Mitsubishi Montero Sport sudden unintended acceleration incident
 2nd generation Mitsubishi Challenger (Montero Sport) in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, similar to the car model concerned. | |
| Date | 2015– |
|---|---|
| Location | Primarily in the Philippines |
| Cause | Under investigation |
Near the end of 2015, isolated case of accidents occurring in the Philippines involving the Mitsubishi Challenger model, locally marketed as Montero Sport, were reported causing concerns regarding the safety of the car model and filing of several class action lawsuits against Mitsubishi Motors Philippines.
To date, almost 24 Montero Sport owners have filed their complaints against Mitsubishi Motors Philippines — the subject of an ongoing investigation which could result to the recall of SUVs, according to the country's Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). There are also several sudden unintended acceleration incidents involving 2009 to 2011 Montero that way back in the year 2010 to 2012. However, no such incidences have surfaced in other countries.
Since 2011, the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group recorded at least 23 SUA incidents involving Montero SUVs from motorists in Metro Manila, Cavite, Antipolo, Batangas, Tacloban and Iloilo City.[1]
Notable incidents
- On September 13, 2014, during the funeral procession of the remains of former Ilocos Norte vice governor Mariano Nalupta, Jr., a Montero Sport (owned by the bereaved family of Nalupta), suddenly went out of control and hitting 13 people who are part of the procession, the incident was resulting of two casualties and 11 injured persons, including board member Ria Fariñas, daughter of Congressman Rodolfo Fariñas.[2]
- On July 15, Bishop Noel Alba Pantoja’s wife almost died when the SUV accelerated uncontrollably fell into a 57 feet ravine while going up a dangerous curved road.[3]
- Another incident on November 10 when Engineering student Epi Cruz stated on his Facebook that his father suddenly hurls his car, Montero, claiming that he didn't step on the accelerator. The car lost control even though the brakes were applied. The car eventually capsized after avoiding a nearby bystander.[3]
- a Montero Sport ploughed several concrete barriers on the Skyway Stage 3 construction on Araneta Avenue in Tatalon, Quezon City.[1]
- On December 7, in Iloilo City, an owner of a Montero Sport saw his vehicle suddenly accelerated and ploughed his house's dining room.[4]
- On March 25, 2016, in Ban Tat, Thailand, 65 yr old Jonathan Hurley, operating his newly acquired 2016 Mitsubishi Triton, entered a curve and attempted to slow. Instead accelerated through the curve crossed the centerline and killed a motorcyclist in a head-on collision. Mr. Hurley insisted he was braking.
Investigation
After its two-week investigation on the alleged SUA incidents, the DTI have not ordered any recall of Montero sport models.[5] Instead, It was ordered that a third-party mandatory vehicle check up and investigation will be needed after the investigations. Investigation noted that vehicle accelerate only when accelerator is stepped on (because the brake light lit and vehicle simultaneously stopped when driver stepped on brakes as shown on the videos).
Other reactions
Bayan Muna Reps. Neri Colmenares and Carlos Isagani Zarate, authors of House Resolution 2531, said the incidents were largely due to the negligence in part of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to conduct safety inspections.[6] The MMPC said the SUA claims insinuating that the Montero Sport is defective are without any basis and that the Montero Sport is neither defective nor unsafe to use.[6]
Quezon City Rep. Winnie Castelo, the current chairman of Metro Manila development committee urged Mitsubishi Motors to recall all its defective Montero models until the investigation of the DTI have been concluded.[7]
The incident inspired numerous parodies and satirical reactions, among them a mobile app entitled "SUA Your Face", in reference to Montero owners adopting the hashtag #SUAyourface as a response to the incidents' notoriety in Philippine media.[8]
See also
References
- 1 2 "Montero driver in QC mishap blames 'sudden acceleration'". Inquirer.net. 6 Dec 2015. Retrieved 12 Dec 2015.
- ↑ "'Fariñas daughter nearly killed in Montero crash'". The Daily Tribune. 3 December 2015. Retrieved 13 December 2015.
- 1 2 "Montero Sport 'victims' share their stories; UK expert weighs in". CNN Philippines. 5 Dec 2015. Retrieved 12 Dec 2015.
- ↑ "Montero driver in Iloilo reports sudden unintended acceleration case". CNN Philippines. 9 Dec 2015. Retrieved 12 Dec 2015.
- ↑ Garcia, Paul (17 December 2015). "No recall of Montero Sport – DTI". CNN Philippines. Retrieved 17 December 2015.
- 1 2 "DTI creates panel to probe accidents involving Mitsubishi Montero Sport". BusinessMirror. 25 Nov 2015. Retrieved 12 Dec 2015.
- ↑ "Despite Top Gear defense, House leader asks Mitsubishi to recall 'defective' Montero". Politiko. Retrieved 13 December 2015.
- ↑ "SUA Your Face". Google Play. Mesocyclone Studios. Retrieved 18 December 2015.