Headlight complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 4% | — |
| 2020 | 2 | 6% | 179,000 miles |
| 2019 | 1 | 3% | 0 miles |
| 2018 | 5 | 9% | 32,000 miles |
| 2017 | 3 | 6% | 38,000 miles |
| 2016 | 12 | 8% | 60,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 2% | 35,000 miles |
| 2014 | 1 | 2% | 58,000 miles |
| 2013 | 1 | 4% | 0 miles |
| 2012 | 1 | 5% | 137,000 miles |
| 2011 | 3 | 5% | 70,000 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% | 12,000 miles |
| 2009 | 5 | 11% | 139,000 miles |
| 2008 | 8 | 14% | 94,000 miles |
| 2007 | 10 | 8% | 41,000 miles |
| 2006 | 7 | 33% | 102,000 miles |
| 2005 | 1 | 5% | 60,000 miles |
| 2004 | 6 | 12% | 39,000 miles |
| 2003 | 19 | 16% | 50,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger's side headlight failed to operate. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the headlight was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact then stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the front driver's side headlight failed to operate as needed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the headlight needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.
2018 Mitishichi Headlights, left, then right stop working. Dealer replaced first one within 6 months. So far I have replaced one or the other 4 or 5 Times. I did complain to NHTSA . These lights have been out more than they have worked. Google indicates a large number of these issues but no recall from NHTSA.
I have had the vehicle for only a little over a year (bought it March of 2018 with only 12,046 miles). Since I have had the vehicle, I have had to replace the headlight bulb on the passenger side a total of 4 times and a total of 3 times on the driver side (which is currently blown now, which will make a total of 4 times once I replace it). Once I replace the bulb one side, the bulb goes out on the other side about a week later. A couple of times I have thought a bulb would go out, and it would start working again. I was advised that maybe it was condensation, but there is no condensation. Also, when driving, my radio console turns off and restarts as if I am just starting the vehicle up. Around the time this has happened, a headlight bulb usually blows out. …
Low beam headlights went out simultaneously while travelling with my family within less than a year of owning the new car (2017 Mitsubishi Outlander). The vehicle was serviced at the place of purchase, a Mitsubishi dealership, to replace the bulbs which again went out within 7 months. Next, the bulbs were replaced at the Mitsubishi dealership only to lose them again on vehicle startup 12 - 13 months later. I was left with no lights in the dark and subject to getting to an area of safety with family in the car. I am diligent with preventive maintenance & refuse to believe that this issue is an isolated condition with the OEM bulbs as they continue to fail in the same moment.
This is now my second complaint to you. Again on the headlights this time they went out at the same time while driving on a two lane highway shortly after midnight.thank god I had high beans even though I'm sure the people I passed didn't appreciate it. Since owning this SUV I have had the bulbs replaced 5 times on the right side and 7 times on the left.was told by autozone that they believe the seal around the light is causing the moisture to enter and carrode .not sure if this is the real problem!. The price of these replacement bulbs are not cheap.I have never had an issue like this on any of my vehicles during my lifetime.... I see I am not the only one to complain about this issue, I found many complaints by searching the net..I feel this is a huge safety issue and it needs to be corrected by Mitsubishi.
Since we've owned this vehicle, we have had nothing but issues with the lights. At night, you can hardly see. When I addressed with service, I was told that this was a known issue and to resolve, I would need to buy the newer model. The headlights have been replaced by my husband about a dozen times! This morning when I left for work, they are out yet again. This is now a safety issue! About two months ago, I was coming home on route 95 in 8 lanes of traffic without headlights because they went out again. At this point, we're done! As we speak I'm working with a local dealership to get out of this death trap and I felt it was important to escalate this issue to ensure others are not impacted.
The etacs control has caused my tail lights and tag lights to not work. This is an extreme amount of money to fix. I see there was a recall on the etacs for vehicles made in 2010 and I believe my car should be in this recall but nothing has come up according to the VIN. I cannot get my car inspected and registered due to this etacs failure.
The dashboard indicator for the headlight shows the parking light symbol for both the parking lights and the headlights. It is impossible to determine from the dashboard which lights are being used. This could result in driving at night with the parking lights on when headlights are needed. This is an unsafe condition. The headlight symbol should be used whenever the headlights are on.
Related recalls (2)
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
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.
Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch with a new one, free of charge. The recall began in mid-October 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820.
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch. The recall is expected to begin during February 2009. Owners May contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
Frequently asked questions
Which Mitsubishi Outlander years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (19), 2016 (12), 2007 (10), 2008 (8) and 2006 (7) model years. Headlight complaints make up 16% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Mitsubishi Outlander headlight problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 14V-564 (switch, Sep 12, 2014); 08V-680 (switch, Dec 19, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Mitsubishi Outlander headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles; 44% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (6 mentions), followed by the headlights › concealment devices (3).
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.