2018 Mitsubishi Outlander: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 55 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. Values shown in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 7 trims analysed.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
18.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
18.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander has 55 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Mitsubishi
- Model
- Outlander
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 55
- Crash-related complaints
- 7
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPGe combined
- 25
- EPA MPGe city / highway
- 23 / 29
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electric range (miles)
- 310
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Airbag Malfunctions, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander?
The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for reported issues such as stalling or performance problems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbags and electrical systems.
- Request service records for engine, airbag, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for reported issues such as stalling or performance problems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, especially for airbags and electrical systems.
- Request service records for engine, airbag, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 55 NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander, issues appear concentrated in the engine, airbag system, and electrical components. Crash-related complaints total 7, and there are 6 recalls. However, the low confidence level suggests caution in interpretation.
- Engine Problems account for 11 complaints, the highest count among components.
- Airbag Malfunctions are reported in 10 complaints.
- Electrical Faults total 9 complaints.
- Structural Problems and Uncategorized Issues each have 7 complaints.
- Brake System issues appear in 6 complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Electrical Faults
All 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 10 | 4 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Carry Handle | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Shell | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Base | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
See attached document for complaint
1. On hot/warm days when I start my vehicle it will run then die and give me the code for Mass air sensor which I replaced but it keeps doing it; the check engine will stay on for a while then turn off until it does it again. 2. When driving and I go over a speed bump the suspens…
The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH over a pothole, the driver's side and passenger side curtain airbags erroneously deployed. The contact stated that no collision had occurred prior to the air bags deployment. …
The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V507000 (Structure); however, the liftgate gas springs had failed and were replaced prior to the recall. The manufacturer was contacted for reimbursement, and the conta…
The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while the front tires were being replaced, corrosion was found underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that on a separate occas…
The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning into a parking area, there was an abnormal snapping sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechan…
The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that after opening the liftgate, while reaching into the trunk, the liftgate fell and hit the contact on the head. The contact had not sustained an injury. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer wa…
The power electric drive seat becomes loose with time. Very dangerous while braking cause the drive seat moves forward fast, driver feels disoriented to extent feeling unstable and could lead to not appropriately having control over vehicle during brake events. This could lead t…
Camshaft phaser shattered and is missing a chunk of metal
The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the contact became aware that the rearview camera was inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera failed to function properly, and the camera image appeared blank. T…
Car will drive on interstate then will be unable to accelerate on interstate warning, “Propulsion power reduced” light turns on and vehicle speed decreases and car does not accelerates and loses speed. I had to stop vehicle multiple times to reset the car per advice on the inter…
My car does not lock. Ive changed the battery in the key fob a few times i cant use my key fob or the actual key to unlock or lock my car. Also while im driving down the road my car lights flicker a lot. Along with all my inside lights. Ive confirmed with my mechanic thats its no…
SRS-Air Bag codes B1476, B1558, B1631 repeated triggering since 2020. History: - 9/30/20 - Dealer read code B1631 (DR Knee ABG Squib Short) & U0154 (OCM CAN Timeout), did not diagnose cause, erased codes - 4/12/21 ~0920 - check airbag light illuminated - 7/30/21 ~0800 & ~0920 …
This is the second time the bushings on the rear motor (i believe they said inverter motor) have needed to be replaced. Currently the motor is being held by two of the three bushing. I was told by Mitsubishi that this is a common issue. If it's a common issue and if all three …
The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the air bag warning light began to flash off and on. The failure was a constant failure. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed.…
2018 Mitishichi Headlights, left, then right stop working. Dealer replaced first one within 6 months. So far I have replaced one or the other 4 or 5 Times. I did complain to NHTSA . These lights have been out more than they have worked. Google indicates a large number of thes…
Air bag light comes on when drivers seat put back. When seat moved forward air bag light goes off. When air bag light is on system will not work, not safe to drive. Dealership on first repair did wire repair. They claimed when seat was put back it stretched harness turning on air…
The sunroof on our vehicle, self exploded while driving. There was a loud bang, and then we were covered in sunroof glass shards. The fine dust of the sunroof glass went into my right eye which created minor eye irritation. I was able to pull over. Flush out my eye with water and…
Our car seat is nearly brand new (first used at the end of Sept 2023 upon birth of our daughter) upon placing the car seat in the base, we noticed it wasn’t making the clicking sound indicating a secure lock to base. Upon further investigation it appears the pieces that lock the …
I have a safety recall on my vehicle. Mitsubishi says I will have to dry from oklahoma to Arkansas because they no longer have places in Oklahoma that will fix a recall. But there are many dealerships that are selling Mitsubishis. Those dealerships also tell me I would have to ta…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 55 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander?▾
#1: Engine Problems (11 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (10 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (9 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 55 total complaints. 8 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. A major recall area is EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander?▾
The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Mitsubishi Outlander reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.