1997–1999 Mitsubishi Caribbean Mirage, 1992–1999 Mitsubishi Caribbean Montero, 1997–1999 Mitsubishi Nativa Recall: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES

The defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER AND SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. THE BOLT SECURING THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY CAN BECOME LOOSE AND THE PULLEY COULD FALL OFF THE VEHICLE.

The risk

THE CONDITION CAN RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

The fix — what to do

ON THE MIRAGE VEHICLES, THE DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW, IMPROVED CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT ON THE OLDER ENGINES. ON NEW ENGINES WHICH ALREADY HAVE THE IMPROVED BOLT, THE DEALER WILL TIGHTEN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT TO THE CORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATION. ON THE MONTERO MODELS, DEALERS WILL TIGHTEN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY BOLT TO THE CORRECT TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS. IF THE BOLT IS DAMAGED, IT WILL BE REPLACED.

OWNER NOTIFICATION WILL BE CONDUCTED IN PHASES.THE FIRST PHASE BEGINS JANUARY 5, 2001.THE MIRAGE VEHICLE OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED FROM JANUARY 5 THROUGH FEBRUARY 2, 2001.THE NATIVA OWNERS FROM FEBRUARY 6 THROUGH FEBRUARY 12, 2001.THE MONTERO OWNERS FROM FEBRUARY 16 - MARCH 12, 2001.OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN AT 1-800-981-0452. ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).