Outlander (2004)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Mitsubishi Outlander Unidentified Engine
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Complaint Breakdown
Show 1 additional engine variant with limited data
2.4-I4-Gas
2.4L 4-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mitsubishi Outlander, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
On a used 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the suspension (20), the body and structure (8) and the engine (8). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Drive over a speed bump and a rough patch at 15 to 20 mph with the radio off.Safety. NHTSA has 20 owner complaints on the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander about the suspension.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 8 owner complaints on the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander about the body and structure.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 8 owner complaints on the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander about the engine.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 7 owner complaints on the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Measure the tread on all four tires, read the date codes and look at each wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 1 owner complaint on the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander about the wheels and tires.
Recalls (4)
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, 'OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION.' THE BILINGUAL ENGLISH/SPANISH REMOVABLE AIR BAG WARNING LABELS AFFIXED TO THE DASH AND TO THE SUNVISOR DO NOT MEET THE SIZE REQUIREMENTS OF THE STANDARD.
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED WITH DEALER-INSTALLED TRAILER HITCH WIRING HARNESS AND CONTROL MODULE. THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE CAN OVERHEAT.
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES LOCATED IN THE CARIBBEAN, DUE TO A SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING ERROR IN THE ELECTRONIC TIMING AND CONTROL SYSTEM (ETACS), WHILE USING THE INTERMITTENT WIPER MODE, THE INTERMITTENT WIPER SWEEP TIME INTERVAL MAY INCREASE AS MUCH AS 6.8 SECOND BETWEEN WIPER SWEEPS.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2004-2004 Mitsubishi Outlander complaints?
Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004-2004 Mitsubishi Outlander. The systems they name most often are the suspension, the body and trim and the engine.
Is the 2004-2004 Mitsubishi Outlander a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004-2004 Mitsubishi Outlander. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004-2004 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
NHTSA has 52 owner complaints on file for the 2004-2004 Mitsubishi Outlander as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2004-2004 Mitsubishi Outlander?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls covering some 2004-2004 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Mitsubishi Outlander?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the suspension, the body and trim and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Outlander have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 52 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-10-12.