Mitsubishi Outlander user complaints and problems
As the Mitsubishi Outlander ventured into its fourth-gen model in 2022, the SUV already faced several complaints regarding its structural aspect. In previous models, engine issues and electrical issues were reported by several owners but the numbers are restricted. The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander problems are scarce in number while the 2021 model faced zero complaints. The latest 2022 model faced several complaints regarding a faulty hood design that made it shake and feel unstable while driving. Other than those, the latest version of the SUV has very few issues with the rest of the areas, indicating solid overall reliability.
Engine problems
- Random engine stall: The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander faced this issue with some models. A few reports mention that the engine would stall randomly while driving or after coming to a stop for a brief moment. A single owner reported that while the vehicle was being driven at around 70 mph, the engine made a terrible noise before stalling.
- Transmission issue: The 2018 Outlander faced a single complaint regarding its transmission. It stated that while reversing and selecting the drive mode quickly, the engine would stall. Afterward, it was required to put the vehicle to park and restart. The owner also stated that the issue recurred several times even though the vehicle was brand-new.
Safety problems
- Airbag failing to deploy and airbag warning light staying on: A few complaints mentioning airbag failures were recorded against the Outlander. A few models from 2017 to 2020 MY faced this issue. Also, there were complaints regarding the airbag warning light staying on or service airbag message being displayed on the instrument cluster.
- Brake failure: The third-generation model, especially the 2017 to 2019 models, has a few complaints regarding brake failures. In some cases, the brake rotors and the brake pads did wear out prematurely. In a majority of the cases, the brakes either failed to stop the vehicle completely, resulting in a crash, or, delivered a much reduced braking force, giving a sliding effect with compromised safety.
Miscellaneous problems
- Unstable hood: The latest 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander faced several complaints regarding its faulty hood design. The owners of the affected models complained that while driving, the hood would become unstable with excessive fluttering and vibrations. In some cases, the hood was slightly lifted up at highway speeds, potentially compromising the safety of the vehicle.
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander recalls
The Mitsubishi Outlander faced quite a number of recalls regarding various issues complained about by the owners. The recalls did include the malfunctioning safety techs, the engine stall issue, and a malfunctioning seatbelt retractor mechanism. However, the airbag malfunction and the unstable hood problems never saw a single recall till today but we expect that the brand would issue it soon. The details of the complaints are listed below:
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Recall Date
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NHTSA Campaign ID
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Component Affected
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Recall Issue
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Explanation
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September 29, 2017
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17V609000
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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Engine may Stall or Overheat
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If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
|
|
September 14, 2018
|
18V621000
|
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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Safety Systems may be Disabled When in Use
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If the safety systems do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
|
|
September 14, 2018
|
18V620000
|
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
|
Prolonged Braking by Collision Avoidance System
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If the FCM-ECU software activates the brake for longer than necessary, the driver may react by applying additional braking. The resulting rapid deceleration of the vehicle can increase the risk of a rear-end collision.
|
|
July 13, 2020
|
20V403000
|
SEAT BELTS
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Inoperative Right Rear Seat Belt Buckle
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An unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
|
|
September 5, 2018
|
18V591000
|
EQUIPMENT, WHEELS
|
Incorrect Rim Size on Label/FMVSS 110
|
The incorrect rim size information on the label can cause the operator to replace the rim with an incorrect rim size, increasing the risk of a crash.
|
|
May 18, 2020
|
20V280000
|
SEAT BELTS
|
Incorrectly Assembled Rear Seat Belt Assembly
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An incorrectly assembled seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
|
|
August 2, 2021
|
21V596000
|
SEAT BELTS
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Seat Belt Locking Retractor Malfunction/FMVSS 208
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An unsecured child restraint system can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
|
|
October 18, 2021
|
21V821000
|
STRUCTURE
|
Center Pillar Welded Incorrectly/FMVSS 214
|
In the event of a crash, the reduced strength of the vehicle body may increase the risk of injury.
|
|
January 24, 2022
|
22V027000
|
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
|
Fuel Pump May Fail
|
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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What model year of the Mitsubishi Outlander to avoid?
With the latest upgrade, the Mitsubishi Outlander is among the most value for money and practical crossovers in the segment. However, the previous generation’s model suffered from lackluster fuel economy and a comparatively cramped interior. On top of that, the issues with the 2017 to 2019 models make them better to be skipped from the used car lots.
Should you buy a used Mitsubishi Outlander?
Apart from a few drawbacks, the Outlander poses as a great alternative to buyers looking for something else than the mainstream offerings in the compact crossover segment. If you wish to own a trouble-free Outlander, the 2020 model is the best one to go for from the used car market, given its scarce number of complaints and a single recall.
