Mitsubishi

Outlander (2006)

2006 · Compact SUV ยท 1 engine
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (3.6)
21 NHTSA Complaints
1 Recalls
0 Fire Reports
2 Crash Reports
View all 7 generations of the Mitsubishi Outlander → ๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

Engine Reliability Ratings

Mitsubishi Outlander Unidentified Engine

โœ… Recommended (3.6)
16 complaints 16.0 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

suspension
6
exterior
4
electrical
3
brakes
2
body
2

Known Issues

Suspension Issues (6 complaints)
Exterior Issues (4 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (3 complaints)
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

2.4 MIVEC

2.4L
โœ… Recommended (4.3)
4 complaints 4.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

exterior
3
fuel system
1

Known Issues

Exterior Issues (3 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (1 complaints)

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Mitsubishi Outlander regardless of engine variant.

Exterior Issues (7 complaints)
exterior cosmetic
Suspension Issues (6 complaints)
suspension critical

Recalls (1)

16V458000Jun 22, 2016serious
Suspension

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.

Alternatives in Compact SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2006-2006 Mitsubishi Outlander problems?

The 2006-2006 Mitsubishi Outlander has accumulated 21 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Exterior, Suspension, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Mitsubishi Outlander engine is most reliable?

The 2006-2006 Mitsubishi Outlander was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.7L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2006-2006 Mitsubishi Outlander a good used car?

The 2006-2006 Mitsubishi Outlander can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 21 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2006-2006 Mitsubishi Outlander have?

The 2006-2006 Mitsubishi Outlander has 21 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2006-2006 Mitsubishi Outlander?

There is 1 NHTSA recall affecting some 2006-2006 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Mitsubishi Outlander?

Before buying a used Mitsubishi Outlander, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Exterior, Suspension, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Does the Outlander have NHTSA crash test ratings?

NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2006 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. 21 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: low. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

© 2026 The Weekly Driver