NHTSA (USA)Critical
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
This page covers 7 recalls, 58 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander.
21–24 mpg combined
9.8–11.2 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The dominant pattern in 2011 Outlander complaints centers on the engine. Owners frequently report stalling at red lights or in stop-and-go traffic, often requiring a full shutdown and restart to get moving again. A smaller group describes more severe outcomes, including complete loss of power while driving, dashboard warning lights illuminating all at once, and the vehicle becoming unable to restart. A handful of reports mention connecting rod failure causing catastrophic internal engine damage. Visibility and wiper complaints make up the second-largest group, though the specific symptoms across those reports are less consistent. Frame rust also comes up, with some owners describing corrosion severe enough to compromise structural integrity, in a few cases allegedly concealed with paint prior to sale.
58
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander has 7 recalls, the most serious involving the front suspension control arm, which can detach from the vehicle and cause a sudden, complete loss of steering control.
Note that the power steering recall only applies to vehicles that had a 6-speed automatic transmission installed as a replacement part during prior service work. On those vehicles, a power steering fluid line can leak and cause the steering to become heavy and unassisted. On the engine side, a crack in the drive belt tensioner flange can let the accessory belt slip off, discharging the battery and stalling the engine.
Three recalls address visibility. Water can get in behind the hood and corrode the wiper linkage ball joint until the wipers stop moving entirely. A related issue involves water entering the wiper motor through its vent hole, corroding the motor internally and also causing wiper failure. Prior repair attempts for the linkage and motor issues may not have fully resolved both problems, as they are addressed in separate campaigns. The blower motor can also fail and reduce the windshield defroster's ability to clear the glass.
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
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
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.
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 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 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.