Mitsubishi Outlander Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls β NHTSA data
Comparing used Mitsubishi Outlander options? We analyzed 10 model years (2017β2026) 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 β 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 Outlander has 488 owner complaints and 33 safety recalls across model years 2017β2026. The most reported issue area is STRUCTURE. 2022 drew the most complaints; 2025 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Mitsubishi
- Model
- Outlander
- Model years analyzed
- 2017β2026 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 488
- Safety recall campaigns
- 33
- Crash-related complaints
- 47
- Fire-related complaints
- 2
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2022 (213 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2025 (14 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- STRUCTURE
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Mitsubishi Outlander: 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 β 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 β 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 OUTLANDER has 488 NHTSA complaints and 33 recalls on record. 47 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 488 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 33 federal recall campaigns
- 47 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
33 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.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2017β2026. 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 488 NHTSA complaints β these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
488 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.
The vehicle failed to stop. Emergency Braking failed and I was unable to manually depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The vehicle electronics have intermittently have failed, turning everything off in the vehicle including the instrument panel at different times.
The warning went off that the system was not working while I was driving. The call was evaluated by a Mitsubishi Service Center. The Service Center said the Front Bracket for the radar was bent. The Service Center said there is no evidence of a collision to the front end of the car.
The camera does not activate when the car is put into reverse. It also doesn't activate when you are parking the car. The parking camera doesn't show on the screen at all. The recall on this item was repaired on my car but didn't fix the issue and the dealer refused to service it further without significant cost. This is a fundamental safety issue that should be addressed by recall and repaired without cost to the owner. The dealership that serviced a previous recall was Doug Smith Mitsubishi in American Fork Utah, however this didn't fix the issue. I also paid money for a diagnostic service and the service center could not determine why the camera is not triggering. The warning sounds/alerts still work. Please help. Thanks
Our vehicles gas door would not open to get gas. During the 2nd and 3rd repair they damaged our vehicle. Worst of all on the last repair they modified our gas tank. They said they took it off another vehicle. Mine was a locking door now it isnβt. Since this was done the vehicle smells of gas when you fill it up and the miles to empty is off about 100 miles.
While I was driving on 77 south in Charlotte nc rt before exit 11 I heard a scraping and rattling sound then a loud pop. My air pressure immediately came on and dropped to zero for the passenger rear tire. I got off and pulled to the side of the road until road side assistance was able to tow my vehicle. My tire is p255/45 r20
Hey I run over a pothole and. My tire went flat and then the air bag just came out thatβs not supposed to happen just from a flat tire thatβs a safety hazard
Read 14 more owner reports
You ca. have gas in the car and it still just cut off and say no gas and it be gas in their
Recall repair did not solve the camera problem. Rear camera and parking assist camera's do not come on. When car is shifted into reverse, camera does not appear. This issue was already reported and I have completed the recall maintenance for this issue and the problem still persists. This is a massive safety liability. I took the car into the dealership and they confirmed the recall maintenance has already been completed. They then charged me $100 to do a diagnostic test, but they couldn't determine why the cameras were failing. I paid $100 and left with nothing fixed.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle experienced an apparent engine failure involving the engine cooling system and possible head gasket and/or engine damage. Prior to failure, the vehicle had a strong sweet coolant smell and was later diagnosed by the servicing dealership as having a coolant leak and possible engine-related damage requiring engine replacement. The vehicle is currently located and available for inspection at Don Herring Mitsubishi. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving after leaving the dealership, the vehicle began jerking, hesitating during acceleration, and losing power unexpectedly. A flashing check engine light briefly appeared and disappeared. The sudden loss of normal engine performance created a serious safety hazard because the vehicle could have stalled in traffic, increasing the risk of an accident or collision. I also have eight children, including [XXX] twins, and the loss of transportation has prevented me from reliably getting my children to school, medical appointments, and obtaining necessities. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Don Herring Mitsubishi inspected the vehicle and identified a coolant leak and possible major engine damage. The dealership advised that the engine may need replacement. The warranty company, CNA Extended Warranty, stated the dealershipβs submitted notes referenced a blown head gasket and requested further teardown and inspection before approving repairs. The vehicle remains unrepaired while awaiting further action and/or engine replacement. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has been inspected by Don Herring Mitsubishi and reviewed through CNA Extended Warranty as part of the repair claim process. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was also inspected on Marc INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear of the vehicle would move independently. The contact stated that it felt as if the vehicle were going to slide and eventually would lose control. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown rear chip had failed. The shock absorbers had water, the rear brake pads were worn down to zero, and the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted and was worsening. In addition, the contact stated an abnormal grinding sound could be heard coming from the rear differential. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the differential gauge had failed to function as intended. The warning light for the 4-wheel drive was illuminated. The brakes and calipers were replaced. The rear differential was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the pole where the breather pipe is inserted on the rear differential carrier is off spec, allowing water intrusion. And that the new rear tires were badly worn on the inside and had high spots on the center. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
The EV portion of the PHEV is often not providing power to the motors, even though, there are still plenty of battery power available. The vehicle sometimes gave "Power Reduced" warning that usually went away after 30 minutes, and the vehicle cannot go into EV mode. When in EV mode and just cruising on the highway, it barely has power to keep up with traffic and sometimes it is losing speed just on a slight incline on the road causing me to move over or take it out of EV mode just to get power from the gas engine. In one occasion, I driving in EV mode and merging onto the highway. I stepped on the gas and the car was barely, if at all, accelerating. Fortunately, there wasn't vehicle coming from the highway.
