NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
126 reports22,500 miles · Aug 12, 2013
Air BagsStructureCrashInjury
I WAS DRIVING AT 33 MPH ON A MAIN STREET WHEN CAR ON MY RIGHT GOES THROUGH STOP SIGN AND DRIVES INTO MY CAR. HE HIT THE FRONT OF MY CAR NEAR, BUT NOT INCLUDING, THE PASSENGER DOOR. AFTER IMPACT (HE NEVER BRAKE) HE CONTINUED TO MOVE MY CAR WITH HIS THEREBY FOLDING THE FRONT OF MY CAR IN HALF, TAKING OFF FRONT WHEELS, FENDERS …
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I WAS DRIVING AT 33 MPH ON A MAIN STREET WHEN CAR ON MY RIGHT GOES THROUGH STOP SIGN AND DRIVES INTO MY CAR. HE HIT THE FRONT OF MY CAR NEAR, BUT NOT INCLUDING, THE PASSENGER DOOR. AFTER IMPACT (HE NEVER BRAKE) HE CONTINUED TO MOVE MY CAR WITH HIS THEREBY FOLDING THE FRONT OF MY CAR IN HALF, TAKING OFF FRONT WHEELS, FENDERS AND BUMPER, GAS TANK (SMOKING BUT NOT ON FIRE), AND MOVING MY CAR TWO LANES TO THE LEFT VIA IMPACT AND PUSH. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. DRIVER'S DOOR, MINE, WOULD NOT OPEN. SEAT BELT PULLED IN VERY TIGHT. IMPACT SLAMMED MY CHEST, KNEE AND ANKLE. FRACTURED STERNUM, CUTS AND BRUISES ON LEG AND FOOT. BACK PAIN AT SITE OF CRASH. COULD NOT WALK UP AMBULANCE STEPS. HOSPITAL STAY 2 DAYS WITH MULTIPLE TESTS. DRS. VISITS REQUIRED THIS WEEK, ONE DAY AFTER RELEASE. CAR TOTALED. PHYSICAL THERAPY AND PAIN MANAGEMENT PUT INTO PLACE UPON HOSPITAL DISCHARGE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10534802
128,000 miles · Jul 8, 2013
Visibility/wiper
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE VENTS AFTER SWITCHING THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE FROM COLD TO HOT. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE HOT AIR FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI GALANT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE VENTS AFTER SWITCHING THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE FROM COLD TO HOT. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE HOT AIR FAILED TO ENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 135,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10523697
15,229 miles · Aug 6, 2012
Service BrakesSuspension
THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER LEFT /RIGHT FRONT SIDE TIRES ARE DISFUNCTIONAL WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE I HERE THE BEARINGS POPPING AND THE TIRES ALSO DIS FUNCTIONAL AND THE THIS CAR IS BURNING A LOT OF OIL THE DEALER SHIP WHERE I'M BUYING IT FROM SAID EVERYTHING WAS WORKING FINE THE CAR WAS WELL TAKING CA…
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THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER LEFT /RIGHT FRONT SIDE TIRES ARE DISFUNCTIONAL WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL THE LEFT AND RIGHT SIDE I HERE THE BEARINGS POPPING AND THE TIRES ALSO DIS FUNCTIONAL AND THE THIS CAR IS BURNING A LOT OF OIL THE DEALER SHIP WHERE I'M BUYING IT FROM SAID EVERYTHING WAS WORKING FINE THE CAR WAS WELL TAKING CARE OF THE BELT ON THE CAR IS CRACKED IT HASN'T HAD A TUNE UP AT ALL THE AIR CONDITIONER ISN'T BLOWING OUT COLD AIR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10469289
57,000 miles · Jun 22, 2012
Structure
ABOUT A YEAR AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE IN 2007, THE PAINT BEGAN TO WEAR OFF. IT STARTED CHALKING AND CHIPPING AND I'VE NOTICED PRETTY MUCH EVERY MITSUBISHI I SEE ON THE ROAD HAS THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS RIDICULOUS THAT THEY ARE ALLOWED TO PUT OUT SUCH CARS AND BE NEGLEGENT ON THE PAINT JOB. WE ALL PAY GOOD MONEY FOR THESE AND…
