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2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~6.1 complaints per year on the road — ranking 6 of 14 Mitsubishi Outlander years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander, cited in 11 of 55 filed complaints (20%).
Air Bags is next (10 complaints, 18%), followed by Electrical System (9), Structure (7), Exterior Lighting (5).
Across all complaints, 7 report a crash, 8 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 4 crash, 6 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 55.
Engine 11
“1. On hot/warm days when I start my vehicle it will run then die and give me the code for Mass air sensor which I replaced but it keeps doing it; the check engine will stay on for a while then turn off until it does it again. 2. When driving and I go over a speed bump the suspension grinds or does a hard squeaking noise. 3. The USB in the center console stops working at times or when move the charging cord it disconnects for a few seconds. 4. Internal lights work when they want to, I thought the bulbs where burnt out and replaced them but they still come on when they want to not everytime a do…”
NHTSA complaint #11716927, 2025
“Camshaft phaser shattered and is missing a chunk of metal”
NHTSA complaint #11667343, 2025
“Car will drive on interstate then will be unable to accelerate on interstate warning, “Propulsion power reduced” light turns on and vehicle speed decreases and car does not accelerates and loses speed. I had to stop vehicle multiple times to reset the car per advice on the internet but car continues with drastic decrease in speed on the interstate and message “Propulsion Power Reduced.” Car is serviced as per car dealership recommendations but now car is not safe to drive on the interstate.”
NHTSA complaint #11628179, 2024
Air Bags 10 4 crash 6 injury
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER HIS DAUGHTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS DAUGHTER WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP, A VEHICLE DRIVING AT 50 MPH FAILED TO STOP AND CRASHED INTO THE CONTACT REAR REMOVING THE VEHICLE REAR BUMPER, AND TAIL LIGHTS, THE DRIVER PROCEEDED TO SPIN THE CONTACT VEHICLE IN A CIRCLE, AND PUSHED THE CONTACT VEHICLE INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE DRIVER AIR BAG, PASSENGER FRONT AIR BAG, THE STEERING AIR BAG, THE SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER HEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL, DRIVER SUSTAINED DISK, INJURY, HEAD…”
NHTSA complaint #11327258, 2020 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“I was in a head on collision on 12/13/2022, and the air bag failed to deploy. The failure of the air bag deployment cause my chest to slam into the steering wheel along with my knees on the steering column. I went to the hospital for observation and any unknown injuries. My chest hurts and knees along with consistent visions of my life flashing in my mind due to the trauma of this incident. The police, nurses, family, and friends said that I’m lucky to not have serious injuries from the failure of the air bag deployment. I have pictures, police report, and other supporting documents. My 20…”
NHTSA complaint #11497480, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“ON MARCH 11 TH, MY OUTLANDER WAS UNABLE TO STOP AND HAD MINIMAL TRACTION IN ABOUT A QUARTER OF AN INCH OF SNOW CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO HIT A TREE HEAD ON. I WAS DRIVING UNDER 30 MILES AN HOUR WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. AFTER HITTING THE TREE, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SMOKE. I WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND TURNED AROUND TO SEE THE AIRBAG ONLY PARTIALLY DEPLOYED. FROM THERE, MY VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. NOW, AFTER REQUESTING MY INSURANCE COMPANY TO DEMAND A SAFETY INSPECTION FROM THE MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP TO NO AVAIL, I'VE CONTACTED MITSUBISHI CORPORATE AND GAVE THEM MY ACCIDENT RE…”
NHTSA complaint #11202533, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
Electrical System 9 1 crash 1 injury
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V621000 (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). WHILE DRIVING 28 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED FROM THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”
NHTSA complaint #11192398, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“1. On hot/warm days when I start my vehicle it will run then die and give me the code for Mass air sensor which I replaced but it keeps doing it; the check engine will stay on for a while then turn off until it does it again. 2. When driving and I go over a speed bump the suspension grinds or does a hard squeaking noise. 3. The USB in the center console stops working at times or when move the charging cord it disconnects for a few seconds. 4. Internal lights work when they want to, I thought the bulbs where burnt out and replaced them but they still come on when they want to not everytime a do…”
NHTSA complaint #11716927, 2025
“Car will drive on interstate then will be unable to accelerate on interstate warning, “Propulsion power reduced” light turns on and vehicle speed decreases and car does not accelerates and loses speed. I had to stop vehicle multiple times to reset the car per advice on the internet but car continues with drastic decrease in speed on the interstate and message “Propulsion Power Reduced.” Car is serviced as per car dealership recommendations but now car is not safe to drive on the interstate.”
