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Recall 00V-421

MITSUBISHI AMERICA recalled the 1995 to 1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse and 3 other models: Suspension (front, control arm, lower ball joint).

At a glance

Campaign number
00V-421
Reported
December 18, 2000
Vehicles affected
567,432 estimated by the manufacturer

Source: NHTSA recall records

What is wrong

Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. If the rubber boots on the lower lateral arm ball joints of the front suspension were damaged during assembly, dirt and water can intrude. Also, mmc has added the potential of leaking moisture, which can cause the ball stud to corrode.

The risk

This condition could cause the lower lateral arm ball joint to separate, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. This campaign supercedes mmc's previous safety recall campaign, see 99v-066.

The fix

Dealers will inspect the lower lateral arm ball joint for wear. Ball joints that exhibit wear beyond the established tolerance will be replaced with newly designed lateral arm ball joints. Ball joints that are within the established tolerance will be cleaned and a special sealant will be applied to prevent intrusion of moisture.

Notes from the manufacturer

Owner notification will be conducted in phases.the first phase began april 2, 2001, and the final phase will be completed on september 3, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mitsubishi america at 1-888-mitsu-2001 (1-[removed]).also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-[removed]).

Affected vehicles