Mitsubishi Outlander Electrical System Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 7, 2026 · 164 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 164 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the Mitsubishi Outlander across 23 model years. The 2022 model year has the most (25).

At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?

Based on 78 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles21 · 27%
10k–25k miles9 · 12%
25k–50k miles16 · 21%
50k–75k miles7 · 9%
75k–100k miles12 · 15%
100k–150k miles10 · 13%
150k+ miles3 · 4%

How serious are the reports?

Of 164 complaints, 8 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 4 an injury.

Mitsubishi Outlander electrical system complaints by model year

Peak: 2022, with 25 complaints
2003: 920032004: 22005: 220052006: 42007: 1320072008: 72009: 320092010: 62011: 920112012: 22013: 420132014: 32015: 620152016: 122017: 820172018: 92019: 720192020: 112022: 252022252023: 112024: 620242025: 32026: 22026

n = 164 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearElectrical System complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2026 Outlander267%—
2025 Outlander320%—
2024 Outlander623%25,000
2023 Outlander1122%79,057
2022 Outlander2512%25,000
2020 Outlander1135%1,700
2019 Outlander724%30,000
2018 Outlander916%26,000
2017 Outlander816%37,500
2016 Outlander128%15,000
2015 Outlander611%40,000
2014 Outlander37%6,000
2013 Outlander415%42,650
2012 Outlander29%5,500
2011 Outlander916%77,000
2010 Outlander610%81,500
2009 Outlander37%—
2008 Outlander712%54,750
2007 Outlander1310%12,500
2006 Outlander419%70,000
2005 Outlander211%104,000
2004 Outlander24%500
2003 Outlander98%76,100

When owners reported it

Peak: 2025, with 26 complaints
2003: 120032004: 22005: 120052006: 12007: 420072008: 52009: 320092010: 12011: 320112012: 12013: 120132014: 102015: 620152016: 42017: 620172018: 92019: 1220192020: 82021: 520212022: 82023: 1420232024: 172025: 262025262026: 16

n = 164 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (5)

Forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control; electronic stability control (esc); electrical system:software; service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipSep 14, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V621000 · 58,916 vehicles

Model years: 2017, 2018

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system and 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross vehicles and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system and/or an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) system. The software for the Hydraulic Unit Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may be incorrect, possibly preventing the intervention of a safety system such as automatic emergency braking, Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), or the Brake Auto Hold (BAH) function when any of these systems are in use.

Risk: If the safety systems do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the Hydraulic Unit-ECU software, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-008.

Forward collision avoidance:software:pedestrian/cyclist/object/obstacle/ recognition; electrical system:softwareSep 14, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V620000 · 9,166 vehicles

Model years: 2017, 2018

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Outlander Sport, 2018-2019 Eclipse Cross, and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system that detects pedestrians. Due to incorrect software, the FCM-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) may apply braking for longer than needed, even after a pedestrian is no longer detected.

Risk: If the FCM-ECU software activates the brake for longer than necessary, the driver may react by applying additional braking. The resulting rapid deceleration of the vehicle can increase the risk of a rear-end collision.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the FCM-ECU software with updated software, free of charge. The recall is began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-007.

Electrical system:starter assembly:relaySep 29, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V609000 · 132,552 vehicles

Model years: 2015, 2016, 2017

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Outlander, 2015-2016 Lancer and Outlander Sport, and 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles. These vehicles may have defective relays that can result in an engine stall, reduced engine power or the engine overheating.

Risk: If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected relays, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-005.

Electrical systemApr 20, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V232000 · 53,396 vehicles

Model years: 2009, 2010

Problem: 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.

Risk: Unstable voltage could result in intermittent failure of the vehicle's head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. If the headlights and/or windshield wipers fail, the driver could have reduced visibility. If the tail lights fail, the vehicle could be less visible. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected ECU, free of charge. The recall began on June 15 ,2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-002.

Electrical system:wiring:interior/under dashMay 20, 2003 · NHTSA campaign 03V194000 · 43,649 vehicles

Model years: 2003

Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, water could enter the front floorboard area from openings in the side sill or upper dash area. This water could collect under the seat and cause electrical corrosion to occur in the harness connectors that contain the wiring for the seat belt pre-tensioner, side air bag impact sensor, and stop lamps.

Risk: Electrical corrosion of the harness could cause the seat belt pre-tensioner to malfunction, the side air bag not to deploy and/or the brake lamps not to illuminate or to falsely illuminate.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the side sills and dash panel for openings that may allow water leakage into the vehicle cabin. In addition to sealing any openings that may be found, the wiring connectors will be inspected for signs of electrical corrosion. The floor harness will be replaced if it has any signs of water damage or electrical corrosion. Owner notification began june 23, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact mitsubishi america at 1-800-222-0037 or mitsubishi caribbean at 1-787-251-8715.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The camera does not activate when the car is put into reverse. It also doesn't activate when you are parking the car. The parking camera doesn't show on the screen at all. The recall on this item was repaired on my car but didn't fix the issue and the dealer refused to service it further without…

Received Aug 12, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11756554

My 2024 Outlander locked all the doors while the engine was running and the FAST key was inside the vehicle. I exited normally through the driver’s door and did not intentionally lock the vehicle. I want this documented on the repair order and I’d like the keyless-operation system checked…

Received Aug 10, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11755906

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…

Received Jul 31, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11753974

The car itself should not be sold considering the number of complaints about the transmission issues. I’ve only had the car a month and Its started to stall and jerks when in acceleration. The gears started to not shift properly and the car would not go over 20 miles without jerking. I took the…

Received Jul 23, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11752307

I own a 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander that I purchased new on December 21, 2024. Since shortly after purchase, the vehicle has experienced ongoing problems involving the brakes, electrical system, and fuel fumes entering the passenger cabin. The most serious issue is the brake system. I have…

Received Jun 15, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11744193
Mitsubishi Outlander
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (fourth generation) in Leinfelden-Echterdingen. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Mitsubishi Outlanders have electrical system problems?

No. NHTSA has 164 owner complaints about electrical system for the Mitsubishi Outlander. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Mitsubishi Outlander electrical system?

Yes: 5 safety recalls list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

Other Mitsubishi Outlander problems

See all Mitsubishi Outlander problems.