Mitsubishi i-MiEV recalls

15 official safety recalls for the Mitsubishi i-MiEV from NHTSA (United States), DVSA (United Kingdom) and the EU Safety Gate, newest first. Recall repairs are normally free at the maker’s dealers.

Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:

  1. Water may enter the brake vacuum pump

    Reported November 20, 2020Model years 2009–2011DVSA recall R/2019/380EU Safety Gate A12/01467/20287 vehicles affected

    Water may enter the brake vacuum pump and cause corrosion. The pump will be replaced with a countermeasure version.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    WATER MAY PENETRATE INTO THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP
    Defect
    Water may penetrate into the brake vacuum pump causing corrosion.
    Remedy
    The brake vacuum pump will be replaced with a countermeasure one

  2. Brake vacuum pump may fail

    Reported November 8, 2019Model years 2012–2017NHTSA campaign 19V8040002,108 vehicles affected

    Water may enter the brake vacuum pump and cause corrosion and failure. The resulting loss of braking assist can lengthen stopping distances. Dealers will replace the pump, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
    Defect
    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2012-2017 i-MiEV vehicles. Water may penetrate the brake assist vacuum pump, causing corrosion and a failure of the brake vacuum pump.
    Consequence
    Without the brake vacuum pump, the driver will experience a sudden loss of braking assist, lengthening the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy
    MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-19-002.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  3. Passenger airbag inflator may rupture

    Reported May 26, 2018Model years 2009–2011DVSA recall R/2018/115287 vehicles affected

    The passenger airbag inflator propellant may deteriorate in hot, humid conditions. The inflator could rupture when the airbag deploys and injure occupants. The inflator will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    PROPELLANT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG INFLATOR MAY BE DETIORATED
    Defect
    The propellant in the passengers front airbag inflator may deteriorate due to high temperature and humid conditions over a longer period in use. As a result the inflator body may rupture during airbag deployment and may injure occupants.
    Remedy
    On affected vehicles replace the passenger airbag inflator.

  4. Passenger airbag inflator may rupture

    Reported December 8, 2017Model years 2016–2017NHTSA campaign 17V793000144 vehicles affected

    Propellant degradation after long-term exposure to humidity and temperature cycling may cause the passenger airbag inflator to rupture during deployment, sending metal fragments into the vehicle and potentially causing serious injury or death. Dealers will replace the inflator free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
    Defect
    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling all 2016-2017 i-MiEV vehicles, equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
    Consequence
    An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy
    MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on December 15, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-008.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  5. Vehicle may roll backwards when starting uphill

    Reported June 1, 2017Model years 2009–2010DVSA recall R/2017/14452 vehicles affected

    A software problem may cause the vehicle to roll backwards when pulling away uphill from a standstill. Countermeasure software will be installed in the control unit.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    VEHICLE MAY ROLL BACKWARDS
    Defect
    When trying to drive off uphill from a standstill the vehicle may roll backwards. This is because of a software problem in the CMU.
    Remedy
    Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and download countermeasure software to the CMU.

  6. Passenger air bag inflator may rupture

    Reported January 10, 2017Model years 2012–2014NHTSA campaign 17V0220001,964 vehicles affected

    In a crash, the passenger air bag inflator may rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, risking serious injury or death. Dealers will replace the inflator free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
    Defect
    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2012 and 2014 i-MiEV vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
    Consequence
    An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
    Remedy
    MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 10, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-001.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  7. Indicators or other lights may switch off or blink

    Reported July 28, 2016Model years 2006–2010DVSA recall R/2016/1555,403 vehicles affected

    Poor connectivity may cause the indicators or other vehicle lights to switch off or blink. Lubricant will be applied to the switch connections.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    INDICATORS AND/OR OTHER VEHICLE LIGHTS MAY SWITCH OFF OR BLINK WITHOUT WARNING
    Defect
    Due to poor connectivity the indicators and/or vehicle lights may turn off or blink
    Remedy
    On affected vehicles apply lubricant to switch connections

  8. Air bags may deploy late or not at all

    Reported September 23, 2015Model years 2012NHTSA campaign 15V59400013,558 vehicles affected

    Increased resistance in an impact sensor may delay frontal air bag deployment or prevent side and curtain air bags from deploying when the SRS warning is illuminated, increasing injury risk in a crash. Dealers will replace the affected sensors free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    AIR BAGS
    Defect
    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage vehicles manufactured July 27, 2013, to November 20, 2013, and 2012 Mitsubishi i-MiEV vehicles manufactured October 28, 2011, to September 7, 2012. Due to an increased resistance in the impact sensor for the air bag system, in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the frontal, side and/or curtain air bags when the SRS warning is illuminated, the frontal air bag may have a delayed deployment and/or the side and curtian air bag may not deploy at all.
    Consequence
    In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not deploy or deploys late, increases the risk of occupant injury.
    Remedy
    Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected impact sensors, free of charge. The recall began on November 5, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-011.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  9. Vehicle may lose power or fail to restart

    Reported September 21, 2015Model years 2011DVSA recall R/2015/15633 vehicles affected

    Reduced resistance inside the motor control unit may destabilise voltage, trigger a warning and restrict motor power. The vehicle may not restart or the battery may not charge. Dealers will replace the engine motor control unit.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    VEHICLE MAY CUT OUT
    Defect
    Due to none conformity during manufacture the resistance of the insulated base inside the motor control unit (MCU) which controls the electric motor may decrease. As a result the voltage in the circuit may become unstable causing the warning light to illuminate and the driving motor power to be restricted to the fail safe control. In the worst case scenario the vehicle may not be able to be restarted and the battery may not be able to be charged.
    Remedy
    Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the engine MCU.

