2023 Mitsubishi Outlander

The contact owns a 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear of the vehicle would move independently. The contact stated that it felt as if the vehicle were going to slide and eventually would lose control. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown rear chip had failed. The shock absorbers had water, the rear brake pads were worn down to zero, and the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted and was worsening. In addition, the contact stated an abnormal grinding sound could be heard coming from the rear differential. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the differential gauge had failed to function as intended. The warning light for the 4-wheel drive was illuminated. The brakes and calipers were replaced. The rear differential was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the pole where the breather pipe is inserted on the rear differential carrier is off spec, allowing water intrusion. And that the new rear tires were badly worn on the inside and had high spots on the center. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

Vehicle does not operate at temperatures below approximately 10 degrees Fahrenheit due to manufacture failure to install a battery heater. Was inexplicably deleted from 2023 model year of vehicle. The heat pump system also does not work at low temperatures therefore an electrical resistance heating system is needed. Also, vehicles will not accept charge at low temperatures. The problem can only be confirmed at temperatures below 10 degrees. Vehicle warning lights confirm the problem is due to low temperature conditions. Research indicates numerous complaints that manufacturers are aware of and refuse to address. Could leave owner stranded if leaving vehicle in a cold location.

We (driver and passenger) were pulling into a parking lot and going very slowly about to stop and get out of car. Suddenly and unexpectedly the car accelerated out of control and at an abnormal speed. the air bags deployed, smoke filled the cabin. After the police arrived and the car was towed, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company took title to the car. We were lucky to survive because the car ran into a cement wall from the sudden acceleration and went up into the trees and then backed down and hit the ground. There was a police report and the car was inspected by a manufacturer's representative. Earlier in the day there was a warning on the dashboard that said the vehicle needed maintenance. The "black box" of the car was analyzed by Bosche Co. But, we would like an independent agency to review the black box of the car and get an explanation as to why this possibly happened to us. The car has many safety features but nothing aided us in this particular instance.