by Problems with the Mitsubishi Outlander Hood Lead to Class Action Lawsuit
The Mitsubishi Outlander, which is currently one of the brand’s most popular cars in the USA, is facing a serious problem — hoods that “dance” while driving. Owners have been complaining about this for several years. Although the company issued a technical bulletin to correct the defect, the problem remains relevant, leading to a class action lawsuit.
The legal proceedings, which consolidated two previous lawsuits, claim that Mitsubishi knew about the problem even before the start of Outlander sales in 2022. Instead of recalling the vehicles, the company decided to rectify the situation using technical bulletins. Initially, dealers were offered to replace the hood with an updated version featuring a new seal, and later, adjustments to the hood latch were added.
Why is this dangerous?
The lawsuit claims that even after the updates, the hood may continue to vibrate at speed, which:
One of the plaintiffs stated that the hood vibration “caused him concern for safety, especially on the highway or in strong winds”.
The court temporarily suspended the case for mediation, but the process has now resumed. Drivers are awaiting a final decision that could force Mitsubishi to take additional measures. The problem with the Outlander hoods is not just a minor flaw, but a potential safety risk that the company has failed to fully resolve for several years. Such cases highlight the importance of manufacturers responding quickly to technical problems, especially when they concern critical design elements.
