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Campaign 13V031 Posted January 25, 2013 1,402 units

2012 Mitsubishi I-Miev Recall 13V031: Brake Vacuum Pump

Recall 13V031 affects 1,402 2012 Mitsubishi I-Miev vehicles for brake vacuum pump failure. Repair is free at any franchised Mitsubishi dealer.

Mitsubishi is recalling 1,402 2012 I-Miev electric vehicles because the brake system vacuum pump can fail and stop working. A failed pump reduces available brake power, lengthens stopping distances, and raises crash risk; the Mitsubishi dealer repair will be free once available.

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What's wrong?

The brake system vacuum pump on the 2012 Mitsubishi I-Miev supports the power assist for the service brakes. Because the I-Miev is electric, this pump supplies the vacuum that helps multiply your foot pressure when you press the brake pedal. With the pump working, pedal effort stays normal and the hydraulic brake system can respond as designed.

On affected I-Miev vehicles, the vacuum pump can fail and become inoperable. When that happens, the brake system loses the vacuum assist it relies on. The hydraulic brakes remain the braking system, but the driver has to push the pedal harder to get the same braking response.

There is no warning sign before failure. If the pump stops working, the first thing an owner notices is a brake pedal that feels harder than usual and takes more effort to press.

Who's affected?

The scope centers on two brake-related components: the brake system and hydraulic power assist.

2012 Mitsubishi I-Miev brake system
2012 Mitsubishi I-Miev hydraulic brake system
Units affected1,402

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific hatchback.

What's the safety risk?

A vacuum pump system failure reduces brake power, lengthens stopping distance, and increases the risk of a crash. Drive cautiously, leave extra following distance, and schedule the recall repair promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Mitsubishi dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Mitsubishi I-Miev is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised Mitsubishi dealer to confirm whether the free brake vacuum-pump replacement is open for your VIN.
  3. Keep the owner notice if you have one, and reference recall number 13V031 when you call.
  4. Drive cautiously until the vacuum-pump repair is complete; reduced brake assist can lengthen stopping distance.

What happens at the repair

Mitsubishi's filing says owner notices began on February 28, 2013. The known dealer remedy is replacement of the affected brake system vacuum pumps at no charge. Once the repair is available for your VIN, a Mitsubishi technician removes the affected vacuum pump and installs a replacement pump so the brake vacuum assist system has the pump it needs for normal operation. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.

Timeline

January 25, 2013 NHTSA published the recall
February 28, 2013 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 13V031?

Recall 13V031 covers 1,402 2012 Mitsubishi I-Miev electric vehicles with a brake system vacuum pump that can fail and leave the pump inoperable. Reduced brake assist results in longer stopping distances and increased crash risk. Mitsubishi dealers replace the affected vacuum pumps for free.

What should I do if my 2012 Mitsubishi I-Miev is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 13V031. If it is, contact a franchised Mitsubishi dealer and ask for the brake system vacuum pump replacement. Reference recall number 13V031 when you call. The dealer repair is free.

Is the recall repair free?

No payment is required for the recall repair. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair the defect at no cost, and Mitsubishi's remedy says dealers replace the affected brake system vacuum pumps free of charge. Any franchised Mitsubishi dealer can perform the recall repair.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is reduced brake power. If the vacuum pump system fails, the I-Miev has less brake assist, which lengthens stopping distances and increases crash risk. If braking feels different, stop driving in a safe place and call a Mitsubishi dealer for guidance.

What if I bought my Mitsubishi I-Miev used?

The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor recalls regardless of ownership history. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2012 I-Miev is included, then call a franchised Mitsubishi dealer and reference recall 13V031.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V031000
Mitsubishi customer service1-888-648-7820
NHTSA recall #13V031
NHTSA recall # (full)13V031000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →