This page covers 5 recalls, 26 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander.
21–24 mpg combined
9.8–11.2 L/100km
Small 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 2012 to 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. The Outlander earned four stars in frontal crash, side crash, and rollover protection. It achieved five stars in the side pole crash test. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a major redesign occurs, so this assessment covers the entire 2012 to 2013 range.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander cluster most heavily around visibility and wipers, the powertrain, and the engine. Wiper system failures make up the largest named category, with owners describing wipers that stop working or behave erratically. On the powertrain side, owners report the transmission losing drive unexpectedly, one pattern describes the vehicle lurching, acting as though it's in neutral across all gears, and becoming difficult to move. Engine-related complaints include stalling while driving, with several owners reporting the vehicle shut down completely and was towed; in more than one case, the ECU was diagnosed as the cause, and at least a couple of owners note the part is no longer available from the manufacturer. A handful of owners also describe the stability control warning light triggering alongside the check engine light, accompanied by sudden loss of acceleration and RPM fluctuations.
26
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander has 5 recalls, the most serious being a front control arm that can detach from the vehicle, causing sudden loss of steering control and raising the risk of a crash.
A separate chassis concern involves the power steering fluid hose on models equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The hose can leak fluid, which reduces or eliminates power steering assist and makes the vehicle significantly harder to steer, particularly at low speeds or during sharp turns. Two recalls address windshield wiper failure through different failure paths. Water that gets between the hood and windshield can seep into the wiper motor's breathing hole and corrode the motor from the inside, eventually causing it to stop working. The same water intrusion can also corrode the wiper linkage's ball joint until it separates, leaving the wiper arms unable to move at all. Both wiper failures leave the driver without a clear view of the road in wet conditions.
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.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
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 →
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 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.
