The 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander has 11 recalls, the most serious being a front lower control arm that can detach from the vehicle, causing an immediate and total loss of steering and directional control.
The front suspension issue appears in two related filings and covers both the control arm itself and its attachment to the frame. On the drivetrain side, a cracked drive belt tensioner flange can cause the accessory belt to slip off, killing battery charging and stalling the engine. Vehicles that received a replacement transfer case during prior service may have an oil seal that shifts out of position, allowing transmission fluid to migrate into the transfer case and causing rough shifting or the transmission losing the ability to move the vehicle. There is also a power steering fluid leak in vehicles that were fitted with a replacement 6-speed automatic transmission during service, which can cause the power steering to lose assist and make the wheel very heavy to turn.
Several recalls affect visibility. The front wiper linkage can corrode from water intrusion and separate, leaving the wipers inoperative, and the wiper motor itself can corrode internally for the same reason and fail entirely. The blower motor can also fail and reduce windshield defrost performance. A voltage instability issue can cause the headlights, taillights, and wipers to cut out intermittently. The brake light switch can malfunction and leave the brake lights dark when the pedal is pressed, giving no warning to drivers behind. On vehicles with a sunroof, the glass can detach from the assembly while driving and become a hazard on the road.
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 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
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
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 blower motor that circulates air through the cabin heating and cooling system may fail and stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the blower motor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electronic control unit that operates your headlights, taillights, and windshield wipers may have unstable voltage due to a manufacturing error.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected electronic control unit at no charge.
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.