NHTSA complaint #11628179, 2024
Structure 7 1 crash
“'TAKATA RECALL' I GOT INTO A THREE COLLISION ACCIDENT ON A CITY HIGHWAY. WHEN I WAS BRAKING TO AVOID THE ACCIDENT IT KEPT ON MOVING LIKE IT WAYS DELAYED. I BELIEVE THAT THE ACCIDENT COULD OF BEEN PREVENTABLE IF MY BRAKES WAS AWARE THAT MY FEET WAS ON IT. IT'S LIKE THE CAR WAS DOING IT'S OWN THING. THERE COULD BE MORE THINGS UNKNOWN GOING ON WITH THE CAR. I JUST BROUGHT THIS CAR 2 MONTHS AGO.”
NHTSA complaint #11162079, 2018 · crash
“The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V507000 (Structure); however, the liftgate gas springs had failed and were replaced prior to the recall. The manufacturer was contacted for reimbursement, and the contact mailed the required documents as requested by the manufacturer. The contact later followed up with the manufacturer, who confirmed that the requested documents had been received and informed the contact that there was no time frame for the reimbursement process. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded…”
NHTSA complaint #11702425, 2025
“The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning into a parking area, there was an abnormal snapping sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the exhaust had fractured in half due to excessive corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V507000 (Structure). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11695090, 2025
Unknown Or Other 7 2 crash 1 injury
“The sunroof on our vehicle, self exploded while driving. There was a loud bang, and then we were covered in sunroof glass shards. The fine dust of the sunroof glass went into my right eye which created minor eye irritation. I was able to pull over. Flush out my eye with water and then proceeded to remove the pieces of glass from the sunroof area because I was afraid the pieces would blow off and hit any vehicle that was behind us for the remainder of our drive home. It scared the hell out of us. I am thankful that my daughter was not driving due to seeing her panic reaction from this experien…”
NHTSA complaint #11559095, 2023 · 1 injury(ies)
“'TAKATA RECALL' I GOT INTO A THREE COLLISION ACCIDENT ON A CITY HIGHWAY. WHEN I WAS BRAKING TO AVOID THE ACCIDENT IT KEPT ON MOVING LIKE IT WAYS DELAYED. I BELIEVE THAT THE ACCIDENT COULD OF BEEN PREVENTABLE IF MY BRAKES WAS AWARE THAT MY FEET WAS ON IT. IT'S LIKE THE CAR WAS DOING IT'S OWN THING. THERE COULD BE MORE THINGS UNKNOWN GOING ON WITH THE CAR. I JUST BROUGHT THIS CAR 2 MONTHS AGO.”
NHTSA complaint #11162079, 2018 · crash
“ON 27MAY2018, I STARTED MY 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV AND PUT IT IN REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF THE GARAGE. FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, THE ALARM DINGED AND THE CAR WOULD NOT REVERSE. MY CONSOLE INDICATED THE CHARGE CORD WAS STILL PLUGGED IN. SO I JUMPED OUT OF THE CAR TO UNPLUG THE CORD, NOT REALIZING THAT I NEVER PRESSED THE 'P' BUTTON TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK. I DIDN'T EVEN THINK TO PRESS THE 'P' BUTTON TO INITIATE PARK BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HAD NO MOTION. ANYWAY, I QUICKLY UNPLUGGED THE CHARGER, AND IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER, THE CAR STARTED MOVING IN REVERSE, WHICH WAS THE LAST COMMAND THAT I HAD P…”
NHTSA complaint #11098228, 2018 · crash
Exterior Lighting 5 1 crash
“'TAKATA RECALL' I GOT INTO A THREE COLLISION ACCIDENT ON A CITY HIGHWAY. WHEN I WAS BRAKING TO AVOID THE ACCIDENT IT KEPT ON MOVING LIKE IT WAYS DELAYED. I BELIEVE THAT THE ACCIDENT COULD OF BEEN PREVENTABLE IF MY BRAKES WAS AWARE THAT MY FEET WAS ON IT. IT'S LIKE THE CAR WAS DOING IT'S OWN THING. THERE COULD BE MORE THINGS UNKNOWN GOING ON WITH THE CAR. I JUST BROUGHT THIS CAR 2 MONTHS AGO.”