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ABOUT A YEAR AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE IN 2007, THE PAINT BEGAN TO WEAR OFF. IT STARTED CHALKING AND CHIPPING AND I'VE NOTICED PRETTY MUCH EVERY MITSUBISHI I SEE ON THE ROAD HAS THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS RIDICULOUS THAT THEY ARE ALLOWED TO PUT OUT SUCH CARS AND BE NEGLEGENT ON THE PAINT JOB. WE ALL PAY GOOD MONEY FOR THESE AND MITSUBISHI ONLY RECALLED THE "BLACK PAINT" THEY NEED TO RECALL THEM ALL BECAUSE ALL OF THEM ARE IN HORRIBLE SHAPE. MITSUBISHI NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE.!!!!!!! I SHOULDNT HAVE TO PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO GET MY CAR PAINTED...IT SHOULDNT EVEN NEED PAINTED YET. I'LL NEVER PURCHASE ANOTHER. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10462746
Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2011
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
TURNED HEAT ON AND HEARD A RATTELING NOISE UNDER DASH, WHEN HEAT CAME ON NOISE STOPPED. TURNED HEAT ON A WEEK LATER, NOTHING, ONLY COLD AIR. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SAYS HEATER CORE, AFTER REPLACING THERMOSTAT AND COOLANT SENSOR. DEALERSHIP SAYS HEATER CONTROL VALVE, EITHER WAY, WITH SEEING HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT TH…
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TURNED HEAT ON AND HEARD A RATTELING NOISE UNDER DASH, WHEN HEAT CAME ON NOISE STOPPED. TURNED HEAT ON A WEEK LATER, NOTHING, ONLY COLD AIR. INDEPENDENT MECHANIC SAYS HEATER CORE, AFTER REPLACING THERMOSTAT AND COOLANT SENSOR. DEALERSHIP SAYS HEATER CONTROL VALVE, EITHER WAY, WITH SEEING HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME THING, THERE IS CLEARLY A PROBLEM AT THE MANUFACTURING LEVEL. MAYBE MITSUBISHI SHOULD LOOK AT DOING SOMETHING LIKE ACCEPTING FULL RESPONSIBILITY AND REPAIRING THESE CARS. WITH THE ECONOMY WHAT IT IS THERE ARE FEW PEOPLE WHO ARE ABLE TO AFFORD THIS EXPENSE, MYSELF INCLUDED. SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP US! WHY SHOULD THE CONSUMER ALWAYS GET THE SHORT END OF THE STICK? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10434913
Mileage unknown · Sep 15, 2011
Unknown Or Other
I PURCHASED MY 2003, MITSUBSHI, GALANT 1 1/2 YEARS AGO AND I'M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE PAINT FADING ON THE DOORS AND THE HOOD OF THE CAR. AFTER 1 YEAR OF HAVING THE CAR IT STARTED TO FADE. MY CAR IS A BLACK MITSUBSHI AND WITH THIS BEING A BLACK CAR THE FADING REALLY STANDS OUT. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10425665
Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 2011
Visibility
IN THE LATE WINTER OF 2011 MY CAR HEATER BEGAN TO MAKE STRANGE NOISES THEN WOULD WORK FINE. SOON AFTER THAT HAPPENED, THE HEAT STOPPED WORKING. ONLY COLD AIR WOULD PUSH THROUGH THE SYSTEM. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE AC IS NOT CONSIDERED A NECESSITY, BUT I BEG TO DIFFER ON HEAT, CONSIDERING OUR TECHNOLOGICAL STATE. A HEATER KEEPS WIN…
