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, 70 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander.
22–26 mpg combined
9–10.7 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 3 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints filed for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander cluster most noticeably around airbags, the powertrain, and structural issues. On the airbag side, owners report curtain and frontal airbags deploying without a collision, typically when driving over potholes or road imperfections at moderate speeds, which is the most consistent pattern in this complaint set. Powertrain reports describe stalling and rough running, often tied to check engine light activity, with some owners pointing to sensor-related codes. The structural complaints center on corrosion, with owners finding significant rust underneath the vehicle, in some cases leading to exhaust fractures. Suspension noise, grinding or hard squeaking over bumps, comes up in multiple reports as well, with owners describing the sounds as occurring when crossing speed bumps or rough pavement.
70
Total Complaints
8
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
7
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander has 6 recalls, the most serious involving the forward collision mitigation and adaptive cruise control systems, which can apply the brakes at the wrong time or fail to respond correctly, raising the risk of a crash.
Two of those recalls address related issues with driver assistance systems: the forward collision system can brake longer than intended when detecting pedestrians, and the adaptive cruise control or electronic parking brake may not function as expected. On the safety equipment side, the second-row center seatbelt buckle can interfere with the right-side buckle when the rear seat backs are folded down, leaving an occupant without a functioning belt in a crash. The liftgate gas struts can corrode and lose pressure, either rupturing or allowing the liftgate to drop unexpectedly onto someone standing behind the vehicle. There is also a label concern on vehicles with 18-inch alloy wheels, where an incorrect rear rim size printed on the certification label could lead to the wrong replacement rim being installed.
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
The forward collision system's software may keep applying brakes longer than necessary, even after the pedestrian is no longer in front of the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the forward collision system's software with an updated version at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Hydraulic Unit control software may be incorrect, preventing automatic emergency braking, anti-lock braking, stability control, or brake hold functions from working when activated.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Hydraulic Unit control software at no cost to restore proper function of these safety systems.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The certification label on the driver's door lists an incorrect rear wheel rim size, creating a mismatch between the label and the actual 18-inch alloy wheels installed.
What the fix does
Mitsubishi will send owners a corrected certification label by mail, or owners can have a dealer replace the label at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.