The problem
Mitsubishi is recalling 73,000 my 2004-2006 gallant passenger vehicles. During vehicle use, the ignition key interlock cable (which is a component of the interlock system) may allow the interlocking cam to fall forward and allow the ignition key to be removed from the ignition switch when the gearshift mechanism is not in the park position.
The risk
If the driver does not shift to park before removing the key and fails to engage the parking brake, the vehicle could roll and a crash could occur.
The fix
Dealers will inspect and correct these vehicles for the reported condition. The recall began on september 2, 2008. Owners may contact mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.
Contacts
Mitsubishi recall no. Sr-08-004. 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.
What to do
- Check your VIN. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls - it shows whether this recall applies to your vehicle and whether the repair has been done.
- Call a dealer. Any authorized Mitsubishi dealer will do the repair free, whether or not you bought the vehicle there. Quote campaign 08V276000.
- Ask about parts and a loaner. If parts aren't available yet, ask what to do in the meantime.
- Keep your paperwork. If you paid for this repair before the recall, you may be able to get reimbursed - here's how.