  10. Brake vacuum pump relay may fail

    Reported November 28, 2014Model years 2009–2011DVSA recall R/2014/108541 vehicles affected

    A failed relay may stop the electric brake vacuum pump, requiring greater pedal force and increasing stopping distances. A brake warning light and audible warning may alert the driver. The relay will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    BRAKING PERFORMANCE MAY BE AFFECTED
    Defect
    It has been identified that the failure of an electric relay can cause the service brake electric vacuum pump to fail. The issue will be identified to the driver by the illumination of a brake warning lamp on the vehicle's instrument panel and an audible warning. If this occurs it will result in a need to apply higher brake pedal force and an increase in stopping distances
    Remedy
    Recall all affected vehicles and replace the electric vacuum pump relay.

  11. Brake vacuum pump may stop working

    Reported September 2, 2014Model years 2010–2014NHTSA campaign 14V5220001,810 vehicles affected

    A software issue or road salt corrosion may stop the brake vacuum pump, lengthening the distance needed to stop and increasing crash risk. Depending on the vehicle, dealers will reprogram the pump controller, replace the pump, or do both, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM
    Defect
    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 i-MiEV electric vehicles manufactured September 15, 2009, to March 25, 2014. Due to either software programming or corrosion caused by road salt, the brake vacuum pump may stop functioning.
    Consequence
    If the brake vacuum pump stops functioning, the distance needed to stop the vehicle may be lengthened, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy
    Mitsubishi will notify owners, and depending on the affected vehicle, dealers will either reprogram the brake vacuum pump controller, replace the brake vacuum pump or do both, free of charge. The recall began on October 24, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-007.
    Notes
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  12. Brake vacuum pump may fail

    Reported March 11, 2013DVSA recall R/2013/0291 vehicle affected

    A manufacturing error may cause the electric brake vacuum pump to stop working, increasing the pedal force needed to brake and potentially increasing stopping distance. The vacuum pump will be replaced.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    BRAKING MAY BE AFFECTED
    Defect
    The electric Brake Vacuum Pump on i- MiEV might become inoperable due to a manufacturing error. If this happens the vacuum to assist the brake booster is not available. This will lead to an increased brake pedal force being required to stop the vehicle. Consequently this could lead to an increased stopping distance.
    Remedy
    Replace vacum pump

  13. Brake vacuum pump may fail

    Reported January 25, 2013Model years 2012NHTSA campaign 13V0310001,402 vehicles affected

    The brake vacuum pump may fail, reducing brake power and increasing stopping distances. Dealers will replace affected pumps free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    SERVICE BRAKES
    Defect
    Mitsubishi Motors North America is recalling certain model year 2012 i-MiEV electric vehicles manufactured December 2, 2011, through September 7, 2012. The brake system vacuum pump may fail, causing the vacuum pump to be inoperable.
    Consequence
    If the vaccum pump system fails, it will reduce available brake power which would result in lengthened stopping distances, which may increase the risk of a vehicle crash.
    Remedy
    Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected vacuum pumps free of charge. The recall began on February 28, 2013. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.
    Notes
    Mitsubisihi's campaign recall number is SR-13-001. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

  14. Main battery fuse may melt and cut drive

    Reported November 29, 2012DVSA recall R/2012/10825 vehicles affected

    The main battery fuse may melt, cutting power to the motor control unit. The vehicle may fail to start or lose all drive, regardless of battery charge. The fuse will be replaced with a modified one.

    Official DVSA recall text
    Component
    DRIVE MAY BE LOST
    Defect
    On the 2010 model year i-MiEV (Japanese specification Right Hand Drive vehicles only) the main battery 280 amp fuse may melt shutting off the high voltage electric circuit. This will result in electrical power no longer being supplied to the motor control unit. The car will fail to start or lose all drive regardless of the battery charge state and fault codes P1A15 and P1A17 are generated.
    Remedy
    Rectification is the replacement of this fuse with a modified one.

  15. Airbag sensors may deactivate the airbag system

    Reported August 1, 2012Model years 2012NHTSA campaign 12V372000261 vehicles affected

    Incompatible airbag sensors and diagnostic software may deactivate the frontal and side airbag system; the warning lamp will illuminate. Side and curtain airbags may then fail to deploy in a crash for which they are intended, increasing injury risk. Dealers will replace the sensors with compatible units, free of charge.

    Official NHTSA recall text
    Component
    AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
    Defect
    Mitsubishi is recalling certain model year 2012 i-MiEV vehicles manufactured between November 4, 2011, and December 22, 2011. Incompatibility between the air bag sensors and the self-diagnostic software may deactivate the frontal and side airbag system. Should this occur, the SRS warning lamp would illuminate to alert the driver.
    Consequence
    The side and curtain air bags may not deploy in a crash for which those air bags were intended to deploy, increasing the risk of personal injury to the vehicle occupants.
    Remedy
    Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the incompatible air bag sensors with new, compatible units, free of charge. The safety recall began on during August 2012. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
    Notes
    This is Mitsubishi recall number SR-12-003.Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.

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