Mitsubishi Says Japan Recalls Have Minimal Impact On U.S.
23 August 2000
CYPRESS, Calif. - The recent problems acknowledged by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) in Japan today surrounding product recalls have minimal impact on Mitsubishi's U.S. operations or the vehicles that it sells. "The recall procedures we implement in the United States are entirely different than those conducted in Japan," said Pierre Gagnon, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America, Inc. (MMSA). "We maintain a close relationship with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and are diligent in tracking all customer complaints and product safety and quality concerns in our efforts to issue product recalls whenever those are required." As a result of the announcement made in Japan today by MMC, MMSA will initiate a recall of approximately 10,000 1994 and 1995 Galant sedans -- built in Japan and exported to the U.S. -- to inspect for a crack in the upper portion of the fuel tank. This recall only applies to Japanese-built vehicles and does not apply to Galants built in the United States at Mitsubishi Motor Manufacturing of America, Inc. (MMMA). The 10,000 Galants affected by this recall are the only Galants sold in the United States since late 1993 that were built in Japan. References have also been made to a possible recall of 1995 through 1997 model year Mirages related to a crankshaft pulley bolt which might fail. Although MMSA has received less than 10 customer complaints related to this part and does not believe there are safety issues involved, the company has nevertheless contacted NHTSA to meet with the federal agency to implement the appropriate remedial action. "Mitsubishi Motor Sales of America takes the safety and satisfaction of its consumers very seriously," said Gagnon. "Although very few of the vehicles we've sold in the U.S. are affected by the announcements made recently in Japan, we stand ready to take whatever action is required to fulfill the expectations of our customers."