Reliability
Mitsubishi

Outlander (2nd)

2007-2013 · Compact SUV · 2 engines
392 NHTSA Complaints
15 Recalls
3 Fire Reports
23 Crash Reports
View all 7 generations of the Mitsubishi Outlander → Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

7.9 / 10

Reliability score

Fewer owner complaints than similar compact SUVs

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 110 powertrain complaints. A typical compact SUV fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 161.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.2 points in the typical case.

Breakdown
Complaints overall110 complaints against about 161 for similar vehicles
7.9
Last three years
n/aNot enough data
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced14 complaints against about 25 for similar vehicles
8.3
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating
n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year
  • 20079.2
  • 20087.7
  • 20098.1
  • 20107.5
  • 20116.4
  • 20128.2
  • 20137.4

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record · from NHTSA's files, not reviewed by hand

Recall18V069
Engine And Engine Cooling, Engine, Gasoline, Belts And Associated Pulleys · 42,783 vehicles (43% of those built) · maker's estimate: 100% have the defect
Recall14V562
Engine And Engine Cooling, Engine, Gasoline, Belts And Associated Pulleys · 40,242 vehicles (41% of those built) · maker's estimate: 100% have the defect

Complaints by Engine Code

Mitsubishi Outlander Unidentified Engine

377 complaints 53.9 per year
3 fire reports
View details

Complaint Breakdown

suspension
84
other
68
engine
62
electrical
47
transmission
43

DOHC MIVEC

2.0L
15 complaints 5.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
8
other
3
safety systems
3
cooling
3
body
1

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.

Suspension: 84 owner complaints
Engine: 70 owner complaints
Electrical System: 47 owner complaints
Transmission: 44 owner complaints
Brakes: 30 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2007-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander

On a used 2007-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the suspension (84), the engine (70) and the electrical system (47). 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.

  1. Drive over a speed bump and a rough patch at 15 to 20 mph with the radio off.Safety. NHTSA has 84 owner complaints on the 2007-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander about the suspension.
  2. Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 70 owner complaints on the 2007-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander about the engine.
  3. Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 47 owner complaints on the 2007-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander about the electrical system.
  4. Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 44 owner complaints on the 2007-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander about the transmission and drivetrain.
  5. On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 30 owner complaints on the 2007-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander about the brakes.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2007-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander

Recalls (15)

20V279000May 18, 2020serious
Structure

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.

18V071000Jan 26, 2018serious
Visibility

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Outlander, 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Evolution, and 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles equipped with sunroofs. The sunroof glass may detach from the sunroof assembly, becoming a road hazard to other vehicles.

18V069000Jan 26, 2018serious
Engine & Cooling

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive belt to detach.

17V461000Jul 20, 2017serious
Visibility

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles. In the affected vehicles, water may drop between the hood and the windshield and leak into the wiper motor breathing hole. The water may cause internal corrosion of the windshield wiper motor and the possible failure of the motor.

16V791000Oct 31, 2016serious
Visibility

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles manufactured September 8, 2006, to March 29, 2013. In the affected vehicles, water may enter between the hood and windshield and cause the front wiper link ball joint to corrode, possibly resulting in the wiper link separating and the wipers becoming inoperative.

Show 10 older recalls
16V458000Jun 23, 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.

15V232000Apr 20, 2015serious
Electrical System

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to July 6, 2010, 2009-2010 Outlander vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to August 27, 2010, 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to June 8, 2010, and 2010 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to August 4, 2010. The affected vehicles have an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. Due to a manufacturing error, the voltage inside this ECU may be unstable.

15V233000Apr 20, 2015serious
Visibility

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Lancer vehicles manufactured March 16, 2009, to March 30, 2011, 2010-2011 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to December 1, 2010, 2010-2011 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to January 7, 2011, 2009-2011 Outlander vehicles manufactured February 10, 2009, to June 22, 2011, and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to November 19, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the blower motor may fail.

14V564000Sep 12, 2014serious
Exterior Lighting

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Outlander vehicles manufactured December 15, 2006, to October 31, 2007, and April 16, 2008, to August 22, 2009. In the affected vehicles, the brake light switch may malfunction causing the brake lights to not illuminate during brake application.

14V562000Sep 12, 2014serious
Engine & Cooling

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4B1 engines, have an engine pulley and belt arrangement for turning the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (if equipped). These pulleys may experience unusual wear and allow for belt detachment.

14V366000Jun 25, 2014serious
Steering

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, Mitusbishi is recalling certain 2007-2012 Outlander vehicles that received replacement 6-speed automatic transmissions during servicing. The transmissions in these vehicles have insufficient clearance between the power steering pressure tube and the converter housing of the automatic transmission. As a result of the contact, the power steering pressure tube may develop a hole and leak power steering fluid.

14V365000Jun 25, 2014serious
Powertrain

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2007 and 2009 Outlander vehicles. During servicing, the affected vehicles were repaired with replacement transfer case assemblies whose oil seal may come out of position.

09V077000Mar 10, 2009serious
Service Brakes, Air

MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 39,711 MY 2008-2009 OUTLANDER AND LACER VEHICLES. INCORRECT MATERIAL COMPOSITION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE MAY CAUSE THE CHECK VALVE TO STICK CLOSED WHEN THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RE-STARTED AND PUT INTO MOTION, UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS (VERY SLOW VEHICLE MANEUVERS), THERE MAY BE INSUFFICIENT INITIAL BRAKING ASSIST.

08V680000Dec 19, 2008serious
Exterior Lighting

MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 21,493 MY 2007-2008 OUTLANDER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH LED TYPE STOP LAMPS AND DISTRIBUTED IN THE UNITED STATES AND PUERTO RICO. THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE THE STOP LAMPS TO NOT ILLUMINATE DURING BRAKE APPLICATION.

08V094000Feb 28, 2008serious
Seats

MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 5,400 MY 2007-2008 OUTLANDER PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF 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. FOR VEHICLES WITHOUT AN ELECTRIC POWER SEAT, THE FLOOR HARNESS CONNECTOR FOR THE POWER SEAT IS PLACED DIRECTLY ON THE FLOORBOARD UNDERNEATH THE CARPETING (VEHICLES WITH POWER SEATS ALREADY HAVE THE HARNESS ELEVATED). IF A VEHICLE OCCUPANT ENTERS THE VEHICLE WITH A SUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF SNOW ON THEIR FEET CONTAINING ROAD SALT, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE MELTED SNOW MIXTURE TO SOAK THE CARPET AND ALLOW THE SALT-WATER SOLUTION TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE UNUSED POWER SEAT HARNESS CONNECTOR.

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
4/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
4/5
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
4/5
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
4/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall Not Rated
Frontal Crash
—
Side Crash
—
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2007-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander complaints?

Owners have filed 392 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander. The systems they name most often are the suspension, the engine and the electrical system.

Is the 2007-2013 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 392 complaints with NHTSA about the 2007-2013 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 2007-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander have?

NHTSA has 392 owner complaints on file for the 2007-2013 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 2007-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander?

NHTSA lists 15 recalls covering some 2007-2013 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 engine and the electrical system, 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.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Outlander?

The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 4 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (19.1% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: No. Lane Departure Warning: No. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 392 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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