What is the timing belt recall?

There are two separate timing belt recalls. One involves 1990 and 1991 cars, while the second (which was issued much later) involves early 1992 cars.

In both cases, Mitsubishi was guilty of using inferior quality timing belts. The belts tended to break ahead of schedule; for information on what happens when the belt breaks, see Why is it so important to change the timing belt on a [DSM]?

Owners of recalled vehicles are entitled to a new replacement timing belt under the recall. It is very important to note, however, that there are many other components involved in the timing belt system that should also be replaced when doing the timing belt. These components are not covered by the recall, so dealerships may not automatically replace them. For guidance, this list of components that should be replaced along with the timing belt.