NHTSA
Contact: Tim Hurd
Tel. No. (202) 366-9550

Mitsubishi Motors Sales, America

Models:
Mitsubishi Galant Years: 1995-1996
Mitsubishi Eclipse Years: 1995-1996
Mitsubishi Spyder Year: 1996

Number Involved: 294,000
Dates of Manufacture: March 1993 - June 1996
Defect: On certain passenger vehicles, the rubber boots on the lower lateral arm ball joint can become damaged, allowing dirt and water intrusion, which can cause excessive wear of the ball joint. The ball joint could then separate.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the ball joint boots and, if cut or damaged, the lower lateral arm will be replaced. Owner notification was expected to begin during May 1999. Owners who do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.

[NHTSA Recall No. 99V066001]

NHTSA said it is publicizing the recalls to alert consumers about safety problems and encourages them to take action. Under federal law, safety problems must be remedied without cost to consumers. Currently, 70 percent of the owners of vehicles with safety problems have the recall work performed. Manufacturers are required to mail a recall notice to all purchasers, owners and dealers when a safety defect or noncompliance with federal safety standards is found. The agency urges owners to wait until they receive notification from the manufacturer before contacting their dealers to schedule the repair work. Not all vehicles of a particular make and model may be subject to the recall.