Recall 08V454000: Fuel Tank Mounting Strap Defect

MAKE/MODELS: MODEL/BUILD YEARS:

Mitsubishi/Eclipse 2005-2007

Mitsubishi/Eclipse Spyder 2007

Mitsubishi/Endeavor 2005-2007

Mitsubishi/Galant 2005-2007

MANUFACTURER: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

MFR'S REPORT DATE: September 08, 2008

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V454000

NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: N/A

COMPONENT: Fuel System, Gasoline: Storage: Tank Assembly

POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED: 45988

SUMMARY:
Mitsubishi is recalling 45,988 M/Y 2005-2007 Endeavor, Galant, Eclipse Coupe, and M/Y 2007 Eclipse Spyder vehicles. The bracket that is the attachment point for the left rear fuel tank mounting strap may have been improperly formed during a metal stamping process. The process may have caused the metal to have a split in the area where the bolt that holds one of the two fuel tank straps to the underside of the vehicle is located. In the event the fuel tank is full and the vehicle is subject to a severe collision, the bracket may break and allow the fuel tank to drop down, possibly causing a fuel leak.

CONSEQUENCE:
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.

REMEDY:
Dealers will inspect to see if the left rear fuel tank strap mounting bracket has splitting beyond a specific limit. Vehicles with moderate to severe splitting will be repaired using a reinforcement cap, a special structural adhesive, and a rivet to reinforce the fuel tank mounting bracket. The recall is expected to begin during September 2008. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.

NOTES:
Customers may also contact The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.