IllustrationCamshaft phaser shattered and is missing a chunk of metal
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 47.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Outlander years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
140–25K
625–50K
450–75K
375–100K
4100–150K
1150K+
32 reports with mileage · 25 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Engine. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 9 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
7 crash reports0 fire reports7 injury reports
What owners actually said
57 reportsThe contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the contact became aware that the rearview camera was inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera failed to function properly, and the camera image appeared blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not dia…
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The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the contact became aware that the rearview camera was inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera failed to function properly, and the camera image appeared blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.
Car will drive on interstate then will be unable to accelerate on interstate warning, “Propulsion power reduced” light turns on and vehicle speed decreases and car does not accelerates and loses speed. I had to stop vehicle multiple times to reset the car per advice on the internet but car continues with drastic decrease in spe…
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Car will drive on interstate then will be unable to accelerate on interstate warning, “Propulsion power reduced” light turns on and vehicle speed decreases and car does not accelerates and loses speed. I had to stop vehicle multiple times to reset the car per advice on the internet but car continues with drastic decrease in speed on the interstate and message “Propulsion Power Reduced.” Car is serviced as per car dealership recommendations but now car is not safe to drive on the interstate.
My car does not lock. Ive changed the battery in the key fob a few times i cant use my key fob or the actual key to unlock or lock my car. Also while im driving down the road my car lights flicker a lot. Along with all my inside lights. Ive confirmed with my mechanic thats its not the radiator causing the problem. Also my car do…
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My car does not lock. Ive changed the battery in the key fob a few times i cant use my key fob or the actual key to unlock or lock my car. Also while im driving down the road my car lights flicker a lot. Along with all my inside lights. Ive confirmed with my mechanic thats its not the radiator causing the problem. Also my car doeant shift good and sometime jerks when i come to a complete stop and then go.
SRS-Air Bag codes B1476, B1558, B1631 repeated triggering since 2020. History: - 9/30/20 - Dealer read code B1631 (DR Knee ABG Squib Short) & U0154 (OCM CAN Timeout), did not diagnose cause, erased codes - 4/12/21 ~0920 - check airbag light illuminated - 7/30/21 ~0800 & ~0920 - check airbag light illuminated -- called dealer…
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SRS-Air Bag codes B1476, B1558, B1631 repeated triggering since 2020. History: - 9/30/20 - Dealer read code B1631 (DR Knee ABG Squib Short) & U0154 (OCM CAN Timeout), did not diagnose cause, erased codes - 4/12/21 ~0920 - check airbag light illuminated - 7/30/21 ~0800 & ~0920 - check airbag light illuminated -- called dealer; was informed since light extinguished I would be liable for diagnostic cost if not covered under warranty - 9/30/21 ~0700 twice - check airbag light illuminated - 11/16/21 ~0720 - check airbag light illuminated - 1/5/22 ~0630 - check airbag light illuminated - 1/14/22 ~1319 twice - check airbag light illuminated - 1/18/22 ~1550 & ~1700 - check airbag light illuminated - 1/19/22 ~1052 & ~1059 - check airbag light illuminated - 1/20/22 ~1304 - check airbag light illuminated - 1/25/22 ~1534 - check airbag light illuminated - 2/11/22 ~1000 - check airbag light illuminated - 3/19/22 ~1800 x 2, ~2245 - check airbag light illuminated - 5/16/23 ~1600 - check airbag light illuminated - 6/18/23 ~1426 - check airbag light illuminated - 6/22/23 ~0928 & ~0955 - check airbag light illuminated - 10/22/23 ~1040 - check airbag light illuminated - 6/16/24 - used personal car scan tool and found B1476 (IG1[A] voltage extraordinary low), B1558 (OCSS control unit), B1631 (DR knee ABG squib short) faults *** Original action by dealer in 2020 to simply delete latched codes did not remedy airbag problem...safety complaints at NHTSA indicate airbag failure during collision...this appears to be a serious public safety problem. ***
This is the second time the bushings on the rear motor (i believe they said inverter motor) have needed to be replaced. Currently the motor is being held by two of the three bushing. I was told by Mitsubishi that this is a common issue. If it's a common issue and if all three bushings failed, the rear motor would be displaced…
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This is the second time the bushings on the rear motor (i believe they said inverter motor) have needed to be replaced. Currently the motor is being held by two of the three bushing. I was told by Mitsubishi that this is a common issue. If it's a common issue and if all three bushings failed, the rear motor would be displaced and could cause driver to have accident while driving the vehicle. My brakes are better made then these bushings, I have only had to replace my brakes once.
The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the air bag warning light began to flash off and on. The failure was a constant failure. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer wa…
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The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the air bag warning light began to flash off and on. The failure was a constant failure. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,330.
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.
