/SMOKE/ FIRE CONDITION INSIDE THE SWITCH/DOOR PANEL ASSEMBLY.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash
IN RESPONSE TO THIS INVESTIGATION, MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA (MMNA) INITIATED A SPECIAL PROGRAM ON JULY 31, 2009, TO EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001-2003 GALANT VEHICLE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW SWITCHES TO 10 YEARS OR 120,000 MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.NOTIFICATION OF THIS SPECIAL COVERAGE PROGRAM TO ALL REGISTERED VEHICLE OWNERS IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN LATE-SEPTEMBER 2009.OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH (BLOWN FUSE, INTERMITTENT OPERATION OR POWER WINDOW MALFUNCTION) OR WHO SPILLED LIQUIDS OR BEVERAGES ONTO THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW SWITCH WILL BE ENTITLED TO HAVE THE SWITCH REPLACED AND ANY RELATED REPAIRS PERFORMED AT NO CHARGE.THE AGENCY IS AWARE OF 35 ALLEGED FRONT PASSENGER DOOR PANEL HEAT, SMOKE OR FIRE INCIDENTS, INCLUDING THREE REPORTED MINOR BURNS OR BRUISES.THERE ARE NO REPORTED CRASHES OR FATALITIES.THERE ARE 307 WARRANTY CLAIMS OF SWITCH MALFUNCTIONS OR SHORT CIRCUITS WITHOUT ANY REPORTED HEAT, SMOKE OR FIRE.MMNA INSPECTION AND ANALYSIS OF FIRE-DAMAGED DOOR PANELS/SWITCHES FOUND EVIDENCE OF SPILLED LIQUIDS WITH HIGH SUGAR CONTENT ON THE POWER WINDOW SWITCHES.MMNA CLAIMS THE RESIDUE OF THESE LIQUIDS LED TO A SHORTING/SMOKE/ FIRE CONDITION INSIDE THE SWITCH/DOOR PANEL ASSEMBLY.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
Visibility
IN RESPONSE TO THIS INVESTIGATION, MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA (MMNA) INITIATED A SPECIAL PROGRAM ON JULY 31, 2009, TO EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001-2003 GALANT VEHICLE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW SWITCHES TO 10 YEARS OR 120,000 MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.NOTIFICATION OF THIS SPECIAL COVERAGE PROGRAM TO ALL REGISTERED VEHICLE OWNERS IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN LATE-SEPTEMBER 2009.OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH (BLOWN FUSE, INTERMITTENT OPERATION OR POWER WINDOW MALFUNCTION) OR WHO SPILLED LIQUIDS OR BEVERAGES ONTO THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW SWITCH WILL BE ENTITLED TO HAVE THE SWITCH REPLACED AND ANY RELATED REPAIRS PERFORMED AT NO CHARGE.THE AGENCY IS AWARE OF 35 ALLEGED FRONT PASSENGER DOOR PANEL HEAT, SMOKE OR FIRE INCIDENTS, INCLUDING THREE REPORTED MINOR BURNS OR BRUISES.THERE ARE NO REPORTED CRASHES OR FATALITIES.THERE ARE 307 WARRANTY CLAIMS OF SWITCH MALFUNCTIONS OR SHORT CIRCUITS WITHOUT ANY REPORTED HEAT, SMOKE OR FIRE.MMNA INSPECTION AND ANALYSIS OF FIRE-DAMAGED DOOR PANELS/SWITCHES FOUND EVIDENCE OF SPILLED LIQUIDS WITH HIGH SUGAR CONTENT ON THE POWER WINDOW SWITCHES.MMNA CLAIMS THE RESIDUE OF THESE LIQUIDS LED TO A SHORTING/SMOKE/ FIRE CONDITION INSIDE THE SWITCH/DOOR PANEL ASSEMBLY.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls
IN RESPONSE TO THIS INVESTIGATION, MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA (MMNA) INITIATED A SPECIAL PROGRAM ON JULY 31, 2009, TO EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2001-2003 GALANT VEHICLE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW SWITCHES TO 10 YEARS OR 120,000 MILES, WHICHEVER COMES FIRST.NOTIFICATION OF THIS SPECIAL COVERAGE PROGRAM TO ALL REGISTERED VEHICLE OWNERS IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN LATE-SEPTEMBER 2009.OWNERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH (BLOWN FUSE, INTERMITTENT OPERATION OR POWER WINDOW MALFUNCTION) OR WHO SPILLED LIQUIDS OR BEVERAGES ONTO THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR WINDOW SWITCH WILL BE ENTITLED TO HAVE THE SWITCH REPLACED AND ANY RELATED REPAIRS PERFORMED AT NO CHARGE.THE AGENCY IS AWARE OF 35 ALLEGED FRONT PASSENGER DOOR PANEL HEAT, SMOKE OR FIRE INCIDENTS, INCLUDING THREE REPORTED MINOR BURNS OR BRUISES.THERE ARE NO REPORTED CRASHES OR FATALITIES.THERE ARE 307 WARRANTY CLAIMS OF SWITCH MALFUNCTIONS OR SHORT CIRCUITS WITHOUT ANY REPORTED HEAT, SMOKE OR FIRE.MMNA INSPECTION AND ANALYSIS OF FIRE-DAMAGED DOOR PANELS/SWITCHES FOUND EVIDENCE OF SPILLED LIQUIDS WITH HIGH SUGAR CONTENT ON THE POWER WINDOW SWITCHES.MMNA CLAIMS THE RESIDUE OF THESE LIQUIDS LED TO A SHORTING/SMOKE/ FIRE CONDITION INSIDE THE SWITCH/DOOR PANEL ASSEMBLY.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THIS ISSUE AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
