Mitsubishi Outlander Engine Problems
Owners have filed 139 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the Mitsubishi Outlander across 21 model years. The 2016 model year has the most (20). The words owners use most often: “engine cooling” (8% of reports).
- 139engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 6mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 47%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Engine cooling: mentioned in 11 of 139 complaints (8%)
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 62 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 139 complaints, 6 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 2 an injury.
Mitsubishi Outlander engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Outlander | 3 | 100% | — |
| 2025 Outlander | 1 | 7% | — |
| 2024 Outlander | 3 | 12% | 45,000 |
| 2023 Outlander | 7 | 14% | — |
| 2022 Outlander | 13 | 6% | 35,450 |
| 2020 Outlander | 2 | 6% | 90,554 |
| 2019 Outlander | 3 | 10% | 100,193 |
| 2018 Outlander | 12 | 21% | 28,000 |
| 2017 Outlander | 8 | 16% | 46,364 |
| 2016 Outlander | 20 | 14% | 50,000 |
| 2015 Outlander | 12 | 23% | 38,842 |
| 2013 Outlander | 5 | 19% | 81,083 |
| 2012 Outlander | 3 | 14% | 71,250 |
| 2011 Outlander | 19 | 33% | 70,000 |
| 2010 Outlander | 12 | 20% | 105,334 |
| 2009 Outlander | 4 | 9% | 7,252 |
| 2008 Outlander | 5 | 9% | 120,500 |
| 2007 Outlander | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2005 Outlander | 1 | 5% | 80,000 |
| 2004 Outlander | 2 | 4% | 105,000 |
| 2003 Outlander | 3 | 3% | 66,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleys
Model years: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-001.
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleys
Model years: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
Problem: 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. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4B1 engines, have an engine pulley and belt arrangement for turning the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (if equipped). These pulleys may experience unusual wear and allow for belt detachment.
Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. The recall began on October 15, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-009.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Driving down the road and the engine shuts off. Yes its available upon request. I have reported it to my mechanic. The safety is me and others as this has happened 3 times in the past 2 weeks in the middle of traffic. My mechanic has been the only one to look at the car and doesnt know what is…
This is the issue Iâm having with this vehicle since I purchased it July3,2026 car shuts off in middle of road and car also loss of power in middle of road while still trying to press gas then jerks backfire issue was reported to dealership. Brand new vehicle but keep having issues thatâs not…
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 car itself should not be sold considering the number of complaints about the transmission issues. Iâve 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…
ENGINE MALFUNCTION SERVICE NOW APPEARED (ERROR) I took the vehicle to the dealership for evaluation. The mechanic checked, reset, and reprogrammed the module. I was instructed to return if the error occurred. It did after driving 5 miles. The mechanic rechecked for possibly having different errors…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Mitsubishi Outlanders have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 139 owner complaints about engine 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 engine?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about engine problems on the Mitsubishi Outlander?
The most frequent phrase is “engine cooling”, in 11 of 139 complaints.
Other Mitsubishi Outlander problems
- Power Train problems (183)
- Suspension problems (173)
- Electrical System problems (164)
- Structure problems (157)
- Air Bags problems (110)
See all Mitsubishi Outlander problems.