Air bag light comes on when drivers seat put back. When seat moved forward air bag light goes off. When air bag light is on system will not work, not safe to drive. Dealership on first repair did wire repair. They claimed when seat was put back it stretched harness turning on air bag light. Did repair under warranty. Second time…
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Air bag light comes on when drivers seat put back. When seat moved forward air bag light goes off. When air bag light is on system will not work, not safe to drive. Dealership on first repair did wire repair. They claimed when seat was put back it stretched harness turning on air bag light. Did repair under warranty. Second time they replaced harness due to same problem per Service Advisor. Second repair was not warranty due to being over on mileage. Vehicle is a 2018 with 31754 miles.
The sunroof on our vehicle, self exploded while driving. There was a loud bang, and then we were covered in sunroof glass shards. The fine dust of the sunroof glass went into my right eye which created minor eye irritation. I was able to pull over. Flush out my eye with water and then proceeded to remove the pieces of glass from…
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The sunroof on our vehicle, self exploded while driving. There was a loud bang, and then we were covered in sunroof glass shards. The fine dust of the sunroof glass went into my right eye which created minor eye irritation. I was able to pull over. Flush out my eye with water and then proceeded to remove the pieces of glass from the sunroof area because I was afraid the pieces would blow off and hit any vehicle that was behind us for the remainder of our drive home. It scared the hell out of us. I am thankful that my daughter was not driving due to seeing her panic reaction from this experience. There were no drivers in front of us. We were not driving under any trees. It was a clear open rural road. Went to our local dealer. They inspected the sunroof & stated they have never seen anything like this happen. Since I was out of the warranty due to mileage(9,000 over)they suggest I go through my insurance company to resolve this matter. My view on this is it wasn’t so much a warranty issue, but a huge safety issue. Never would I imagine a Sunroof self exploding while driving and not causing me to have an accident because of my reaction to it. So with this in mind, I directly called Mitsubishi motors of North America. I had them open up a case number on this issue. The final response back from the manufacture was that I needed to go through my insurance company to deal with having my sunroof replaced. During filing my case to the manufacture directly, they asked me what I would like to have Mitsubishi motors of North America do. I stated to have my sunroof replaced with the right tempered glass. That this was a scary situation and one of great safety concern that no sunroof with all the manufacture testing should ever have this happen. I was very disappointed that they were not willing to take the responsibility of replacing the sunroof properly with the right tempered glass. My insurance company view the photo of the sun roof damage and a claim is in the process.
Official recalls
626V252000 · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut
Apr 20, 2026
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2026. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-26-001. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov June 3, 2026. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V507.
25V507000 · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut
Aug 7, 2025
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles sold and/or currently registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2025. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-25-002
20V403000 · Seat Belts: Rear/other:buckle Assembly
Jul 13, 2020
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Outlander and 2018-2019 Outlander PHEV vehicles. The second-row center seat belt buckle may interfere with the right-side seat belt buckle when the seat backs are folded down. The interference may cause the right-side seat belt buckle cover to come off, making the buckle latch inoperable and unable to restrain an occupant.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will modify the second-row center seat belt buckle cover, install a new warning label to the second-row seat support base, and provide a new warning label insert for the owner's manual, free of charge. The recall began September 1, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-20-004.
18V620000 · Electrical System:software; Forward Collision Avoidance:software:pedestrian/cyclist/object/obstacle/ Recognition
Sep 14, 2018
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Forward Collision Avoidance:software:pedestrian/cyclist/object/obstacle/ Recognition
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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:software
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
18V621000 · Electrical System:software; Electronic Stability Control (esc); Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
Sep 14, 2018
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the safety systems do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
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.
Consequence: If the safety systems do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
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.
Consequence: If the safety systems do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Electrical System:software
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.
Consequence: If the safety systems do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
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.
Consequence: If the safety systems do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
18V591000 · Equipment:other:labels; Wheels:rim
Sep 5, 2018
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels. The Certification Label lists an incorrect rear wheel rim size. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The incorrect rim size information on the label can cause the operator to replace the rim with an incorrect rim size, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners and send them a corrected certification label, free of charge. Owners can also choose to have the label replaced by a dealer, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-006.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Equipment:other:labels
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels. The Certification Label lists an incorrect rear wheel rim size. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: The incorrect rim size information on the label can cause the operator to replace the rim with an incorrect rim size, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners and send them a corrected certification label, free of charge. Owners can also choose to have the label replaced by a dealer, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-006.
Wheels:rim
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels. The Certification Label lists an incorrect rear wheel rim size. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: The incorrect rim size information on the label can cause the operator to replace the rim with an incorrect rim size, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners and send them a corrected certification label, free of charge. Owners can also choose to have the label replaced by a dealer, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-006.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.