— Mitsubishi is recalling almost 1,500 model year 2014-2015 Lancer Evolution and 2014-2015 Lancer Ralliart cars to keep the gas tanks from catching on fire.
In August 2014, Mitsubishi was performing a routine audit and found a car that didn't have enough clearance between the right parking brake cable and the gas tank. An investigation confirmed changes were made to the assembly line in January 2014, and the changes affected Lancer models equipped with turbochargers.
The changes to the assembly line procedures involved using parking brake lever and cable installation procedures for non-turbocharged Lancer models. Because of the difference in length of the right parking brake cable for the turbo and non-turbo cars, there isn't enough clearance to the gas tank on the turbo Lancer.
Mitsubishi determined although no immediate risk was there, over time the coating on the tank can wear off and rust can form and cause a small hole in the gas tank. Leaking gas near any ignition source means a call to 911.
The recalled 2014-2015 Lancer Evolution cars were manufactured January 31, 2014, to September 5, 2014, and the 2014-2015 Lancer Ralliart vehicles were built February 3, 2014, to September 5, 2014.
Mitsubishi doesn't know when the parking brake cable recall will begin, but dealers will replace the right parking brake cable and inspect the gas tank. If the outer coating on the gas tank shows signs of damage from contact with the right parking brake cable, Mitsubishi will replace the gas tank.
Owners of the 2014-2015 Lancer Evolution and 2014-2015 Lancer Ralliart cars can contact the automaker at 888-648-7820 and make reference to recall number SR-15-009.
In July 2014, Mitsubishi recalled its 2014 Lancer Evolution and Lancer Ralliart cars because power steering fluid could leak onto a hot engine or exhaust and cause a fire.
"Clearance" problems caused the 2014 recall after the automaker said there wasn't enough clearance between the power steering pressure tube and the crossmember brace. A hole could appear in the power steering tube because of abrasion or rust, and leaking power steering fluid means a possible loss of power steering.
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