Description, Correction, Vehicles Affected, Action & Notification Information
DESCRIPTIONMitsubishi Motor Sales Of America, Inc. (MMSA) has determined that certain 1987 Precis vehicles may experience brake fade under severe and repeated emergency stops. Brake fade is a condition where repeated or prolonged brake applications cause reduced braking capability. This is noticed by the driver as an increase in amount of brake pedal pressure necessary to maintain the same stopping distance. Full braking efficiency is normally restored once the brakes are allowed to cool down by reducing the amount of brake usage.
This voluntary recall campaign is in response to government tests which showed that certain Precis models failed to comply with a federal motor vehicle standard covering brake fade and recovery. The Precis did not maintain the specified deceleration rate during the fifth of the 10 consecutive stops required by the standard.
CORRECTION
To correct this condition and insure that the Precis meets all FMVSS requirements, MMSA has announced a voluntary recall campaign to inspect the front brakes and replace the original organic brake pads with new semi-metallic brake pads.
VEHICLES AFFECTED
This bulletin applies only to 1987 Precis vehicles which were 1) built within the following production dates and 2) are not equipped with ventilated front disc rotors.
DEALER ACTION
1. Mitsubishi Motors dealers must inspect and replace the front brake pads of each affected vehicle.
2. The inspection and pad replacement shall be performed on a no-charge basis for parts and labor to the customer.
3. A Recall Claim must be submitted for each affected vehicle to receive reimbursement for the parts and labor costs related to the replacement of the pads.
Only the pad replacement may be claimed on a recall claim. Any other repairs, such as brake disc resurfacing/replacement, caliper rebuilding, etc., must be submitted on a separate warranty claim (entry option "E-2") and are subject to normal warranty policies.
Recall claims should be submitted over the Diamond Network Warranty System using warranty menu option "E-5 Recall Claims". A sample direct entry claim is shown on page 7 of this bulletin.
If the Diamond Network Warranty System is not yet available to your dealership, you may submit a paper recall claim form (MSSF-105D-00) to the MMSA Warranty Department. A sample paper recall claim form is also provided on page 8 of this bulletin.
4. The dealer must mark the engine compartment ID plate as described in step 17 of the Corrective Procedure to show that the inspection and pad replacement has been completed.
CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
MMSA will notify each owner of the affected vehicles by letter during December, 1987; a copy of this letter is shown on page 6 of this bulletin.