Mitsubishi recalls nearly 200,000 vehicles over rearview camera malfunction

In the United States, Mitsubishi Motors North America announced a recall affecting nearly 200,000 Outlander and Outlander plug-in hybrid electric SUVs because of a software problem in the infotainment system. This recall pertains to 198,900 Outlanders from model years 2022-2024 and Outlander PHEV SUVs from models 2023-2025. The software issue may cause the rearview camera to freeze or display a black screen, which might prevent the driver from seeing the camera image while reversing, potentially increasing the risk of accidents. This also puts the vehicles out of compliance with federal safety regulations regarding rear visibility. The recall follows a previous notification issued in May 2023 and was reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), highlighting concerns about improper software programming. The production timeline for the affected Outlander SUVs falls between early February 2021 and late December 2024, while the Outlander PHEVs were built from late September 2022 to April 2025. As of the time of the recall report, there have been no known injuries or fatalities linked to this software malfunction, prompting Mitsubishi to take immediate corrective measures. Affected vehicle owners will receive letters in the mail detailing the recall and will be instructed to take their vehicles to dealerships where the infotainment software will be reprogrammed with updated countermeasure software at no charge to the customers. Mitsubishi reassured owners that it does not matter which dealership they go to, as any Mitsubishi Motors dealership can facilitate the recall process. This endeavor has also echoed similar recalls recently made by other automakers addressing related rearview camera issues, such as those from Volvo and Polestar. In light of these developments, Mitsubishi has created a webpage that allows owners to check their vehicle's identification number (VIN) to confirm if their vehicle is subject to the recall. This proactive response from Mitsubishi aims to enhance vehicle safety and ensure compliance with safety regulations, reflecting the automaker's commitment to the well-being of its customers. It is recommended that owners respond promptly to the recall notice and arrange for the necessary software update to avoid any potential hazards while using their vehicles.