NHTSA complaint #11162079, 2018 · crash
“2018 Mitishichi Headlights, left, then right stop working. Dealer replaced first one within 6 months. So far I have replaced one or the other 4 or 5 Times. I did complain to NHTSA . These lights have been out more than they have worked. Google indicates a large number of these issues but no recall from NHTSA.”
NHTSA complaint #11562456, 2023
“The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side headlight failed to operate. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the headlight was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact then stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver’s side headlight failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the headlight needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicl…”
NHTSA complaint #11507654, 2022
Service Brakes 5 2 crash 2 injury
“ON MARCH 11 TH, MY OUTLANDER WAS UNABLE TO STOP AND HAD MINIMAL TRACTION IN ABOUT A QUARTER OF AN INCH OF SNOW CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO HIT A TREE HEAD ON. I WAS DRIVING UNDER 30 MILES AN HOUR WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. AFTER HITTING THE TREE, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SMOKE. I WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND TURNED AROUND TO SEE THE AIRBAG ONLY PARTIALLY DEPLOYED. FROM THERE, MY VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. NOW, AFTER REQUESTING MY INSURANCE COMPANY TO DEMAND A SAFETY INSPECTION FROM THE MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP TO NO AVAIL, I'VE CONTACTED MITSUBISHI CORPORATE AND GAVE THEM MY ACCIDENT RE…”
NHTSA complaint #11202533, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V621000 (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). WHILE DRIVING 28 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED FROM THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”
NHTSA complaint #11192398, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH and making a turn, the message "ABS Service Required" was displayed. The contact veered to the side of the road. The contact stated that she turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the warning message was turned off. However, the contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was related to Mitsubishi Technical Service Bulletin Numbers: SR-18-008 and SR-18-007. The vehicle was not diagnosed n…”
NHTSA complaint #11521660, 2023
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 3 2 crash 2 injury
“ON MARCH 11 TH, MY OUTLANDER WAS UNABLE TO STOP AND HAD MINIMAL TRACTION IN ABOUT A QUARTER OF AN INCH OF SNOW CAUSING MY VEHICLE TO HIT A TREE HEAD ON. I WAS DRIVING UNDER 30 MILES AN HOUR WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. AFTER HITTING THE TREE, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO SMOKE. I WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND TURNED AROUND TO SEE THE AIRBAG ONLY PARTIALLY DEPLOYED. FROM THERE, MY VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. NOW, AFTER REQUESTING MY INSURANCE COMPANY TO DEMAND A SAFETY INSPECTION FROM THE MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP TO NO AVAIL, I'VE CONTACTED MITSUBISHI CORPORATE AND GAVE THEM MY ACCIDENT RE…”
NHTSA complaint #11202533, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V621000 (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). WHILE DRIVING 28 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED FROM THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”
NHTSA complaint #11192398, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“8 RECALLS ON BRAKES. ELECTRICAL. WHEELS. COLLISION. STABILITY. EMERGENCY BRAKING. ANTILOCK BRAKES. HYDRAULICS.”
NHTSA complaint #11229722, 2019
Power Train 3
“I believe they said it was the cam broke a part .I was driving on a 4 lane highway going 70 my car made a horrible noise and then my car it just shut down I was in the middle lane and thank God I was not hurt or hit by the semis going around me .then tried to order this part and cannot get it it's on backorder and they have no idea when it would be available and so they checked the motor and I now have to replace the motor because of this breaking this was definitely a safety issue with my car just shutting down while driving it.”
NHTSA complaint #11454922, 2022
“WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT AND SLOWED DOWN BECAUSE OF A BUMP THE CAR IMMEDIATELY DIED AS SOON AS I PASSED THE BUMP WITH NO ENGINE LIGHT ERRORS. THE BATTERY WAS CAR JUMP AND NOTHING HAPPENED. THE BATTERY WAS TESTED WITH VOLTAGE METER AND SAME ISSUE. WHEN YOU TURN ON THE CAR NOTHING HAPPENS, NO SOUND, NO CRANKS, NO ENGINE LIGHT. I HAD THE CAR TOWED AT HOME. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND VERY CONCERNING. THE CAR IS 2018 OUTLANDER ES AND HAVE 34K MILES.”
