Car Defect Radar
Get the report
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated October 26, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.
Confirm 8 recalls before you buy.

Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.

Recalls

8 total · 8 to confirm

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

Structure recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 20V279000 · May 2020

A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Engine recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 18V069000 · Jan 2018

If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-001.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Body & glass recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 17V461000 · Jul 2017

Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-003.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Body & glass recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 16V791000 · Oct 2016

Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rubber boot on the ball joint to prevent water intrusion. Additionally, they will inspect the wiper motor crank arm for excessive play, replacing it as necessary. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-009.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Suspension recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 16V458000 · Jun 2016

A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Body & glass recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 15V233000 · Apr 2015

Failure of the blower motor may reduce the performance of the windshield defroster, diminishing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-003.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Engine recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 14V562000 · Sep 2014

If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-009.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Steering recall

Confirm it was repairedRecall 14V366000 · Jun 2014

A power steering fluid leak could result in a loss of steering assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pressure tube and return tube, free of charge. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-006.
Status
Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
What to do
Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.

Owner complaints by system

58 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Minor
26

Most reports here involve sudden stalling.

sudden stalling 7fluid leaks 2
A recent report: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection? The engine experienced catastrophic internal failure. A connecting rod broke and punctured the engine block…
Read full complaint

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection? The engine experienced catastrophic internal failure. A connecting rod broke and punctured the engine block, rendering the vehicle completely inoperable. This failure is consistent with overheating and internal engine damage. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure occurred suddenly while driving, without warning. The vehicle lost power immediately, which could have resulted in loss of control, inability to accelerate, and exposure to traffic hazards. This created a serious safety risk to myself and others on the road. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? An independent mobile mechanic inspected the vehicle and confirmed catastrophic engine failure. Based on the condition of the engine and damage observed, the failure is consistent with severe overheating and internal mechanical breakdown. Full written diagnosis may be pending. Dealer inspection: UNKNOWN”) Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer. Insurance has been notified and may conduct an inspection. The MD state trooper deemed the car inoperable and tagged it. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the failure? There were no warning lights, messages, or indications of an issue prior to the failure. The incident occurred suddenly and without warning the same day the vehicle was purchased. At the time of failure, the vehicle had an open and unremedied safety recall (SR-18-001 – Drive Belt Auto Tensioner, NHTSA Campaign #18V069). This defect can cause the drive belt to detach, disabling the water pump and leading to rapid engine overheating. The failure I experienced is consistent with this defect. . The incident occurred day of pur

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11732167 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Minor
9

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 5sudden stalling 2electrical shorts 1
A recent report: Was driving the car and it totally lost power to everything. Had to pull over immediately with whatever power I had left to have the car roll to a stop. Multiple lights came on the dash. Notification…
Read full complaint

Was driving the car and it totally lost power to everything. Had to pull over immediately with whatever power I had left to have the car roll to a stop. Multiple lights came on the dash. Notification came on the screen saying car can not communicate, engine is over heating. Tried to turn off car and back on and it would do nothing at all. Car has been at mechanic for 3 weeks they believe it is the ecu/psu but when replacing car continue to act up and not start.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11533521 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Minor
1

Most reports here involve loss of braking.

loss of braking 1
A recent report: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS AND SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT…
Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME DIFFICULT TO DEPRESS AND SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10862803 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Minor
3

Most reports here involve corrosion.

corrosion 1
A recent report: I am submitting this complaint regarding Peachtree Mitsubishi, located at 4474 Buford Hwy, Atlanta, GA 30341, for their failure to properly address a critical safety recall on my vehicle: Mitsubishi…
Read full complaint

I am submitting this complaint regarding Peachtree Mitsubishi, located at 4474 Buford Hwy, Atlanta, GA 30341, for their failure to properly address a critical safety recall on my vehicle: Mitsubishi Recall SR-20-003REV_1 (NHTSA Campaign Number 20V-279) — Crossmember Corrosion, which poses a serious risk of lower control arm detachment, potentially resulting in loss of vehicle control and collision. Timeline of Events & Misrepresentation: I brought my vehicle to Peachtree Mitsubishi specifically to have the recall repair performed. The dealership claimed the recall work was completed and assured me the car was in excellent condition. Shortly afterward, I experienced issues with the vehicle and had it inspected by two independent mechanics. Both confirmed the car was unsafe to drive due to unresolved corrosion-related damage. In a separate legal case against the dealership that sold me the vehicle, the court formally determined the car was unsafe to drive. I contacted Peachtree Mitsubishi again and requested they pick up the vehicle to reassess the recall repair. They refused, instructing me to take it to another Mitsubishi service center — despite there being none conveniently located near me. Ongoing Delay & Lack of Resolution: I have spent over eight months attempting to resolve this issue. Despite multiple attempts, I have received no meaningful resolution, acknowledgment of fault, or corrective action. Summary of Complaint: The dealership misrepresented the completion of a federally mandated safety recall. The vehicle remains unsafe, as confirmed by independent mechanics and a court ruling. The dealership has refused to re-inspect at there cost or take responsibility. I am seeking a formal investigation and consumer protection intervention. The dealership misrepresented the completion of a safety-critical repair and failed to provide adequate service or resolution.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11694564 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading
4

Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 3 mention a crash, 3 mention an injury.

airbags not deploying 3software faults 1
A recent report: Since I bought my car in 2021 the air bag system sensor goes off as well as the seatbelt light even if my seatbelt is on.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11647273 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
8

Most reports here involve corrosion.

corrosion 3
A recent report: The car has severe rust on the frame to the point of the rust corroding a hole in the frame making it unsafe to drive. Black paint has been applied to conceal the extent of the rust, demonstrating…
Read full complaint

The car has severe rust on the frame to the point of the rust corroding a hole in the frame making it unsafe to drive. Black paint has been applied to conceal the extent of the rust, demonstrating clear intent to mislead and a disregard for human safety. The catalytic converter has been aftermarket welded into place and failing emissions. Other repairs needed cannot be done because the rust damage is to bad for mechanics to risk removing the bolts. Yes, the car is available for inspection. This dealership endangered my life, the lives of my loved ones and other drivers on the road with us by allowing us to drive a car with a damaged frame with could have caused a major accident. I took the car to my mechanic and the dealership's mechanic of choice and both said the car is unsafe to drive. The car was inspected by the Peachtree Mitsubishi Service Center and for whatever their reason may be, they told us the car was in great condition. After driving the car for a couple of weeks, we noticed the fumes and a knocking noise under the car. Also, the check engine light was on and the Peachtree Mitsubishi Service Center said it was the tire pressure. Despite my attempts to resolve this matter with the dealership directly, they have refused to take responsibility for their actions. I believe their practices violate consumer protection laws and pose a significant risk to public safety.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11653563 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Minor
7

Most reports here involve premature wear.

premature wear 1
A recent report: Unknown

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11517959 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 58 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2011 and 2026, roughly 4 a year, which is fewer than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.

How does it compare with other years? The 2011 has 58 complaints on file, fewer than the 2010 (60) and more than the 2012 (22). Of the 15 model years of the Mitsubishi Outlander we cover, the 2022 has the most (213). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.