Mitsubishi is recalling the i-MiEV electric car for brakes that may lose power assist, according to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

A vane inside the vacuum pump system may crack, causing a loss of power assist and greater stopping distances. The brakes would still work, but the pedal effort would be far higher and it would be tougher to slow the car down from speed, according to Mitsubishi. A factory quality check that scanned for fractures was discontinued in November 2011, the company said. The affected vehicles were built starting one month later.

In total, 1,402 cars are affected in the U.S., which is 477 more than Mitsubishi has sold since November 2011. Likely, the extra cars are in dealer inventories or are orders that have yet to arrive at port. Mitsubishi could not be reached for comment to confirm, nor did it release a repair schedule. Owners can call the automaker at 1-888-648-7820.

In August, Mitsubishi recalled more than 260 i-MiEV models to fix faulty airbag sensors.

[Source: NHTSA]