The problem
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles equipped with 4-wheel drive and automatic transmissions. Automatic transmission fluid could be vented onto the hot exhaust system as a result of unanticipated heat generation in the transmission.
The risk
The vented transmission fluid could come into contact with the hot exhaust system and ignition of the transmission fluid could result.
The fix
Dealers will modify the transmission control unit to limit vehicle speed to below approximately 30 miles per hour when the vehicle is operated in the four-wheel-drive low range, an additional label describing the proper use of four-wheel-drive low range will be provided, and will relocate the transmission breather vent. In addition, the owner's manual will be corrected with the proper information to reflect the change to the speed limitations in the four-wheel-drive low range.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 99V-041 (99V041000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | SR-99-001 |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. |
| Component | Power train › Automatic transmission |
| Report date | March 4, 1999 |
| Owners notified | April 22, 1999 |
| Vehicles affected | 10,000 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the transmission & drivetrain
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 99V-041 repair free?
Yes. Mitsubishi dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will modify the transmission control unit to limit vehicle speed to below approximately 30 miles per hour when the vehicle is operated in the four-wheel-drive low range, an additional label describing the proper use of four-wheel-drive low range will…
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 10,000 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.