PE08014 · Passenger Door Fire
Opened Mar 4, 2008 · Closed Jul 1, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System:wiring; Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash; Visibility; Visibility:glass, Side/rear; Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls
COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT A FIRE ERUPTED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR.IN MITSUBISHI'S RESPONSE TO ODI'S MARCH 12, 2008 INFORMATION REQUEST, MITSUBISHI ASSERTS THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT MAY OCCUR WHEN LARGE AMOUNTS OF LIQUIDS, MORE THAN 100CC (3.4 OZ), LIKE A SOFT DRINK WERE SPILLED DIRECTLY OVER THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH AREA, ALL AT ONCE AND AT ONE TIME.MITSUBISHI FOUND THAT AS THE LIQUID DRIES OFF, ELECTROLYTES AND CARBONIZED PARTICLES ACCUMULATE BETWEEN THE TERMINALS IN THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH AND BECOME A CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL.AS A RESULT, THE SWITCH MAY START TO HEAT UP AND MELT OR IGNITE THE PLASTIC COMPONENTS.HOWEVER, MITSUBISHI ALSO ASSERTS THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT IS VERY RARE AND THAT BURNING DAMAGE WILL NOT OCCUR UNLESS LIQUIDS ENTER INTO THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH.ODI UPGRADED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, EA08-011, TO FURTHER EVALUATE THIS ISSUE.
Additional source detail variants (6)
Electrical System
COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT A FIRE ERUPTED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR.IN MITSUBISHI'S RESPONSE TO ODI'S MARCH 12, 2008 INFORMATION REQUEST, MITSUBISHI ASSERTS THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT MAY OCCUR WHEN LARGE AMOUNTS OF LIQUIDS, MORE THAN 100CC (3.4 OZ), LIKE A SOFT DRINK WERE SPILLED DIRECTLY OVER THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH AREA, ALL AT ONCE AND AT ONE TIME.MITSUBISHI FOUND THAT AS THE LIQUID DRIES OFF, ELECTROLYTES AND CARBONIZED PARTICLES ACCUMULATE BETWEEN THE TERMINALS IN THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH AND BECOME A CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL.AS A RESULT, THE SWITCH MAY START TO HEAT UP AND MELT OR IGNITE THE PLASTIC COMPONENTS.HOWEVER, MITSUBISHI ALSO ASSERTS THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT IS VERY RARE AND THAT BURNING DAMAGE WILL NOT OCCUR UNLESS LIQUIDS ENTER INTO THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH.ODI UPGRADED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, EA08-011, TO FURTHER EVALUATE THIS ISSUE.
Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash
COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT A FIRE ERUPTED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR.IN MITSUBISHI'S RESPONSE TO ODI'S MARCH 12, 2008 INFORMATION REQUEST, MITSUBISHI ASSERTS THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT MAY OCCUR WHEN LARGE AMOUNTS OF LIQUIDS, MORE THAN 100CC (3.4 OZ), LIKE A SOFT DRINK WERE SPILLED DIRECTLY OVER THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH AREA, ALL AT ONCE AND AT ONE TIME.MITSUBISHI FOUND THAT AS THE LIQUID DRIES OFF, ELECTROLYTES AND CARBONIZED PARTICLES ACCUMULATE BETWEEN THE TERMINALS IN THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH AND BECOME A CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL.AS A RESULT, THE SWITCH MAY START TO HEAT UP AND MELT OR IGNITE THE PLASTIC COMPONENTS.HOWEVER, MITSUBISHI ALSO ASSERTS THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT IS VERY RARE AND THAT BURNING DAMAGE WILL NOT OCCUR UNLESS LIQUIDS ENTER INTO THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH.ODI UPGRADED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, EA08-011, TO FURTHER EVALUATE THIS ISSUE.
