Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I purchased the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander in 2015. In January 2018 the engine seized up while driving and was not repairable. Thankfully I was able to pull over and no one was hurt. The vehicle was only 7 years old with only 112,846 miles and I still had a loan on the vehicle for approxiamtly $10,000. The vehicle was at the time worth the cost left to pay it off. I consulted many Mitsubishi dealerships around the country and the only fix as a new engine for the vehicle which was an additional $10,000 and there were no engines anywhere in the country that could be found. The reason is that Mitsubishi decommissioned this Outlander model in 2013 due to the issue with the engine - essentially it was built like a snowmobile engine. The belt snapped and there was no repairing it - only replacing the entire engine. …
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. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander. While driving 25 MPH, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the vehicle. The contact continued driving and pulled over to the side of the road. The contact inspected underneath the vehicle and noticed that the muffler was detached. The contact called bell Mitsubishi (1500 U.S. 1, rahway, nj 07065, [phone]) in an attempt to trade-in the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated upon coming to a stop, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed of an unknown fuse failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 99,600. Consumer stated electrical circuit shorts drains the battery continuously. On several occasions vehicle has shut off completely while in traffic.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander. While driving at 35 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle hesitated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V562000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.
There have been many problems the last couple years with my car, I noticed last year when I was on a long distance road trip that my transmission overheating light was coming on? I had to pull over a couple times and let it cool down before I could continue... It stopped doing it for awhile, and then now my car is losing accelleration on the freeway and seems to be stalling , it is very dangerous and no one at Mitsubishi or other shops knows whats wrong? Please help
Brakes make a different sound (like a blow) when it brakes suddenly. Air conditioning stopped working two weeks ago. When the a / c is turned on, the sound of the compressor is heard but no air is voted. Opaque or not illuminate well. Low intensity of the lights.
The engine is shutting off while In traffic and from a full stop on red light. This happened so many times. I had to put on park and start the engine for it to work again.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 18V103000 (visibility), 18V103000 (engine and engine cooling), 18V103000 (structure), and 18V103000 (visibility). The contact was unable to have the vehicle repaired because the nearest dealer was two states away. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated while driving and the vehicle would not accelerate over 55 MPH. The failure was experienced several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer numerous times for the failure where the dealer performed a diagnostic but was unable to locate a failure code. The dealer did not replace any parts. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 600 and the current mileage was 1,300.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
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.
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.
Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys
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.
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.
Engine complaints in other Outlander years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander, 41% of the model year's 58 complaints. The component named most often is exhaust system › manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 18V-069 (belts and associated pulleys, Jan 26, 2018); NHTSA recall 14V-562 (belts and associated pulleys, Sep 12, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 43% before 25,000 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.