Mitsubishi Endeavor Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Mitsubishi Endeavor options? We analyzed 8 model years (2004–2011) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
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Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Mitsubishi Endeavor has 295 owner complaints and 28 safety recalls across model years 2004–2011. The most reported issue area is STRUCTURE. 2004 drew the most complaints; 2011 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Mitsubishi
- Model
- Endeavor
- Model years analyzed
- 2004–2011 (8 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 295
- Safety recall campaigns
- 28
- Crash-related complaints
- 30
- Fire-related complaints
- 6
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2004 (182 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2011 (8 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- STRUCTURE
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Mitsubishi Endeavor: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe MITSUBISHI ENDEAVOR has 295 NHTSA complaints and 28 recalls on record. 30 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 295 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 28 federal recall campaigns
- 30 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
28 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER
PARKING BRAKE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
AIR BAGS
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
SEAT BELTS:FRONT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2004–2011. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 295 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
295 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
severe corrosion/rust on the fuel filler pipe. Fuel leaks out all over ground when trying to fuel up.
This vehicle has a potential manufacturer defect in the rear window regarding the defroster. After repeated use of the defroster heating up the window and cooling down the elements in the glass contracted and expanded and shattered the back window spontaneously causing an over $600 repair. There was no prior damage and no other possible causation that occurred for this and the vehicle window repair specialist looked at it and determined to that the fracture line was caused by these elements embedded in the glass this needs to be investigated
I REAR ENDED A TRUCK AT A LOWER SPEED - AFTER BOUNCING OFF MY STEERING WHEEL. I BOUNCED BACK TO WATCH MY AIR BAG COME OUT SLOWLY AND START TO INFLATE - PROBABLY A 10 SEC PROCESS. I COULD OF BEEN SERIOUSLY HURT !
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI ENDEAVOR. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE DEFROST FAILED TO OPERATE. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE HVAC CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE UNKNOWN.
WILL NOT START. *TR
MY VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT 30 MPH WHEN A CAR SUDDENLY CROSSED THE PATH CAUSING TO HIT THE OTHER VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE INCIDENT CAUSED SOME VISIBLE FRONTAL BODY DAMAGE AND TRIP TO HOSPITAL WITH SON (SEATED AT BACK SEAT DURING ACCIDENT). THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY BUT THANKFULLY SEATBELTS DID THE JOB. I WAS IN THE ASSUMPTION THAT AIRBAGS WERE MADE TO DEPLOY DURING THESE KIND OF ACCIDENTS. WAS THE IMPACT NOT STRONG ENOUGH OR DEFECTIVE AIRBAG? *TR
Read 14 more owner reports
TCL( TRACTION CONTROL) LIGHT ON, BRAKE TAIL LIGHTS ON CONTINUOUSLY WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND TURNED OFF. BRAKE TAIL LIGHTS DISCHARGE BATTERY AFTER A COUPLE OF HOURS WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND TURNED OFF. DEALER SAYS BRAKE SWITCH IS DEFECTIVE. THIS MEANS THAT BRAKE TAIL LIGHTS GO ON WHEN THEY SHOULD NOT AND MAY NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI ENDEAVOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE EXITING THE VEHICLE, HIS RIGHT PANT LEG BECAME TRAPPED IN THE FLOOR MAT SUPPORT PRONG, WHICH CAUSED HIM TO FALL TO THE GROUND. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A FRACTURED LEFT SHOULDER AND INJURIES TO THE LEFT HIP AND FEMUR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,222.
The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard a loud flapping noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The contact also stated that the front driver's side wheel almost became detached from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and became aware that the crossmember for the front alignment was severely corroded. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was not contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 171,000.
The SRS light on the dash is on. the passenger seatbelt does not alert when there’s a passenger who needs to put on there seatbelt.
REAR SUSPENSION CROSSMEMBER IS RUSTED THROUGH.
THE SUBFRAME ON THE PASSENGER REAR SIDE BROKE DUE TO RUST. BOTH SUBFRAMES ARE RUSTED FRONT AND BACK BUT THE REST OF THE UNDERNEATH OF THE CAR IS PERFECT. I NEED IT REPLACED AND THE DEALER SAID THEY CAN NOT EVEN GET THE PART ANYMORE. SO MY CAR IS PRETTY MUCH TOTALED. THE SUV IS ONLY 12 YEARS OLD. THAT IS PATHETIC. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI ENDEAVOR. WHILE FUELING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL LEAKING AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED A STRONG ODOR OF FUEL AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BRUCE WALTERS FORD LINCOLN KIA (302 S MAYO TRAIL, PIKEVILLE, KY 41501, (606) 444-2200) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V065000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI ENDEAVOR. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE AIR CONDITIONER STARTED TO PRODUCE WARMER AIR. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V514000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO REPLACE THE BATTERY. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BATTERY, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AFTER A COUPLE OF MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. A DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,000.
MY CAR WILL DIE WHEN IDLING OR IF SPEED IS LESS THAN 20 MPH. IT TAKES NUMEROUS TIMES TO RESTART AND WILL HAVE TO ACCELERATE TO GET IT GOING AGAIN. THIS CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE AT ANYTIME.