NHTSA complaint #11383195, 2020
“WHEN REVERSING THE VEHICLE IF YOU SWITCH IT INTO DRIVE TO FAST THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLS OUT, REQUIRING YOU TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, SHUT IT OFF, RESTART THE VEHICLE THEN GO. THIS IS COMPLETELY DANGEROUS. IT IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN AND SHOULD NOT BE HAPPEN ON A BRAND NEW VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING EVER SINCE I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW WITH LESS THAN 50 MILES ON IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AT A LOCAL GROCERY STORE, TO BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY TO TAKE THE KIDS TO SCHOOL.”
NHTSA complaint #11217306, 2019
Seats 3
“The power electric drive seat becomes loose with time. Very dangerous while braking cause the drive seat moves forward fast, driver feels disoriented to extent feeling unstable and could lead to not appropriately having control over vehicle during brake events. This could lead to hitting front vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11681202, 2023
“THE DRIVERS SEAT IS LOOSE AND WOBBLES. THE SEAT IS LOOSE AND WOBBLES BOTH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. I TOOK THE BRAND NEW VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THEY WERE TOLD BY MITSUBISHI NOT TO FIX AT THIS TIME. THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS AND ARE LOOKING FOR A WAY TO FIX IT.”
NHTSA complaint #11192193, 2019
“THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH WHEN I ACCELERATE AND BRAKE. THIS BECAME EVIDENT DAYS AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER TRIED TO FIX THE ISSUE BUT THEY DAMAGED THE VEHICLE EVEN MORE.”
NHTSA complaint #11144247, 2018
Wheels 3
“I'M HAVING TROUBLE WITH MY 4WD LIGHT IS STUCK BLINKING SINCE THE PAST WINTER WEATHER ALSO IT WILL NOT RESET ITSELF FROM SHOWING THE WHEEL IMAGE ON MY ODOMETER SCREEN. PLEASE HELP ME UNDERSTAND WHAT'S GOING ON.”
NHTSA complaint #11398831, 2021
“8 RECALLS ON BRAKES. ELECTRICAL. WHEELS. COLLISION. STABILITY. EMERGENCY BRAKING. ANTILOCK BRAKES. HYDRAULICS.”
NHTSA complaint #11229722, 2019
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE DRIVEN IN SNOW OR ICE. WHILE DRIVING IN THESE CONDITIONS, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE SPEED REACHED 40 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUNNYSIDE MITSUBISHI (7630 PEARL RD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OH 44130, (440) 243-7711) WHERE THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE RIMS NEEDED TO BE WASHED OUT. THE DEALER ALSO SPRAYED THE RIMS WITH SILICON. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,000. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11172109, 2019
Seat Belts 2
“I have a safety recall on my vehicle. Mitsubishi says I will have to dry from oklahoma to Arkansas because they no longer have places in Oklahoma that will fix a recall. But there are many dealerships that are selling Mitsubishis. Those dealerships also tell me I would have to take it to Arkansas. This is a huge problem, I bought this car brand new and unable to get recalls fixed on it unless I drive to another state. This is awful. I’m a nurse and work a lot I don’t have time to dry to Arkansas and have my car worked on. Not only that time, gas and mileage. That’s not fair at all to me. They…”
NHTSA complaint #11539711, 2020
“THE SECOND ROW MIDDLE SEAT BELT HAS A PROBLEM. IT ALWAYS SEIZES ONCE THE MIDDLE PASSENGER FASTENS IT AND THEN STARTS BEING MORE TIGHTER ON THE PASSENGER, THUS PRESSING ON THE CHEST CAUSING HIGH LEVEL OF DISCOMFORT.”
