Mitsubishi recalling nearly 166,000 vehicles for stalling issue

Mitsubishi is recalling nearly 166,000 vehicles in the U.S. to correct a defect that can cause stalling.

The recall affects Lancer, Lancer Evolution and Outlander models from 2008-11, Lancer Sportback models from 2009-11, and the 2011 Outlander Sport, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Monday.

The problem relates to the vehicles’ drive belt and pulleys, which connect to the alternator. The pulleys may wear incorrectly, causing the belt to detach, and the battery to lose charge. This can cause the vehicles to stall, increasing the risk of a crash, NHTSA said.

No accidents or injuries have been reported as a result of the issue, Mitsubishi confirmed. The issue affects 165,923 vehicles total.

The automaker will notify owners of the affected vehicles, and dealers will replace the drive belt and pulleys if needed.