The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·12E012000·Announced 2012-03-30

Mitsubishi Recalls Headlamps Lacking Sealed Adjustment Mechanism

Mitsubishi is recalling approximately 16,095 headlamp assemblies used as service parts for Lancer and Montero vehicles because they lack a sealed horizontal adjustment mechanism, posing a crash risk.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product where the defect can increase the risk of a crash, but the source text does not report any specific injuries or fatalities.

Plain-English summary

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling approximately 16,095 headlamp assemblies that were used as service parts for specific Mitsubishi vehicles. The affected vehicles include Model Year 2001 through 2002 Montero, Model Year 2003 through 2006 Montero, and Model Year 2008 through 2012 Lancer and Lancer Sportback models. The recall was initiated on March 27, 2012.

The defect involves headlamps that were installed without the horizontal adjustment mechanism permanently sealed. As a result, these headlamps fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108. Because the adjustment mechanism is not disabled, the headlights can be adjusted in a way that reduces the driver's visibility or blinds oncoming vehicles. Both conditions can increase the risk of a crash.

MMNA will notify owners who can be identified through parts purchase records and repair the vehicles free of charge. Owners may contact Mitsubishi Customer Relations at 1-888-648-7820. Additionally, owners may contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit safercar.gov.

The recalled product

Product
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS recall
Manufacturer
MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Category
Vehicle — Lighting
Hazard
Affected units
16,095

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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