Electrical System:wiring
COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT A FIRE ERUPTED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR.IN MITSUBISHI'S RESPONSE TO ODI'S MARCH 12, 2008 INFORMATION REQUEST, MITSUBISHI ASSERTS THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT MAY OCCUR WHEN LARGE AMOUNTS OF LIQUIDS, MORE THAN 100CC (3.4 OZ), LIKE A SOFT DRINK WERE SPILLED DIRECTLY OVER THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH AREA, ALL AT ONCE AND AT ONE TIME.MITSUBISHI FOUND THAT AS THE LIQUID DRIES OFF, ELECTROLYTES AND CARBONIZED PARTICLES ACCUMULATE BETWEEN THE TERMINALS IN THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH AND BECOME A CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL.AS A RESULT, THE SWITCH MAY START TO HEAT UP AND MELT OR IGNITE THE PLASTIC COMPONENTS.HOWEVER, MITSUBISHI ALSO ASSERTS THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT IS VERY RARE AND THAT BURNING DAMAGE WILL NOT OCCUR UNLESS LIQUIDS ENTER INTO THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH.ODI UPGRADED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, EA08-011, TO FURTHER EVALUATE THIS ISSUE.
Visibility:glass, Side/rear
COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT A FIRE ERUPTED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR.IN MITSUBISHI'S RESPONSE TO ODI'S MARCH 12, 2008 INFORMATION REQUEST, MITSUBISHI ASSERTS THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT MAY OCCUR WHEN LARGE AMOUNTS OF LIQUIDS, MORE THAN 100CC (3.4 OZ), LIKE A SOFT DRINK WERE SPILLED DIRECTLY OVER THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH AREA, ALL AT ONCE AND AT ONE TIME.MITSUBISHI FOUND THAT AS THE LIQUID DRIES OFF, ELECTROLYTES AND CARBONIZED PARTICLES ACCUMULATE BETWEEN THE TERMINALS IN THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH AND BECOME A CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL.AS A RESULT, THE SWITCH MAY START TO HEAT UP AND MELT OR IGNITE THE PLASTIC COMPONENTS.HOWEVER, MITSUBISHI ALSO ASSERTS THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT IS VERY RARE AND THAT BURNING DAMAGE WILL NOT OCCUR UNLESS LIQUIDS ENTER INTO THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH.ODI UPGRADED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, EA08-011, TO FURTHER EVALUATE THIS ISSUE.
Visibility
COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT A FIRE ERUPTED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR.IN MITSUBISHI'S RESPONSE TO ODI'S MARCH 12, 2008 INFORMATION REQUEST, MITSUBISHI ASSERTS THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT MAY OCCUR WHEN LARGE AMOUNTS OF LIQUIDS, MORE THAN 100CC (3.4 OZ), LIKE A SOFT DRINK WERE SPILLED DIRECTLY OVER THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH AREA, ALL AT ONCE AND AT ONE TIME.MITSUBISHI FOUND THAT AS THE LIQUID DRIES OFF, ELECTROLYTES AND CARBONIZED PARTICLES ACCUMULATE BETWEEN THE TERMINALS IN THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH AND BECOME A CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL.AS A RESULT, THE SWITCH MAY START TO HEAT UP AND MELT OR IGNITE THE PLASTIC COMPONENTS.HOWEVER, MITSUBISHI ALSO ASSERTS THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT IS VERY RARE AND THAT BURNING DAMAGE WILL NOT OCCUR UNLESS LIQUIDS ENTER INTO THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH.ODI UPGRADED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, EA08-011, TO FURTHER EVALUATE THIS ISSUE.
Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls
COMPLAINTS ALLEGE THAT A FIRE ERUPTED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR.IN MITSUBISHI'S RESPONSE TO ODI'S MARCH 12, 2008 INFORMATION REQUEST, MITSUBISHI ASSERTS THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT MAY OCCUR WHEN LARGE AMOUNTS OF LIQUIDS, MORE THAN 100CC (3.4 OZ), LIKE A SOFT DRINK WERE SPILLED DIRECTLY OVER THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH AREA, ALL AT ONCE AND AT ONE TIME.MITSUBISHI FOUND THAT AS THE LIQUID DRIES OFF, ELECTROLYTES AND CARBONIZED PARTICLES ACCUMULATE BETWEEN THE TERMINALS IN THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH AND BECOME A CONDUCTIVE MATERIAL.AS A RESULT, THE SWITCH MAY START TO HEAT UP AND MELT OR IGNITE THE PLASTIC COMPONENTS.HOWEVER, MITSUBISHI ALSO ASSERTS THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT IS VERY RARE AND THAT BURNING DAMAGE WILL NOT OCCUR UNLESS LIQUIDS ENTER INTO THE POWER WINDOW SWITCH.ODI UPGRADED THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, EA08-011, TO FURTHER EVALUATE THIS ISSUE.
Illustration