NHTSA complaint #11152282, 2018
Suspension 2
“1. On hot/warm days when I start my vehicle it will run then die and give me the code for Mass air sensor which I replaced but it keeps doing it; the check engine will stay on for a while then turn off until it does it again. 2. When driving and I go over a speed bump the suspension grinds or does a hard squeaking noise. 3. The USB in the center console stops working at times or when move the charging cord it disconnects for a few seconds. 4. Internal lights work when they want to, I thought the bulbs where burnt out and replaced them but they still come on when they want to not everytime a do…”
NHTSA complaint #11716927, 2025
“The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while the front tires were being replaced, corrosion was found underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving over 60 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. In addition, the vehicle vibrated abnormally while driving over 60 MPH. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the shocks, struts, and lower control arm were replaced due to corrosion. The manufacturer was not made…”
NHTSA complaint #11696135, 2022
Vehicle Speed Control 2
“CRUSE CONTROL SHUTS OFF SAYING ACC NOT AVAILABLE DURING ROAD TRIPS. THIS IS ON HIGHWAYS. IT HAPPENED 5 TIMES DURING ROAD TRIP FROM MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN TO WAUSAU WISCONSIN WHILE IN MOTION.. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME I USE THE CRUSE CONTROL. IT HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO WAUSAU AND ON THE WAY HOME ROUND TRIP APX 600 MILES THIS TRIP”
NHTSA complaint #11413095, 2021
“THE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) DISENGAGES ON ITS OWN WITHOUT ANY NOTICE WHEN TRAVELING ON THE ROAD. OTHER TIMES WITHOUT ANY PROMPTING IT FLASHES THAT THE ACC NEEDS SERVICING.”
NHTSA complaint #11302439, 2019
Back Over Prevention 1
“The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the contact became aware that the rearview camera was inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera failed to function properly, and the camera image appeared blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11652593, 2025
Carry Handle 1
“Our car seat is nearly brand new (first used at the end of Sept 2023 upon birth of our daughter) upon placing the car seat in the base, we noticed it wasn’t making the clicking sound indicating a secure lock to base. Upon further investigation it appears the pieces that lock the car seat in place are jammed and not operating properly. If we had gotten in a car accident the car seat would not have been properly secured.”
NHTSA complaint #11555883, 2023
Forward Collision Avoidance 1 1 crash 1 injury
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V621000 (FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). WHILE DRIVING 28 MPH, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TREE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED AND TOWED FROM THE SCENE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES, BUT DID NOT RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…”
NHTSA complaint #11192398, 2019 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
Fuel System 1
“The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that there was a code for leak in the fuel tank however, the mechanic was unable to determine the location of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure recurred four times. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11428954, 2021
Fuel/Propulsion System 1
“Car will drive on interstate then will be unable to accelerate on interstate warning, “Propulsion power reduced” light turns on and vehicle speed decreases and car does not accelerates and loses speed. I had to stop vehicle multiple times to reset the car per advice on the internet but car continues with drastic decrease in speed on the interstate and message “Propulsion Power Reduced.” Car is serviced as per car dealership recommendations but now car is not safe to drive on the interstate.”
NHTSA complaint #11628179, 2024
Lane Departure 1
“VEHICLE HAS HAD EV SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED, BSW SERVICE REQUIRED, AND ASC SERVICE REQUIRED WARNING LIGHTS COME ON EVERY FEW DAYS SINCE SEPTEMBER. WHEN THESE COME ON MULTIPLE SAFETY FEATURES OF THE VEHICLE ARE IMMEDIATELY DISABLED. THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO FIX THE ISSUE AFTER FIVE VISITS INCLUDING ONE WHERE THEY HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 65 DAYS. PER THE MANU: EV SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED: "ONE OR MORE FAILURE IS OCCURRING IN THE PLUG-IN HYBRID EV SYSTEM. HAVE YOUR VEHICLE INSPECTED BY A CERTIFIED MITSUBISHI EV DEALER" ASC SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED "THERE IS A FAULT IN THE ACTIVE STABI…”
NHTSA complaint #11407922, 2020
Visibility/Wiper 1
“WAS DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND JUST TOPPED A HILL WITHOUT ANY OTHER VEHICLES AROUND, NO OVERPASSES, NO ONE ON THE SIDE ROADS, ETC. WHEN THE SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED. HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT 20 MINUTES WITHOUT ANY INCIDENTS BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. NOT ONLY DID THE GLASS BLOW OUT BUT THE SHARDS LEFT HUNDREDS OF SCRATCHES TO THE PAINT ON THE ROOF BAD ENOUGH TO NEED TO BE REPAINTED. WHEN IT HAPPENED THE SOUND OF THE GLASS EXPLODING WAS EXTREMELY LOUD. THAT MORNING WAS THE FIRST MORNING WE HAD FROST ON THE VEHICLES SINCE WE BOUGHT IT NEW.”
NHTSA complaint #11281588, 2019
How we read this (methodology)
How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander draws about 6.1 complaints per year on the road, ranking 6 of 14 among the Mitsubishi Outlander model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.