| Subject: | Passenger door fire |
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| Investigations Summary: | This investigation was opened on Jul. 1, 2008. It was closed on Aug. 21, 2009. In response to this investigation, Mitsubishi motors north America (mmna) initiated a special program on July 31, 2009, to extend the warranty coverage on model year (my) 2001-2003 galant vehicle passenger side window switches to 10 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first. Notification of this special coverage program to all registered vehicle owners is scheduled to begin in late-September 2009. Owners who have experienced a problem with the power window switch (blown fuse, intermittent operation or power window malfunction) or who spilled liquids or beverages onto the front passenger door window switch will be entitled to have the switch replaced and any related repairs performed at no charge. The agency is aware of 35 alleged front passenger door panel heat, smoke or fire incidents, including three reported minor burns or bruises. There are no reported crashes or fatalities. There are 307 warranty claims of switch malfunctions or short circuits without any reported heat, smoke or fire. Mmna inspection and analysis of fire-damaged door panels/switches found evidence of spilled liquids with high sugar content on the power window switches. Mmna claims the residue of these liquids led to a shorting/smoke/ fire condition inside the switch/door panel assembly. A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted. Accordingly, this investigation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency will continue to monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. See document file for additional information. |
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