Sunita Somvanshi
Mitsubishi Australia has issued an urgent safety recall for 7,489 Outlander SUVs due to a serious defect in their steering wheel sensors. The fault affects 2022-2023 models of the Exceed and Exceed Tourer grades, potentially compromising the vehicle’s MI-PILOT driver assistance system.
At the heart of this recall is a manufacturing defect in the steering wheel touch sensors. These sensors are meant to detect when a driver’s hands are on the wheel – a crucial safety feature that helps prevent accidents. When these sensors fail, the MI-PILOT system can’t tell if the driver is actively controlling the vehicle.
The MI-PILOT system combines adaptive cruise control with highway lane tracing, working together to help drivers maintain safe control of their vehicle. A malfunction in this system isn’t just an inconvenience – it could lead to serious accidents, potentially causing injury or death to both vehicle occupants and other road users.
What’s particularly concerning is that there’s no quick fix. The problem requires a complete steering wheel replacement, though Mitsubishi is covering all repair costs. The company has taken the unusual step of warning owners to completely avoid using the MI-PILOT feature until their vehicle has been repaired.
For owners wondering if their Outlander is affected, Mitsubishi has released a comprehensive list of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs). Owners are advised not to wait and should take immediate action if they think their vehicle might be affected. The safest approach is to contact a Mitsubishi dealer immediately to schedule the free replacement.
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The timing of this recall is particularly noteworthy for Outlander owners who recently had steering wheel repairs. These previous repairs don’t necessarily mean your vehicle is safe from this defect. Even if you’ve had recent steering wheel work done, it’s essential to check if your VIN is on the recall list.
Mitsubishi has set up dedicated support channels for affected owners. Their customer service team can be reached at 1800 931 811, or via email at [email protected]. The company is prioritizing these repairs to minimize risk to drivers and their families.
This recall serves as a stark reminder of how modern vehicle safety systems, while advanced, are only as reliable as their underlying sensors and components. For the thousands of affected Outlander owners, the priority now is clear: get the steering wheel replaced and avoid using MI-PILOT until then.
The immediate action required is straightforward:
- Check your VIN against the recall list
- Contact your nearest Mitsubishi dealer for the free replacement
- Stop using the MI-PILOT system until repairs are completed
- Keep all documentation related to the recall and repairs
Remember, this isn’t just about following a recall notice – it’s about ensuring your vehicle’s safety systems can protect you and your loved ones as intended.
