Investigation PE08014: 2002–2003 Mitsubishi Galant

Status

CLOSED

Opened

Mar 4, 2008

Closed

Jul 1, 2008

Model years

2002–2003

Subject

Passenger door fire

Component: Electrical system

Summary

Complaints allege that a fire erupted in the front passenger door.in mitsubishi's response to odi's march 12, 2008 information request, mitsubishi asserts that the alleged defect may occur when large amounts of liquids, more than 100cc (3.4 oz), like a soft drink were spilled directly over the power window switch area, all at once and at one time.mitsubishi found that as the liquid dries off, electrolytes and carbonized particles accumulate between the terminals in the power window switch and become a conductive material.as a result, the switch may start to heat up and melt or ignite the plastic components.however, mitsubishi also asserts that the alleged defect is very rare and that burning damage will not occur unless liquids enter into the power window switch.odi upgraded this preliminary evaluation to an engineering analysis, ea08-011, to further evaluate this issue.

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 2003 Mitsubishi Galant126 complaints
• 2002 Mitsubishi Galant135 complaints