The problem
On certain passenger vehicles, a condition exists that allows oil to leak from the all-wheel drive transfer case.
The risk
Low oil levels in the transfer case could cause bearing damage and result in drive train lockup, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will inspect the transfer case for indications of oil leakage or damage. Vehicles that have oil leakage will have the transfer case resealed and re-fill the transfer case to the proper level, or replaced the transfer case if there is evidence of damage. Owner notification is expected to begin December 9, 2002. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Mitsubishi America at 1-888-648-7820 or mitsubmishi caribbean at 1-787-251-8715.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 02V143001 (02V143001) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | SR-02-003 |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. |
| Component | Power train › Transfer case (4-wheel drive) |
| Report date | May 14, 2002 |
| Owners notified | December 9, 2002 |
| Vehicles affected | 15,000 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the transmission & drivetrain
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 02V143001 repair free?
Yes. Mitsubishi dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will inspect the transfer case for indications of oil leakage or damage. Vehicles that have oil leakage will have the transfer case resealed and re-fill the transfer case to the proper level, or replaced the transfer case if there is evidence of…
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 15,000 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.