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IN THE LATE WINTER OF 2011 MY CAR HEATER BEGAN TO MAKE STRANGE NOISES THEN WOULD WORK FINE. SOON AFTER THAT HAPPENED, THE HEAT STOPPED WORKING. ONLY COLD AIR WOULD PUSH THROUGH THE SYSTEM. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE AC IS NOT CONSIDERED A NECESSITY, BUT I BEG TO DIFFER ON HEAT, CONSIDERING OUR TECHNOLOGICAL STATE. A HEATER KEEPS WINDOWS DEFROSTED AND CLEAR OF HUMIDITY THAT WOULD OTHERWISE CLOUD VISION OR WORSE, COMPLETELY HINDER TOTAL VISIBILITY. THE IDEA OF HAVING HEAT IN A CAR SEEMS LIKE A LUXURY BUT, IN REALITY IT IS REALLY A BASIC DRIVING NEED. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO EXCUSE AS TO WHY A CONSUMER SHOULD PAY $20,000, BRAND NEW, FOR A CAR THAT'S HEATER IS ALL TOO OFTEN BROKE BEFORE 60,000 MILES. THE COST OF REPAIR CAN EASILY COST $1000, DUE TO THE LABOR. THERE HAVE BEEN ACCOUNTS OF THEM BREAKING AGAIN, ONE YEAR LATER. THE HEATER SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE RESEARCHED AND ADDRESSED IN THE 03' GALANTS. IT KEEPS THE WINDOWS CLEAR SO CONSUMERS CAN SAFELY DRIVE THEIR CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10424373
112,000 miles · Jan 23, 2011
Equipment
HEATER CORE IN 2003 GALANT HAS GONE OUT, WHICH MEANS NO HEAT IN VEHICLE. QUOTES FOR REPAIR ARE BETWEEN 900-1300, LABOR BEING 5-6 HOURS. I WAS TOLD THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON DEFECT IN THE GALANT. THERE WAS AN IDENTICAL VEHICLE AT THE REPAIR SHOP WITH EXACT SAME PROBLEM. FURTHER SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET REVEALS THAT THIS IS A CO…
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HEATER CORE IN 2003 GALANT HAS GONE OUT, WHICH MEANS NO HEAT IN VEHICLE. QUOTES FOR REPAIR ARE BETWEEN 900-1300, LABOR BEING 5-6 HOURS. I WAS TOLD THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON DEFECT IN THE GALANT. THERE WAS AN IDENTICAL VEHICLE AT THE REPAIR SHOP WITH EXACT SAME PROBLEM. FURTHER SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET REVEALS THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM & SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A DEFECT THAT MITSUBISHI MOTORS SHOULD CONSIDER INVESTIGATING. *LN
NHTSA ODI #10378316
Mileage unknown · Dec 8, 2010
Electrical SystemVisibility
HEAT STOPPED WORKING DUE TO A FAULTY HEAT CONTROL VALVE. FIRST IT STARTED MAKING A CLICKING NOISE AND NOW I HAVE NO HEAT AT ALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10369597
175,000 miles · Dec 7, 2010
Unknown Or Other
I WAS WITH MY SON LEAVING A STORE, WHILE IT WAS 38 DEGREES OUTSIDE. AFTER WE GOT IN THE CAR AND I TURNED ON THE HEATER, IT BEGAN MAKING A FLUTTERING SOUND UNDER THE DASH AS IF THE VENTS WERE OPENING UP. WITH THE KNOB ALL THE WAY TO THE RED POSITION AND THE OTHER KNOB IN THE WINDOW DEFROST POSITION, I WAITED FOR THE WINDOWS TO DE…
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I WAS WITH MY SON LEAVING A STORE, WHILE IT WAS 38 DEGREES OUTSIDE. AFTER WE GOT IN THE CAR AND I TURNED ON THE HEATER, IT BEGAN MAKING A FLUTTERING SOUND UNDER THE DASH AS IF THE VENTS WERE OPENING UP. WITH THE KNOB ALL THE WAY TO THE RED POSITION AND THE OTHER KNOB IN THE WINDOW DEFROST POSITION, I WAITED FOR THE WINDOWS TO DEFROST AND THE HEAT TO MAKE THE CAR WARM. THE WINDOWS NEVER DEFROSTED AND THE HEAT NEVER CAME ON. I HAD TO DRIVE HOME WITH THE WINDOW DOWN IN THE COLD, AND MY SON FREEZING IN THE BACK SEAT. I HAD IT CHECKED OUT AND THE MECHANIC TOLD ME THIS IS A VERY POPULAR PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR.
NHTSA ODI #10370133
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.
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