WATER FROM A/C DUMPS INTO THE FLOOR BOARDS OF THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER FLOOR BOARDS. THIS CAUSES BOTTOM OF SHOES TO BECOME SLIPPERY ALLOWING THEM TO SLIP FROM BRAKE AND GAS PEDAL. THERE IS SO MUCH WATER IT TAKE NUMEROUS TOWELS TO SOAK UP THE WATER. OVER TIME, THIS MOISTURE IN THE CARPET LEADS TO MOLD AND MILDEW AND AFFECTS THOSE WITH ALLERGIES. I'M SURE THEY MAY BE SOME RUST GOING ON UNDER THE CARPET DUE TO THE ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF WATER THAT IS DUMPED INTO THE FLOOR BOARDS. THIS DUMPING OF WATER HAPPENS ANY TIME THE AIR CONDITIONER IS BEING USED. WHEN THE VEHICLE TURNS, YOU CAN HEAR THE WATER SLOSHING FROM SIDE TO SIDE...IT IS A LOT OF WATER! WE HAVE TAKEN THIS VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WAS "FIXED"...ONLY TO HAVE THE SAME THING HAPPEN AGAIN AND AGAIN. IT IS WAY TOO COSTLY TO CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS IN TO HAVE "REPAIRED". AFTER READING THE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VERY SAME ISSUE, I FEEL IT IS A FACTORY DEFECT AND MITSUBISHI SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THIS PART/ISSUE. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE WE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FOR MY DAUGHTER IN 2015.
TWO WEEKS AGO I NOTICED MY DRIVER SIDE FLOOR WAS WET WHICH I ASSUMED WAS FROM THE UMBRELLA WITH ALL THE RAIN. HOWEVER AS OF LAST WEEK IT REMAINED WET TO THE POINT OF SOAKING WHENEVER THE A/C OR DEFROSTER RUNS. IT WAS CHECKED BY CARMAX TECH, WHO ADVISED IT IS DUE TO THE HVAC DRAINAGE DETERIORATING & WATER BUILDING UP IN THE FLOOR BOARD. TO REPAIR THE COST IS OVER $1100.00. THE TECH INFORMED THAT MITSUBISHI IS AWARE OF THE POORLY DESIGN HOWEVER NEVER RECALLED ON ANY OF THE VEHICLES. AFTER INVESTIGATING I FOUND MITSUBISHI TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS INFORMING SERVICE MGRS, WARRANTY PROCESSOR, TECHNICIANS, ETC. OF THE ISSUE & HOW TO REPAIR (BULLETINS DATED SEPTEMBER 2008 & AGAIN AUGUST 2011 EXTENDING THE YEARS OF VEHICLES THAT WOULD EXPERIENCE THE ISSUE). TO DATE I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THIS PROBLEM WHICH THEY ARE WELL AWARE THIS COULD CAUSE ELECTRICAL ISSUES IF NOT REPAIRED INCLUDING A FIRE. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH A TECHNICIAN AT THE MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP WHO INFORMED HE WAS VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE PROBLEM & QUOTED THE SAME PRICE. HE NEVER MENTIONED A RECALL OR BULLETINS THEY HAD RECEIVED ON THE MATTER. I BELIEVE THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL/REPAIR AT THEIR EXPENSE NOT THE CONSUMERS.
"TAKATA RECALL" VEHICLE WILL NOT COME OUT OF PARK AND WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY. FORTUNATELY I WAS PARKING AT A HOUSE, BUT HAD TO DISCONNECT THE BATTERY IN ORDER TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. ALSO, THE AIR CONDITIONING LEAKS INSIDE ON THE DRIVERS SIDE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI ENDEAVOR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
FROM THE TIME OF PURCHASE THE CAR WILL NOT START AFTER GAS IS PUT INTO IT WHEN THE CAR IS CUT OFF. BY PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR SLIGHTLY IT WILL RESUME NORMAL OPERATION.THE KEY DOES NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION AND THE PARKING BRAKE WILL NOT DISENGAGE IT. KEYLESS ENTRY WILL NOT OPEN OR LOCK THE DOORS, WHILE AT LOCAL GAS STATION WENT INSIDE AND CAR WAS NOT THERE WHEN GOT OUTSIDE AS IF IT WAS STOLEN BUT IN FACT HAD ROLLED INTO TRAFFIC AND HIT A CAR AT THE RED LIGHT CAUSING DAMAGE TO BOTH VEHICLES! THE POLICE ARRIVED TO INVESTIGATE. A ACCIDENT REPORT WAS MADE AND DAMAGE AND WELL BEING ASSESSMENT TAKEN. THE DEALER WHO SOLD THIS VEHICLE TO ME A FEW MONTHS AGO SHOULD KNOW WHAT THEY ARE SELLING TO CUSTOMERS PRIOR TO SELL BECAUSE IN THIS CASE SOMEONE COULD HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES. I CALLED THE DEALER AND HE SAID IT IS MY PROBLEM NOW AND DOES NOT WANT TO GIVE ME LICENSE PLATES FROM DEPOSIT OWED WHICH WILL ALL THE ISSUES AND POTENTIAL OUT OF POCKET COSTS PLATES SHOULD BE GIVEN TO ME IN GOOD FAITH. *TR
Showing 20 of 295 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Mitsubishi Endeavor
These pages show model-year patterns across 8 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Mitsubishi Endeavor, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Mitsubishi Endeavor has 295 complaints on record across 8 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Mitsubishi Endeavor has 28 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 30 of the Mitsubishi Endeavor's 295 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Mitsubishi Endeavor vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Mitsubishi Endeavor vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Mitsubishi Endeavor has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
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By state
Check a Mitsubishi Endeavor by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Mitsubishi Endeavor.
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Mitsubishi Endeavor reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Mitsubishi Endeavor reliable?
Poor. The Mitsubishi Endeavor has 295 NHTSA owner complaints and 28 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is STRUCTURE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Mitsubishi Endeavor years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2004 (182 complaints), 2005 (40 complaints), 2007 (21 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Mitsubishi Endeavor problems?
Top reported issues: STRUCTURE (81 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (30 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (30 complaints).
Does the Mitsubishi Endeavor have recalls?
Yes — 28 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Mitsubishi Endeavor. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.