Published August 10, 2012
By Jeff Cobb
Mitsubishi is recalling 261 of its 2012 i-MiEV (pronounced i-Meev) electric vehicles in the U.S. due to potentially deactivated front and side airbag systems. A similar recall is planned also for Canada for as many as 49 i-MiEVs there.
The recall was described as “small” by Automotive News, and by ordinary auto industry standards, it is small, but 261 U.S. cars happens to comprise more than half of the U.S. consumer fleet, given that as of the end of July, just 446 i-MiEVs had been delivered here since launch late last year.
According to documents filed with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the potential issue lies with incompatibility between the sensors for the air bags and self-diagnostic software that may prevent the airbags from deploying when needed.
If the car has this issue, a dash warning light should be illuminated. To date no incidents are known to have been reported due to the potential fault. Mitsubishi’s remedy will be to replace the sensors for recalled vehicles.
Automotive News (subscription req'd)