Most common 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander problems
Share of the 21 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mitsubishi Outlander complaints by model year
Best Outlander years: 2012, 2013, 2019. Years to avoid: 2022, 2016, 2023, 2024, 2025. Compare all years →
2006 Mitsubishi Outlander recalls (1)
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
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,…
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…
What 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander owners say
Lights
As reported by several other owners of the 2006 model Outlander, which was the only model year to use this specific headlight unit, the low beam bulbs have serious and significant longevity issues. Starting somewhat prior to 2012, I have not been able to keep a low beam bulb (h1 kind) functional for longer than 6-7 months prior to it burning out. I have purchased every brand of bulb, manufactured in 6 different countries, of every price range and they all have the same average 6 month lifespan. I have had both bulbs burn out within days of each other and therefore keep two spares in the vehicle at all times for prompt replacement. Seeing the number of complaints here, I needed to add mine to the mix to encourage action on this issue. I am quite knowledgeable about bulbs and proper handling of bulbs to prevent finger oils from causing weak spots on glass. …
The headlight bulbs keep burning out. First one side goes. I replace the bulb and the other side burns out. Then both bulbs on the one side burns out. I replace them and the 2 bulbs on the other side burn out. Dec 21, 2015 all of the headlight bulbs burned out . Not only is this costing a lot of money in mechanic fees but I also got a ticket for a burned out headlight set of bulb on one side I wasn't even aware had burned out. This is a safety hazard and when I realize the light is burned out I have to ride with my highbeams on which is safety hazard for oncoming cars. I have called Mitsubishi and was told there were no recalls on this year and model of Mitsubishi Outlander. I have had this repair done 6 to 8 times this year alone. Sometimes the car is running like last night and sometimes it is parked and when I get ready to use it it has already burned out. …
Suspension
Tl* the contact owned a 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander. While driving 50-60 MPH, the vehicle swerved uncontrollably without warning. The contact was concerned that the front suspension experienced a failure. The contact stated that the vehicle crossed three oncoming lanes and crashed into a cement barrier. The air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The contact sustained minor injuries to the lower back that did not require medical attention. The vehicle was towed to an independent facility. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V458000 (suspension). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000. The vehicle was destroyed. The VIN was not available.
Control arm became unattached losing ability to steer and cracking the subframe on the front driver side.
Electrical system
Horrible design on primary lower beams h1 bulbs headlights. Socket becomes loose and/or fusing tight and burns out quickly. Same design as some Japan models like Honda element use of h1 bulb and stanley socket is so dysfunctional. I installed secondary foglight system running on other lines - since lights go out a lot easy in snow and rain. Its been happening for yrs, I bought car used.
Tl* - the contact stated that she had problems with vehicle approximately 2 months after she purchased the vehicle. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20-25 MPH the speedometer stopped working., it registered 0 MPH, and he couldn't tell how fast he was going. The contact stated the body vibrated, the engine stalled. The contact stated the driver has related the details to her. Therefore, she did not have specific details about the failures. The contact stated that water leaked into the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact stated that each time the dealer fixed a part another part failed.
2006 Mitsubishi Outlander engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 19 / 25 / 22 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 4WD/AWD | 18 / 25 / 21 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 4WD/AWD | 18 / 23 / 20 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander a good car?
Based on 21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Outlander rates better than average: 82% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Outlander at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander?
The lights — 7 complaints, 33% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the suspension (6) and electrical system (4).
How many recalls does the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
There is 1 recall for the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander, the most recent from June 23, 2016 (lower arm). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mitsubishi Outlander?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2013 and 2019. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2022, 2016, 2023, 2024 and 2025. See the full Mitsubishi Outlander years comparison.
At what mileage do 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 100,000 miles; 20% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.