The electrical system in my 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander has repeatedly malfunctioned since September 2023. The primary failure involves the dashboard completely shutting down while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in the loss of critical driving information such as speed and system warnings. The issue is intermittent but ongoing and may be available for inspection upon request. This failure creates a serious safety risk because I am unable to see essential driving information while operating the vehicle, placing both myself and my family at risk. The vehicle has been taken to authorized Mitsubishi dealerships multiple times for these issues. Repairs have been performed during these visits; however, none have permanently resolved the problem. The issue temporarily stops after repairs but eventually returns and continues to recur. The problem has been reproduced multiple times. The vehicle has been inspected by authorized Mitsubishi service departments on multiple occasions, but the underlying issue has not been properly diagnosed or permanently repaired. Prior to failure, there have been repeated battery-related issues and sensor malfunctions. The vehicle has required at least three battery replacements since purchase. These symptoms often occur before the dashboard shuts down. In addition to the electrical issue, the vehicle has also experienced fuel pump concerns, which have persisted despite repair attempts. This ongoing and recurring defect makes the vehicle unsafe to operate and remains unresolved.
The rear braking system failed due to a sticking/seizing brake caliper. An independent inspection confirmed a severe thickness discrepancy: the outer pad was worn down to 3mm, while the inner pad remained at 7mm. This occurred at only 7,343 miles. I have the physical brake pads provided by the dealer; however, I have photographic proof that the dealer provided fraudulent, evenly worn pads upon vehicle pickup to tamper with evidence. Both the fraudulent pads and the original photos of the defective pads are available for inspection. The sticking caliper causes uneven braking force, increased stopping distances, and premature brake failure. This is a severe safety risk that could lead to a loss of vehicle control or a collision, especially under emergency braking conditions. Furthermore, the dealership's attempt to conceal this defect by swapping parts prevents proper safety documentation and potential recall actions. An independent service center (certified technician) confirmed the 3mm/7mm wear delta on March 19, 2026. The dealer (Northstar Mitsubishi) also initially confirmed the defect and processed it as a $0.00 warranty repair (Invoice #6048308) before rescinding the coverage and demanding payment. The vehicle was inspected by the authorized dealer (Northstar Mitsubishi) and an independent repair facility. I am currently requesting a formal inspection by Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) corporate. There were no dashboard warning lamps. The primary symptom was an excessive amount of brake dust accumulating on the rear wheels compared to the front, and a noticeable physical thickness difference between the inner and outer brake pads. These symptoms were first observed around 7,000 miles during a routine inspection. The defect was confirmed by an independent technician's measurement of 3mm (outer) vs 7mm (inner).
Extremely heavy steering on highway. Steering wheel slow to return to center and sometimes will stay "locked" into turn, requiring to turn the wheel manually back to center.
A software issue in the Alliance in-vehicle Infotainment (A-IVI) Display unit cause the sirven to freeze or display black during a backing event
The contact owns a 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the instrument panel turned blank. Additionally, the contact stated that the rearview camera image failed to display while reversing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the infotainment system needed to be replaced. The system was reprogrammed several times; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,057.
During operation in wet and rainy conditions, a warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle encountered a roadway pothole, at which point the airbags deployed unexpectedly. Simultaneously, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power, resulting in contact with a curb and minor damage to the wheel rim. The malfunction has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. To date, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. The affected components remain available for inspection upon request. No advance warning symptoms were observed other than the dashboard indicator that illuminated immediately prior to the incident. It is noted that the selling dealership did not disclose prior repairs performed on the vehicle, which may be relevant to the cause of this failure.
Clunking/Rattling noise coming from passenger rear of vehicle when hitting bumps and rear of vehicle swaying/swerving. Can hear noise while shaking the car side to side while parked. Only 35000 miles. Rear suspension of vehicle seems soft. Took to the dealer rear was misaligned didn't find any other problems. Continue to have the problem swaying/swerving is still there but not as bad. This could possibly cause driver to loose control.
The contact owns a 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while reversing, the camera went blank for several seconds. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 25V369000 (Back Over Prevention) and 23V345000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that on several occasions while the vehicle was started, in park(P), and while driving and in reverse, the infotainment screen was black. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on several occasions however, the failure could not be replicated. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V369000 (Back Over Prevention). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Showing 20 of 488 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Mitsubishi Outlander
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 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 β hereβs what each number actually tells you about a used Mitsubishi Outlander, 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 β but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Mitsubishi Outlander has 488 complaints on record across 10 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 Outlander has 33 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. 47 of the Mitsubishi Outlander's 488 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions β 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 β 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 Outlander vehicles on the road β not any specific car. Two Mitsubishi Outlander 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 β 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 Outlander 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 Outlander 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 Outlander.
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Mitsubishi Outlander reliability β frequently asked questions
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?
Poor. The Mitsubishi Outlander has 488 NHTSA owner complaints and 33 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 Outlander years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2022 (213 complaints), 2018 (55 complaints), 2017 (51 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 Outlander problems?
Top reported issues: STRUCTURE (90 complaints); ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (88 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (76 complaints).
Does the Mitsubishi Outlander have recalls?
Yes β 33 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Mitsubishi Outlander. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.