Mitsubishi recalls electric cars for brake problem

Reuters Photo. Mitsubishi recall: Mitsubishi Motors' i-MiEV electric vehicle is unveiled at the company headquaters in 2009. IMAGE

2/5/13

The Tokyo-based car maker says the brake pump in the Mitsubishi i-MiEV can fail.

DETROIT — Mitsubishi is recalling about 1,400 of its i-MiEV electric cars in the United States because a brake pump can fail.

The automaker says the recall affects 2012 models made from Dec. 2, 2011 through Sept. 7, 2012.

A defective vacuum pump can stop working. That can reduce braking power, increase stopping distances and raise the risk of a crash.

Mitsubishi says no crashes or injuries have been reported.

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The problem was discovered when the company got a complaint from a customer in Japan.

Mitsubishi will notify owners and replace the pumps free of charge.

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