Recalls: Mitsubishi Mk.2 Challenger
Overview
Manufacturers, or importers, issue recalls for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Generally, manufacturers will inform the original buyers if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. Please note that the recalls below (if any) are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.
Recalls: Mitsubishi Mk.2 Challenger
2010-11 model year Mitsubishi Challenger: floor mats to be replaced
In January 2011, a recall was issued for Mitsubishi Challenger vehicles due to a change in the design of the carpet floor mat 2010 and 2011 model year vehicles. As a result, the incorrect mats may have been fitted at the point of sale (PRA 2011/12251). The recalled vehicles had VINs in the following ranges:
- MMAGNKH40AF000101 to MMAGNKH40AF002438;
- MMAGNKH40BF000101 to MMAGNKH40BF001069;
- MMAGYKH40AF000102 to MMAGYKH40AF002486; and,
- MMAGYKH40BF000102 to MMAGYKH40BF001123.
2010-12 Mitsubishi Challenger XLS 4WD: potential fire hazard
In September 2013, a recall was issued for Mitsubishi Challenger 4WD XLS variants that were powered by turbo-diesel engines and manufactured from 2010 to 2012. In these vehicles, the power operated seat reclining lever may stick in the operating position after use, allowing current to continuously flow to the motor. If this occurred, the motor, seat cushion and surrounding parts may melt and potentially burn. The reaclled vehicles had VINs in the range MMA GYKH 40AF 000104 to MMA GYKH 40DF 000635 (PRA 2013/13759).
2011-12 model year Mitsubishi Challenger: front suspension failure
In November 2013, a recall was issued for 2011 and 2012 model year Mitsubishi Challengers that were manufactured prior to 11 May 2012. In these vehicles, improper welding on the front suspension lower control arms (LCA) may result in the weld failing. If this occurred, the vehicle would become unstable and pull to either the left or right side of the road (PRA 2013/13840). Prior to inspection, customers should operate the vehicle in a conservative manner to avoid excessive shock load on the parts that may be affected. The affected vehicles were in the following VIN ranges:
- 2WD Challengers: MMAGNKG40CF000004 to MMAGYKG40CF002509; and,
- 4WD Challengers: MMAGNKH40BF001929 to MMAGYKH40CF002541.
2012 model year Mitsubishi Challenger 4WD: front prop shaft failure
In November 2013, a recall was issued for 2012 model year 4WD Mitsubishi Challenger vehicles that were manufactured prior to 25 November 2011. In some of these vehicles, improper welding of the front propeller shafts may result in the weld failing, breakage of the front propeller shaft and damage to the fuel pipe; normal acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle may also be affected. Prior to inspection, customers were advised to operate the vehicle in a conservative manner in 2WD mode where possible. The recalled Mitsubishi Challenger vehicles had VINs in the range MMAGNKH40CF000658 to MMAGYKH40CF001048 (PRA 2013/13844).
2014 model year Mitsubishi PC Challenger: missing seat anchor points
In May 2016, a recall was issued for ‘2014 model year’ Mitsubishi PC Challenger vehicles. In these vehicles, the weld nuts for the child restrain anchor fitting points may be missing at both the driver’s and passenger side rear restraint points. Since there were supposed to be three (3) usable child restraint anchor points, the missing weld nuts violated Australian regulation ADR 3 34. Furthermore, the driver may not be possible to correctly install a child restraint, thereby increasing the risk of injury if fitted. The recalled Mitsubishi PC Challenger vehicles had VINs in the following ranges (PRA 2016/15380):
- MMAGYKH40EF003806;
- MMAGYKH40EF003808;
- MMAGYKH40EF003810;
- MMAGYKH40EF003807;
- MMAGYKH40EF003809; and,
- MMAGYKH40EF003811.
Mitsubishi PB/PC Challenger: failure of electrical items
In June 2016, a recall was issued for Mitsubishi PB and PC Challenger vehicles because the turn signal and lighting switch connector terminals could become worn during switch operation due to insufficient rigidity – this could result in an accumulation of oxidised dust on the connector terminals. Furthermore, excessive dust accumulation could act as an insulator, affecting terminal conductivity. Continued usage in this conduction could cause conduction failure such that the following may fail to operate or only operate intermittently: the headlamps, turn signal lamps, parking lamp, fog lamps, tail lamp, number plate lamp and cabin lamp (PRA 2016/15466). The recalled Mitsubishi PB and PC Challenger vehicles had VINs in the following ranges:
- MMAGNKG40CF000004 to MMAGNKG40DF000574;
- MMAGNKH40AF000101 to MMAGNKH40EF003557;
- MMAGYKG40CF000005 to MMAGYKG40DF000660; and,
- MMAGYKH40AF000102 to MMAGYKH40EF003559.
2012-14 model year Mitsubishi PB/PC Challenger: insufficient anti-corrosion coating
In December 2016, a recall was issued for 2012-13 model year Mitsubishi PB Challenger and 2014 model year Mitsubishi PC Challenger vehicles. In these vehicles, insufficient anti-corrosion coating was applied to the end cap on the outer tube of the tailgate springs, and this could result in corrosion. This corrosion could cause the end cap to break, hitting the operator and/or the tailgate to fall down suddenly – these events could result in injury. For the recalled vehicles, replacement parts were to be fitted. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see PRA 2016/15767.
Problems and faults: Mitsubishi Mk.2 Challenger
Overview
This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.
To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.
Mitsubishi PB/PC Challenger with 2.5-litre 4D56HP diesel engine: overheating
In November 2014, Mitsubishi initiated preventative action service campaign 020116 for Mitsubishi PB/PC Challenger vehicles that had 2.5-litre 4D56HP diesel engines and were manufactured prior to 18 March 2014.
According to the service bulletin, the diesel engines of these Mitsubishi PB/PC Challenger vehicles could overheat due to excessive loss of coolant caused by ‘repetitive coolant evaporation’ – this could occur after high-load driving such as towing heavy cargo. Furthermore, if head gasket sealing was not adequate at the upper surface of the cylinder block (due to surface roughness), then engine coolant blow-by could occur and contribute to overheating.
As part of the service campaign, the following measures were implemented:
- The radiator cap was to be replaced with a high-valve-opening-pressure type which increased the boiling point. These radiator caps could be identified by their ‘127 kPa’ sticker;
- The coolant was to be replaced with coolant that had a 50 per cent concentration (previously 30 per cent); and,
- The ECU was to be re-programmed for early detection of coolant damage to reduce the risk of engine damage.
These measures, however, did not address the potential inadequacy of the head gasket sealing.
The following measures were implemented in production to reduce the incidence of 4D56HP engine overheating:
- New ECU programming was introduced for earlier detection of coolant loss on 9 September 2013;
- Coolant concentration was increased to 50 per cent on 22 November 2013;
- Radiator valve cap opening pressure was increased to 127 kPa (previously 109 kPa) on 21 February 2014; and,
- The surface of the upper cylinder block was smoother from 18 March 2014, which corresponded to engine no. 4D56 UCFA9504.
