Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 7% | — |
| 2024 | 3 | 12% | 45,000 miles |
| 2023 | 8 | 16% | — |
| 2022 | 14 | 6% | 70,000 miles |
| 2020 | 2 | 6% | 179,000 miles |
| 2019 | 3 | 10% | 100,000 miles |
| 2018 | 12 | 21% | 28,000 miles |
| 2017 | 8 | 16% | 77,000 miles |
| 2016 | 20 | 14% | 50,000 miles |
| 2015 | 12 | 23% | 44,000 miles |
| 2013 | 5 | 19% | 92,000 miles |
| 2012 | 3 | 14% | 137,000 miles |
| 2011 | 24 | 41% | 64,000 miles |
| 2010 | 19 | 32% | 99,000 miles |
| 2009 | 7 | 15% | 7,000 miles |
| 2008 | 9 | 16% | 110,000 miles |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% | 4,000 miles |
| 2005 | 2 | 11% | 128,000 miles |
| 2004 | 8 | 15% | 49,000 miles |
| 2003 | 16 | 14% | 68,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact rented a 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander from Drivo Car Rental. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound. The contact stated that there was a vibrating sound coming from the hood. The front windshield was fractured on the passenger's side, and the instrument cluster failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the safety features were inoperable, and the vehicle was almost involved in a crash. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had occurred while traveling with the family. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was returned to Drivo Car Rental. The contact stated that while returning the vehicle to the agency, the contact was informed that the vehicle should not have been rented. …
At about 52,000 miles August 26, 2025- September 2, 2025 for rpm going low and high in idle and check engine light came on replaced engine coil #4 Sept 4, 2025- October 9, 2025 Coolant in engine Failed 2 compression test Needs head gasket repair Instructed to take head off Send head to machine shop to have valves checked Never sent valves to machine shop Replacing engine December 26, 2025 Engine sounds like a jet plane and after calling Mitsubishi it will need to be towed 2 hours away because they shut my local dealership down. I have tried for goodwill assist, buyback, etc but I'm treated horribly. I just found another person that it happened to at 50,000 miles also
1) 12/20/2024: Took the car to a Mitsubishi dealer as the 'Check Engine Light' was ON for a few days. They erased the code but could not diagnose the cause. Returned home and could NOT charge the car using the same standard outlet (level 1) I used since I bought the car. The instrument cluster displayed the following (Please see Pic 1): a) Error message 'PHEV System Fault, Service Required'. b) Check engine light. c) Forward Collision Mitigation System [FCM] OFF warning light. d) Rear Automatic Emergency Braking [Rear AEB] system OFF warning light. e) Plug-in hybrid EV system warning light. Since 12/20/2024, I have been driving the car with these serious safety issues. 2) 1/2/2025: 'On-board charger' was replaced by the dealer. But the same error continued. Per dealer invoice, they "performed drive cycle pattern 3 and the code returned". …
The electrical system in my 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander has repeatedly malfunctioned since September 2023. The primary failure involves the dashboard completely shutting down while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in the loss of critical driving information such as speed and system warnings. The issue is intermittent but ongoing and may be available for inspection upon request. This failure creates a serious safety risk because I am unable to see essential driving information while operating the vehicle, placing both myself and my family at risk. The vehicle has been taken to authorized Mitsubishi dealerships multiple times for these issues. Repairs have been performed during these visits; however, none have permanently resolved the problem. The issue temporarily stops after repairs but eventually returns and continues to recur. The problem has been reproduced multiple times. …
The contact owns a 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing motive power. The vehicle failed to start. The contact added additional fuel. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V027000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump was faulty and there was no recall coverage for the failure. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. While driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle sputtered, hesitating and jerking. The contact stated that the engine overheated and started sputtering. The engine warning light was illuminated. The temperature gauge increased to high. The contact was able to move over to the side of the roadway. …
The contact owns a 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The RPM's increased. In addition, the vehicle hesitated and jerked. o warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact has an upcoming diagnostic testing appointment scheduled. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
The contact owned a 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and turned off, a fire occurred near the engine compartment. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. A fire report was filed, and a fire report number was provided. The cause of the failure was possibly determined to be electrical or engine-related. A police report was also filed, and a report number was provided to the contact. The vehicle was destroyed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,193.
While accelerating the gas gage goes up but there is resistance when pressing on gas. The vehicle does not accelerate right away and there is a drag before the vehicle gets up to speed. It takes off really slow.
Related recalls (2)
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mitsubishi Outlander years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2011 (24), 2016 (20), 2010 (19), 2003 (16) and 2022 (14) model years. Engine complaints make up 41% of all complaints for the 2011.
Is there a recall for Mitsubishi Outlander engine problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 18V-069 (belts and associated pulleys, Jan 26, 2018); 14V-562 (belts and associated pulleys, Sep 12, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mitsubishi Outlander engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 67,000 miles; 48% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (7 mentions), followed by the cooling system (4).
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.