Investigations
Extended Stopping Distance
NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE15009 — closed, opened 2015-03-23 and involving the MITSUBISHI MITSUBISHI.
NHTSA investigation PE15009 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 2015-03-23 and currently closed. The subject of record is MITSUBISHI MITSUBISHI, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for MITSUBISHI. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2015-09-09 — NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.
A Preliminary Evaluation like PE15009 is the entry point of the federal defect-investigation process. NHTSA engineers scan complaint databases, field reports, and manufacturer data to decide whether an Engineering Analysis is warranted, whether a voluntary recall is already sufficient, or whether the pattern does not rise to a defect finding.
Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "On March 23rd 2015 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) PE15-009 based on Early Warning Report (EWR) data received from Mitsubishi describing brake failures on model year (MY) 2012..." Investigations are the early-warning layer of the federal auto-safety system, sitting upstream of formal recalls and defect orders. Whether this one closes without action or escalates into an Engineering Analysis, the full history stays in the ODI archive so researchers, litigators, and buyers can pull the paper trail at any time. Related MITSUBISHI files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.
Investigation Summary
On March 23rd 2015 the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation (PE) PE15-009 based on Early Warning Report (EWR) data received from Mitsubishi describing brake failures on model year (MY) 2012 -2013 Mitsubishi FUSO FEC 52, FEC72 and FEC92 trucks. Following the receipt of recall 15V-504 that addresses the concerns raised in this investigation, ODI is closing this PE. In November 2013, Mitsubishi released a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 13-004) where they describe replacing original equipment (OE) brake pad shims with stainless steel shims due to corrosion. This service bulletin was referenced as the remedy in many of the EWR/field reports received by ODI that described extended stopping distances. On July 9th Mitsubishi responded to ODI's Information Request (IR) letter and identified 9 field reports, 26 warranty claims and 1 consumer complaint that resulted in a crash and injuring two consumers. An ODI investigator conducted interviews and analyzed field reports that supported concerns of drivers alleging a spongy brake pedal and difficulty stopping the vehicle while driving. Some reports describe the brake pedal going to the floor when depressed. Mitsubishi indicated that on certain affected vehicles, the original equipped brake pad shims are comprised of a material that rusts/corrodes when subjected to snow/ice melting chemicals applied to roadways. Normal operation in this condition may cause the shims to swell, resulting in increased brake pedal stroke that could result in increased stopping distances, causing a crash without warning. In their IR response, Mitsubishi states that even with the increased pedal stroke, the brake performance still meets safety standards and so the corroding brake shims are not a safety issue. As a result of ODI analysis and further discussions with the manufacturer outlining the risk to safety extended stopping distance represents, Mistsubishi decided to conduct a safety recall. ODI is closing this PE w
About This Investigation Type
A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first phase of NHTSA's investigation process. It is opened when the agency identifies a potential safety defect pattern, usually triggered by consumer complaints, manufacturer reports, or field monitoring. During a PE, NHTSA gathers information to determine whether a formal engineering analysis is warranted.
Other MITSUBISHI Investigations
Brake Vacuum Pump Failure
Clutch Interlock Switch Malfunction
GASOLINE LEAKS
PASSENGER DOOR FIRE
PASSENGER DOOR FIRE
Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Cross-references: NHTSA recall campaign API and NHTSA FARS where fatality records overlap. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. Learn more.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.