2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport recalled in US for brake, fuel and shift lever faults
Mitsubishi has issued three recalls for the 2013 Outlander Sport in the United States, covering over 4,500 vehicles with brake light, fuel system and shift lever defects.
Mitsubishi has recalled thousands of 2013 Outlander Sport SUVs in the United States after three separate defects were identified, affecting brake lights, the fuel system and shift lever operation. The problems, confirmed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), involve a total of more than 4,500 vehicles built for the 2013 model year.
The largest of the recalls covers 4,539 units due to a fault with the brake stop lights. According to NHTSA documents, the brake lights on affected vehicles may illuminate continuously or only intermittently. This could reduce visibility to other drivers or fail to signal braking, raising the risk of a rear-end collision. Owners are advised to return their vehicles to dealers for inspection and repair.
A separate recall involves 3,724 Outlander Sports lacking the correct fuel sending unit harness for the sub-sending unit. Without this harness, the fuel gauge may display an inaccurate fuel level, potentially leading drivers to run out of fuel unexpectedly. This fault does not affect all vehicles included in the brake light recall, but there is overlap between the campaigns.
Shift lever defect increases risk of unintended movement
A third defect affects the shift lever mechanism. On some 2013 Outlander Sport models, the gear lever can be moved out of the 'park' position without pressing the brake pedal. This increases the risk of the vehicle rolling away unintentionally, especially if parked on an incline or if the driver assumes the car is securely immobilised.
Mitsubishi has said that affected owners will be notified and instructed to contact their dealer for repairs at no cost. The company’s US customer service number is 1-888-648-7820. No schedule for notification was confirmed in the initial announcement.
Implications for owners and next steps
Owners of 2013 Outlander Sport vehicles should check whether their car is included in any of the three recalls. The defects identified all carry a risk of crash or injury if left unaddressed. Repairs will be carried out by Mitsubishi dealers once parts and procedures are confirmed. For those considering a used Outlander Sport from this year, it is advisable to confirm recall work has been completed before purchase.
Details of these recalls are available on the NHTSA website and through Mitsubishi’s official channels. The Outlander Sport was updated in later years, with further information on subsequent model changes available at 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport gets updated.
