NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The liftgate gas spring cylinders can corrode and lose pressure, causing the cylinders to rupture or the liftgate to fall unexpectedly.
What the fix does
This page covers 6 recalls, 51 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander.
23–26 mpg combined
9–10.2 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.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Brake complaints lead the 2017 Outlander's complaint record, with owners frequently describing longer stopping distances, soft or spongy pedal feel, and brake fade under normal driving conditions. The CVT transmission is the next most-reported area, with multiple owners describing shuddering, jerking, rough shifting, and delayed engagement, several of these failures occurring well before 120,000 miles and resulting in full transmission replacement. A handful of owners also mention the transfer case contributing to hesitation and rough power delivery. Electrical system complaints are less numerous but include warning lights for the forward collision system, camera-based driver aids, and airbag systems illuminating without a clear triggering event. A recurring pattern in the powertrain complaints involves the check transmission warning appearing alongside stalling at highway speeds, sometimes leaving the vehicle undriveable.
51
Total Complaints
7
Crash-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander has 6 recalls, the most serious involving defective electrical relays that can cause the engine to stall, lose power, or overheat while driving, raising the risk of a crash.
Two recalls address brake system software. The forward collision mitigation system can misread conditions and trigger an unnecessary braking alert, and if the driver also brakes at that moment, the vehicle may decelerate sharply without warning. A separate software issue can cause the brake system's hydraulic unit to reset unexpectedly, which may cause other vehicle features to malfunction. The second-row center seat belt buckle can interfere with the right-side buckle when the rear seat backs are folded down, potentially leaving an occupant without a working restraint in a crash. There is also a liftgate concern: the gas spring cylinders that hold the rear hatch open can corrode and lose pressure, either rupturing or allowing the liftgate to drop suddenly on someone standing behind the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
The liftgate gas spring cylinders can corrode and lose pressure, causing the cylinders to rupture or the liftgate to fall unexpectedly.
What the fix does
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Driver Assistance
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 →
Both liftgate gas springs will be replaced at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The liftgate gas spring cylinders can corrode and lose pressure, potentially rupturing or causing the liftgate to fall unexpectedly.
What the fix does
The left and right liftgate gas springs will be replaced at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The second-row center seat belt buckle may interfere with the right-side buckle when seat backs fold down, causing the right buckle cover to detach and making that buckle unable to restrain a passenger.
What the fix does
Dealers will modify the center seat belt buckle cover, install warning labels on the seat support base and in the owner's manual.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue in the brake system's hydraulic control unit may cause it to reset unexpectedly while driving, affecting automatic braking, antilock brakes, stability control, and brake hold features.
What the fix does
Dealers will install an updated software version in the hydraulic unit control system.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software issue in the Forward Collision Mitigation system may cause it to brake unnecessarily in certain situations. If you brake while the system activates simultaneously, your vehicle may decelerate rapidly, increasing rear-end collision risk.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Forward Collision Mitigation system software to correct the issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Defective relays may cause the engine to stall, lose power, or overheat while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the defective relays at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
