Mitsubishi Outlander Recalls

The Mitsubishi Outlander has 63 recalls spanning the 2003 through 2025 model years, with the most serious being a front lower control arm that can detach on 2003–2013 models, causing sudden and complete loss of steering and directional control.

The most recent production years carry a notable cluster of recalls. The 2022–2025 model years share a rearview camera software fault where the backup image can freeze or fail to appear when reversing. The 2022 model year has additional concerns: the fuel pump can fail and stall the engine while driving, several seat belt automatic locking retractors may not hold a child seat securely, and a center pillar on at least one vehicle was welded incorrectly, reducing crash protection. The 2022 passenger seat belt buckle for the right second-row seat can also fail to latch properly if the seat back has been folded.

The 2017–2020 era has its own set of issues. On 2020 models, the right second-row seat belt may have an incorrect guide piece that prevents it from working in a crash. The 2019 model has a right second-row seat belt that may have been assembled incorrectly and could fail to restrain an occupant. On 2017–2018 models, the forward collision mitigation system software can trigger unnecessary braking or cause the vehicle to decelerate sharply, and the adaptive cruise control and electronic parking brake systems can malfunction. The 2016 model year has door latches that can open while driving in high heat, rear parking brake shafts that corrode and bind so the brake may not hold the vehicle on a slope, and a CVT transmission that can hesitate during acceleration. The 2014–2020 liftgate gas struts can corrode, lose pressure, and either rupture or let the liftgate drop without warning. The 2014–2019 second-row center seat belt buckle can interfere with the right-side buckle when the seat backs are folded, leaving an occupant unrestrained.

Going back to the 2007–2013 generation, water entering the hood-to-windshield gap can corrode the wiper link ball joint or the wiper motor itself on 2007–2013 models, causing the wipers to stop working. The 2008–2012 models with a 4B11 or 4B12 engine have a drive belt tensioner flange that can crack, letting the belt detach, which drains the battery and stalls the engine. The 2007–2013 models with a 6-speed automatic transmission have a power steering pressure tube that can rust through from contact with the transmission housing, leading to fluid loss and reduced steering assist. The 2007–2010 sunroof glass can detach from the assembly and become a road hazard. The 2007–2009 brake light switch can malfunction and leave the brake lights dark, giving no warning to following traffic. The 2009–2011 blower motor can fail and reduce windshield defroster performance, cutting visibility. The 2008 model has a brake booster check valve that can stick closed after the engine is shut off, temporarily reducing braking assist on restart.

The earliest production years, 2003–2007, have several issues worth noting for owners of those vehicles. The 2003 model has a throttle valve that can ice over in extreme cold and cause the accelerator to stick, and a dealer-installed trailer hitch wiring module that can overheat and start a fire. Water intrusion