Mitsubishi recalls 460K cars; 5 hurt when air bags hit visor

Source: AP

By TOM KRISHER

DETROIT (AP) — Mitsubishi is recalling about 460,000 cars in the U.S. because the air bags have the potential to push sun visors into passengers and cause injuries in a crash.

Documents filed with U.S. safety regulators show that five passengers were hurt when the air bags hit sun visors that were down. All had facial injuries and two lost sight in one eye. Mitsubishi reported the first injury claim was filed in March of 2006, and other claims were filed in 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2014. Yet the cars were not recalled until May, the company said in documents posted Thursday.

The recall covers certain Eclipse sport coupes from the 2000-2005 model years and some Eclipse Spyders from 2001 to 2005. Also covered are some 2001-2005 Chrysler Sebring and Dodge Stratus cars that Mitsubishi made for Chrysler.

Dealers will add a tether strap to the visor at no cost to customers. On Eclipse Spyders, the sun visor holder also will be replaced.

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