Mitsubishi Calls Back 100,000 Cars for Liftgate Problem

Mitsubishi is recalling more than 108,000 sport utility vehicles across the country because of a problem with their rear liftgates.

Liftgates on the cars could fall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injuries, Mitsubishi recently told federal auto safety regulators. A gas spring problem is to blame, according to the Japanese automaker.

“The cylinder of the liftgate gas spring, which contains high-pressure gas, can corrode due to saltwater penetration,” Mitsubishi said in a recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “If significant corrosion occurs over time, the wall thickness of the cylinder could be reduced, causing the gas spring to rapidly lose pressure.”

The recall covers certain 2014-2020 Outlander SUVS, as well as 2018-2022 Outlander plug-in hybrids. It expands on a previous recall, in which Mitsubishi recalled some 90,000 Outlanders in August 2025.

This time around, the company plans to notify owners of recalled cars via mail by June 17. Owners can also check the NHTSA website to see if their cars are covered by the new or previous recall.

Mitsubishi wants owners of recalled SUVs to bring them to authorized service providers for inspection and repair. Service providers will replace the gas springs, free of charge, the automaker told NHTSA.

California Lemon Law Rights for Mitsubishi Drivers

Mitsubishi and other major auto manufacturers recall millions of cars every single year, citing a wide range of defects and malfunctions that pose real risks for everyone on the road. The recalls typically happen long after cars leave factory floors and dealership lots, sold to unsuspecting drivers.

Mitsubishi called back some 17,000 Outlanders over a fuel pump defect in 2022, for instance. The automaker said at the time that the issue could cause engines to stall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of crashes.

There is some good news for Californians: you have valuable rights and protections when it comes to malfunctioning or defective cars. You do not need to wait around for a recall to get your car fixed, with Stellantis or another vehicle manufacturer picking up the tab.

The California lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces companies to repurchase covered vehicles that they are unable or refuse to repair. That includes compensating the owner for the car’s purchase price, as well as financing fees, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts required before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and take action.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.