The 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander has 12 recalls, with the most serious being a front suspension control arm that can detach from the vehicle, causing an immediate loss of steering control.
The drive belt tensioner flange can crack under load, allowing the accessory belt to come off. When that happens, the battery drains, the engine stalls, and power steering assist cuts out. Two of these recalls cover the same underlying defect. On vehicles that received a replacement transfer case during prior service work, an oil seal can shift out of position, allowing transmission fluid to migrate into the transfer case and cause erratic shifting or the transmission to disengage entirely. Vehicles that received a replacement 6-speed automatic transmission during servicing face an additional concern: a power steering fluid leak that can reduce steering assist. The sunroof glass on equipped vehicles can detach while driving and become a hazard for following traffic. The brake booster check valve can stick closed after the engine is shut off, reducing braking assist briefly after restart and increasing stopping distance.
Several other issues affect visibility and signaling. Water intrusion can corrode the windshield wiper linkage or the wiper motor itself, either of which can leave the wipers inoperative. The brake light switch can also fail to illuminate the stop lamps when the brakes are applied, leaving drivers behind unaware the vehicle is slowing.
At a glance
What can fail
The front cross member can corrode from road salt exposure in certain regions, which may cause the front lower control arms to detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front cross member and either apply a sealing agent or replace it with a new one, free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The sunroof glass may separate from the sunroof assembly, potentially falling onto the roadway and hazarding other vehicles.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The flange on the automatic drive belt tensioner can crack from repeated stress, causing the belt to slip off. This cuts power to the battery and steering, eliminating engine power and power steering.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the automatic tensioner with an updated unit designed to prevent cracking.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The drive belt tensioner flange may crack, which can cause the accessory drive belt to come loose and detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the belt tensioner with an improved design at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can enter the wiper motor through its breathing hole after leaking between the hood and windshield, causing internal corrosion and potential motor failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the wiper motor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water seeps between the hood and windshield, corroding the front wiper link ball joint. This corrosion can cause the wiper link to separate, making the wipers stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a rubber boot on the ball joint to block water entry and inspect the wiper motor crank arm for damage, replacing it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front cross member can corrode from salt water exposure in certain regions, potentially causing the front lower control arms to detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front cross member and either apply a sealing/anti-corrosion agent or replace it with a new sealed one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake light switch may malfunction, preventing the brake lights from turning on when you apply the brakes.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the brake light switch with a new one at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power steering pressure tube sits too close to the transmission converter housing. Contact between these parts can puncture the tube, causing power steering fluid to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the power steering pressure tube and return tube at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
In some serviced vehicles, the replacement transfer case assembly's oil seal may shift out of position, potentially causing fluid leakage.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the transfer case assembly at no cost if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake booster check valve may stick closed due to incorrect material composition. After engine shutdown and restart, there may be insufficient braking assist during very slow maneuvers.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the brake booster check valve at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The stop lamp switch may have been contaminated with silicone grease during assembly, preventing the brake lamps from illuminating when you apply the brakes.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the stop lamp switch.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
