Brake Light problems of the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander

The contact owns a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander. While driving approximately 30 mph on normal road conditions, the rear brake lights activated without the brake pedal being depressed. The failure occurred spontaneously whenever the vehicle was in operation. In addition, the srs warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel and remained lit until the engine was turned off. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing and they stated that the failure was related to the electrical system. The vehicle was previously repaired according to NHTSA campaign id number 03v194000 (electrical system;wiring,interior/under dash); however, the recall remedy did not correct the failure. On a separate occasion, the instrument cluster failed and the contact noticed a burning smell inside the passenger compartment. Also, the accelerator pedal would become stuck without warning when it was depressed and the front driver's side seat belt retractor was inoperative. The webbing failed to extract. The failure mileage was 82,000 and current mileage was 99,000.

Consumer cannot unlock the front and rear doors from the inside or outside of the vehicle. Water went under floor and corroded the electrical system. This problem was similar to NHTSA recall 03v194000: on certain sport utility vehicles, water could enter the front floorboard area from openings in the side sill or upper dash area. This water could collect under the seat and cause electrical corrosion to occur in the harness connectors that contain the wiring for the seat belt retactor, side air bag impact sensor, and stop lamps.