Mitsi we have a problem

Mitsubishi is recalling 800 new Outlander SUVs because the turn signals may be affected when the electric tail gate is in use while certain computer settings are engaged.

Outlanders recalled in NZ due to computer faults

Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand is recalling 800 of the latest generation Outlander due to onboard computer faults.

Mitsubishi NZ head of sales Daniel Cook told Driven the affected vehicles would be "processed under this recall in the next couple of days" with letters sent to Outlander owners. "We have had no incidence of these failures in New Zealand at this time," he said.

The affected vehicles will be repaired or have electronics replaced at their local Mitsubishi dealership.

The all-new Outlander was launched in New Zealand in late 2012, with 663 sold so far this year.

The Outlander recall notice was issued this week by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which stated the electronic faults.

One problem was that the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) computer may fail, causing the EPS warning lamp to illuminate and, in the worst case, this may require an increased effort to turn the steering.

The second fault was when driving in a tunnel with the Adaptive Cruise Control "on"; the system may judge the wall of the tunnel as an approaching vehicle and automatically operate the brakes.

Another was the "ACC failure", "FCM Failure" and "ASC failure" may be displayed on the combination meter with a warning alarm, and these systems may stop functioning.

While internal programming of the ETACS-computer may result in failure of the turn signals if the "answer back" feature is activated when operating the electric tail gate. The "answer back" feature is the "beep" noise the vehicle makes when the doors are locked.

In Australia, almost 5000 Outlanders are being recalled due to the fault while, in Japan, almost 4000 Outlander plug-in hybrids are being recalled due to the computer control system failure.

The recall has added to the hybrid's woes after Mitsubishi Japan in March reported flaws in lithium-ion batteries used in the model.

The company said it was investigating and hasn't announced a recall over battery malfunctions.

In addition, Mitsubishi is also recalling 18 of the plug-in Outlanders in Japan because a components supplier said the parts might not have been properly inspected to be safe.