2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems And Complaints

User complaints and problems

Electrical Problems 

• AC – It was noticed that the car stalls every time the AC is turned on either for cooling or heating function. The users had to switch the AC off and then try starting the car back up in order to drive again. This was found to be an issue with the Idle Air Control system that was drawing more power from the engine than required due to a seized compressor. Dealers cleaned the AC unit and released the seized compressor to fix the issue.
• Battery – The car was reported to not start and when the problem was diagnosed, it was found that the battery failed to recharge due to a faulty alternator. The dealers had to replace the alternator and the issue was solved. This also led to the malfunction of the safety key mechanism, leaving the key stuck in the ignition.
• Transmission – Users stated that the car failed to accelerate at times and hesitated when depressing the gas pedal. The diagnosis revealed that the CVT-ECU had a loss of signal with the range switch that needed to be reprogrammed.

Mechanical Problems 

• Engine – Users stated that the engine vibrated vigorously and which cause the whole cabin to shake while driving. Upon taking the car to a mechanic, they ran a compressor test to find the cylinder one run low and needed a motor replacement. Users also reported the engine shuddering and dying completely and the dealers were able to find a hole in the engine and confirmed that it wasn’t due to a lack of maintenance.
• Transmission – Users reported the transmission jerking during gearshifts and it was said that the car lagged in terms of acceleration. The dealers stated this issue to be common and it was mentioned that the CVT belt keeps slipping, which caused the constant jerk.
• Brakes – It was reported that the brakes would make a squeaking noise and the dealers recommended replacing the brake calipers.
• Steering – The steering wheel was noticed to turn by itself, causing the drivers to lose control and this was happening due to a faulty clock spring in the steering wheel which had to be replaced.

Exterior Problems 

• Headlights – The headlights were said to have very limited coverage which makes driving at night very dangerous. Here were instances where the drivers almost hit other cars or deer.

Safety Problems 

• Seatbelt – Users found the seatbelt jammed in the buckle and they had to cut the belt in order to free the occupant. The dealers found the buckle to be faulty which had to be replaced.

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander recalls

S. No.	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1.	5th March 2021	21V144000	Lower control arm may detach due to corrosion	Detached front control arm may result in loss of control.	The front cross member will be inspected and a corrosion sealant will be applied or replaced.
2.	13th July 2020	20V403000	Inoperative right rear seat buckle	An unrestrained occupant can be exposed to higher injury in a crash.	The second-row middle seatbelt cover will be modified and a new warning label insert will be provided.
3.	18th May 2020	20V279000	Lower control arm may detach due to corrosion	A detached front control arm may lead to a loss of control	The cross members will be replaced or if the corrosion is low, an anti-corrosion agent will be applied
4.	9th February 2018	18V103000	Wiper link can corrode due to moisture exposure	Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility	Dealers will replace the rod of the wiper link and the wiper motor crank arm
5.	26th January 2018	18V070000	Parking brake actuators may corrode	This can lead to the parking brake not engaging completely which can let the car move unexpectedly if parked on a slope.	The rear brakes will be inspected and the parking brake boot and lever or the brake caliper will be replaced.
6.	29th September 2017	17V609000	Engine may stall or overheat	Unexpected engine stalls due to a faulty relay increase the risk of a crash	Dealers will replace the affected relays.
7.	31st October 2016	16V792000	Water intrusion may cause wiper motor failure	A failed wiper motor would reduce the visibility.	The wiper motors will be replaced.
8.	28th July 2016	16V563000	Vehicle hesitation when accelerating	Vehicles equipped with the CVT transmission experience hesitation and this can lead to a crash.	The CVT control unit will be reprogrammed with a modified software
9.	22nd July 2016	16V548000	Fluid leak from transmission hose	This can lead to the transmission not functioning properly and the vehicle may become inoperable.	The hose clamps will be inspected and the installation will be corrected if necessary.
10.	21st November 2014	14V744000	Seat belt lap fastener not torqued properly	A loose fastener may not be capable of withstanding the load forces associated with a crash.	Dealers will inspect and replace the seatbelt lap end attachment fastener.

Should you buy the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander?

The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander does not carry a lot of value when compared to its rivals. From the recalls, it’s evident that this car is prone to get corroded in many areas. The Outlander isn’t a bad vehicle in any way but the Honda and the Mazda offer a much more reliable deal within the same price bracket. We suggest checking the rivals before getting going for the Mitsubishi but if you think the Outlander is the car for you, we recommend picking the automatic transmission over the CVT as it has been found to be faulty by many users.