NHTSA Recall 99V334000
Filed by MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN. Component: Air Bags. Reported 1999-11-24. An estimated 3,000 vehicles are affected. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN HAD REPLACED THE ORIGINAL FACTORY INSTALLED MOUNTING BRACKET BOLTS OF BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER AIR BAGS WITH ALUMINUM RIVETS. AFTER AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT, THE RIVETS CAN LOOSEN OR BREAK, CAUSING PARTIAL OR TOTAL DISPLACEMENT OF THE AIR BAG MODULES.
Risk
THE AIR BAG MODULE COULD SEPARATE FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AFTER AN AIR BAG ACTIVATION, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO THE SEAT OCCUPANT.
What the manufacturer will do
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE RIVETS WITH ORIGINAL FACTORY BOLTS.
Notes
OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JANUARY 8, 2000. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-787-251-8715.ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).