Mitsubishi has long been in the run to almost annihilation as an automaker. Their only ray of hope of sustaining in the market is with their midsize SUV, the Outlander, which honestly in our opinion is only as appealing as the brand's current status. The manufacturer did come up with a convincing facelift last year for the second-generation Outlander but was it enough to have that helped it from the sinking ship is something the sales numbers would reveal. We are convinced that it is not as the 14 recalls gathered here reveal a considerable deterioration in quality and reliability levels at which it becomes hard to justify. Should anyone be choosing the $24,895 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander instead of something like the Honda CR-V, the Subaru Forester, or the Nissan Rogue? Well, this article would answer that question.
2011 Mitsubishi Outlander User Complaints and Problems
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine problems- Mitsubishi’s engines are generally known to be reliable, the initial batches of the 2.4l unit were known for timing belt failure. Belt drives generally being not as robust as chain-driven systems coupled with a faulty belt tensioner was enough recipe for disaster. Once the tensioner fails, the belt comes loose, and the vehicle stalls. Extreme conditions can result in cylinder head failure and bent valves. The external drive belt is also known to come off due to excessive pulley wearing and can result in a similar engine stall condition. Two separate engine recalls have been initiated in this issue.(IDs-18V069000 and 14V562000)
- Transmission Problems- The CVT unit on the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander, as with any other brand, hasn’t been immune to problems. As a matter, it has been one of the major failure points of this SUV. Excessive jerking, humming/ whining noises at high speeds, slip, and complete loss of drive are some of the main issues that have been reported by owners. This CVT is highly sensitive to fluid and complete transmission failure has been reported in relation to excessive fluid contamination by metal shavings within the actual fluid flush mileage recommended by the manufacturer.
Electric System complaints
- Blower motor failure- The HVAC blower on the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander is a common failure point as reported by several owners. This is mostly traced to a busted blower motor resistor which intermittently or completely cuts power to the motor. Since this case arises due to excessive current draw, the blower motor needs to be tested for the same to avoid similar failure. This issue has been widespread and as a result, has been considered under recall (Id-15V223000) for the replacement of the affected component.
Structural Complaints
- Rust- Excessive corrosion of multiple elements on the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander has been a real concern to the overall safety and quality of the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander. Multiple suspension components, wipers, liftgate struts, and whatnot have been major failure points and even have increased the risk of dislodging from the frame member in vehicles that have been near or around coastal areas. A majority of the recalls have been for components with compromised quality and users have been reporting extensive delays in replacement availability, sometimes stretching on months.
- Suspension issues- This is an extension of the mentioned rust problems. Excessive corrosion on the lower arm mounts and related suspension can unexpectedly detach from the vehicle. The manufacturer is made aware of this issue and a recall (ID-16V458000) has been initiated to inspect all vehicles for this defect and replace the affected part if identified.
- Steering problems- Though complaints are low, a few owners have reported steering fluid leak and loss of power assistance on the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander. Although it was thought to be an isolated issue initially, the root cause was later found to be the misrouting of the fluid lines which chafed with the torque converter and leaked. The issue later received a recall (ID- 14V366000) for the replacement of the affected part.
2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
18th May 2020 |
20V279000 |
The lower control arm may detach due to corrosion |
The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on August 7, 2020. |
|
2 |
9th February 2018 |
18V103000 |
The Wiper link can corrode due to moisture exposure |
Water may enter between the hood and windshield and cause the front wiper link ball joint to corrode, possibly resulting in the wiper link separating and the wipers becoming inoperative, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash |
The dealers will replace the rod of the wiper link and the wiper motor crank arm, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on26th January 2018 April 10, 2018. |
|
3 |
26th January 2018 |
18V069000 |
The belt tensioner may break allowing the belt to detach. |
The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive belt to detach, causing a stall and increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on March 27, 2018. |
|
4 |
20th July 2017 |
17V461000 |
Water intrusion may cause wiper motor failure |
The water may cause internal corrosion of the windshield wiper motor and the possible failure of the motor, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2017. |
|
5 |
2nd December 2016 |
16V867000 |
Liftgate support may fail and the liftgate may fall. |
The lift gate support outer tube on the affected vehicles may have insufficient anti-corrosion treatment that can allow the outer tube to corrode due to salt and water penetration, causing it to fall unexpectedly and increase the risk of injury. |
The dealers will replace the lift gate supports, free of charge. The recall began on January 20, 2017. |
|
6 |
31st October 2016 |
16V791000 |
Water intrusion may cause wiper motor failure |
The water may cause internal corrosion of the windshield wiper motor and the possible failure of the motor, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will replace the rubber boot on the ball joint to prevent water intrusion. Additionally, they will inspect the wiper motor crank arm for excessive play, replacing it as necessary. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2017. |
|
7 |
31st October 2016 |
16V792000 |
Water intrusion may cause wiper motor failure |
The water may cause internal corrosion of the windshield wiper motor and the possible failure of the motor, reducing visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The manufacturer has begun the recall, but parts are not yet available; a second notice will be sent when parts are available, |
|
8 |
23rd June 2016 |
16V458000 |
Lower control arm detachment due to corrosion |
The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began in January 2017. |
|
9 |
21st September 2015 |
15V579000 |
Incorrect VINs on certification labels |
The incorrect labels do not have the correct vehicle identification numbers (VIN) printed on the label. |
The dealers will install corrected certification labels, free of charge. The recall began on October 8, 2015. |
|
10 |
20th April 2015 |
15V233000 |
The blower motor may fail |
In the affected vehicles, the blower motor may fail, affecting windshield defroster performance and reducing driver visibility. |
The dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. |
|
11 |
12th September 2014 |
14V562000 |
The drive belt may detach due to a worn-out engine pulley. |
The affected pulleys may experience unusual wear and allow for belt detachment, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2014. |
|
12 |
12th September 2014 |
14V560000 |
Brake booster switch crack |
The switch sleeve in the brake booster may crack and prevent the brake pedal from returning properly, causing the vehicle to decelerate unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash. |
The dealers will inspect the brake booster, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. |
|
13 |
25th June 2014 |
14V366000 |
The power steering pressure tube may leak |
The transmissions in these vehicles have insufficient clearance between the power steering pressure tube and the converter, causing it to chafe and leak, resulting in a loss of steering assist. |
The dealers will replace the power steering pressure tube and return tube, free of charge. The recall began in August 2014. |
|
14 |
20th June 2013 |
13V255000 |
Panoramic glass roof may detach |
The panoramic glass roof may have been installed without primer being applied before the adhesive, causing it to detach while on the move and become a road hazard. |
The dealers will inspect the panoramic glass to see if the primer was installed. If primer is not present, the glass will be reinstalled. The recall began on July 8, 2013. |
Should you buy a used 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander?
With almost 14 existing recalls and most of them pointing at acute quality compromises, the Mitsubishi Outlander does make it hard for us. Although it comes out as one of the roomiest and most practical SUVs for what this money could get you, glaring short mileage CVT and engine troubles stick out as certain deal breakers. That said, Mitsubishi has been on their toes fixing all that is wrong with this midsize SUV, but most times the remedies do get delayed or fail to satisfy the owners as they should. So as long as the manufacturer does get a hold on this situation, the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander would be hard to recommend as some of its trusty competitors like the Honda CR-V or the Nissan Rogue which has set the benchmarks pretty high.
