WASHINGTON, D.C. --- Mitsubishi is recalling 45,988 MY 2005-2007 Endeavor, Galant, Eclipse Coupe and MY 2007 Eclipse Spyder vehicles, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration said.

The bracket that's the attachment point for the left rear fuel tank mounting strap may have been improperly formed during a metal stamping process. The process may have caused the metal to have a split in the area where the bolt that holds one of the two fuel tank straps to the underside of the vehicle is located.

In the event the fuel tank is full and the vehicle is in a severe collision, the bracket may break and allow the fuel tank to drop down, posing a fuel leak risk. In the presence of an ignition source, such fuel leakage could result in a fire.

Dealers will inspect to see whether the left rear fuel tank strap mounting bracket has splitting beyond a specific limit. Vehicles with moderate to severe splitting will be repaired using a reinforcement cap, a special structural adhesive, and a rivet to reinforce the fuel tank mounting bracket.

The recall is expected to begin this month. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at (800) 222-0037.