Mitsubishi and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have started a recall program on 21,493 Outlander vehicles equipped with L.E.D. brake lamps. Apparently the “brake lamp switch may malfunction and cause them not to light up during brake application”, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“The failure of the brake lamps to illuminate when the brakes are applied will not provide warning to following traffic and could result in a crash,” said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. Indeed this is a very serious safety issue. You see, rear end collisions are some of the most physically damaging to a person. A lack of working brake lights might confuse a following driver and cause him/her to not realize you are braking, yikes!

In documentation filed with the federal government, Mitsubishi said the stop lamp switch may have been contaminated with silicone grease during assembly at one of their vehicle assembly plants. This causes a bad contact between the brake lamp and the wiring harness of the car.

Mitsubishi will start sending out letters in Febuary regarding the recall. Affected vehicles can head on over to their local Mitsubishi dealer were a new brake-light switch will be installed free of charge. This is a safety matter so if you feel you are one of the affected head on over to your local dealer ASAP!

Owners with further questions can contact Mitsubishi directly at the number below:

Mitsubishi: 1-800-222-0037.

Above: Own one of these? Check that your tail lights are working….

Source: Inside Line

Photo: Mitsubishi Motors