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2008 Mitsubishi Outlander recalls, complaints and safety ratings

There are 12 US recalls for the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander, and 13 in Canada. Owners filed 58 complaints with NHTSA, most often about suspension.

12US recalls
0urgent recalls
58owner complaints
–overall crash rating

Is your car affected?

Check by VIN to confirm the exact model and see every recall for it.

Recalls are issued for a make, model and model year. Whether the repair has already been done on one specific car is known only to its manufacturer and dealers. Check your vehicle's official status at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with a dealer.

US recalls (12)

Structure: frame and members

2020-05-18 · campaign 20V279000 · 141,200 vehicles

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.

Risk and remedy

Risk: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.

Engine and engine cooling: engine, gasoline

2018-01-26 · campaign 18V069000 · 141,053 vehicles

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 and remedy

Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-001.

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

2018-01-26 · campaign 18V071000 · 56,641 vehicles

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Outlander, 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Evolution, and 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles equipped with sunroofs. The sunroof glass may detach from the sunroof assembly, becoming a road hazard to other vehicles.

Risk and remedy

Risk: If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-003.

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer, motor

2017-07-20 · campaign 17V461000 · 100,082 vehicles

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles. In the affected vehicles, water may drop between the hood and the windshield and leak into the wiper motor breathing hole. The water may cause internal corrosion of the windshield wiper motor and the possible failure of the motor.

Risk and remedy

Risk: Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-003.

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer, linkages

2016-10-31 · campaign 16V791000 · 100,082 vehicles

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles manufactured September 8, 2006, to March 29, 2013. In the affected vehicles, water may enter between the hood and windshield and cause the front wiper link ball joint to corrode, possibly resulting in the wiper link separating and the wipers becoming inoperative.

Risk and remedy

Risk: Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rubber boot on the ball joint to prevent water intrusion. Additionally, they will inspect the wiper motor crank arm for excessive play, replacing it as necessary. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-009.

Suspension: front, control arm

2016-06-23 · campaign 16V458000 · 194,674 vehicles

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.

Risk and remedy

Risk: A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.

Engine and engine cooling: engine, gasoline

2014-09-12 · campaign 14V562000 · 165,923 vehicles

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 and remedy

Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. 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.

Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch

2014-09-12 · campaign 14V564000 · 37,145 vehicles

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. In the affected vehicles, the brake light switch may malfunction causing the brake lights to not illuminate during brake application.

Risk and remedy

Risk: Brake lights that are inoperative would not warn other drivers that the vehicle is stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-010. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 08V-680 and does not include any vehicles that were previously recalled.

Steering: hydraulic power assist, hose, piping, and connections

2014-06-25 · campaign 14V366000 · 203 vehicles

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, Mitusbishi is recalling certain 2007-2012 Outlander vehicles that received replacement 6-speed automatic transmissions during servicing. The transmissions in these vehicles have insufficient clearance between the power steering pressure tube and the converter housing of the automatic transmission. As a result of the contact, the power steering pressure tube may develop a hole and leak power steering fluid.

Risk and remedy

Risk: A power steering fluid leak could result in a loss of steering assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pressure tube and return tube, free of charge. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-006.

Service brakes, air: supply, check valve

2009-03-10 · campaign 09V077000 · 39,711 vehicles

MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 39,711 MY 2008-2009 OUTLANDER AND LACER VEHICLES. INCORRECT MATERIAL COMPOSITION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE MAY CAUSE THE CHECK VALVE TO STICK CLOSED WHEN THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RE-STARTED AND PUT INTO MOTION, UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS (VERY SLOW VEHICLE MANEUVERS), THERE MAY BE INSUFFICIENT INITIAL BRAKING ASSIST.

Risk and remedy

Risk: THIS MAY TEMPORARILY INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE OF THE VEHICLE AND THEREFORE INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.

Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch

2008-12-19 · campaign 08V680000 · 21,493 vehicles

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.

Risk and remedy

Risk: THE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LAMPS TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED WILL NOT PROVIDE WARNING TO FOLLOWING TRAFFIC AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

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.

Seats

2008-02-28 · campaign 08V094000 · 5,400 vehicles

MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 5,400 MY 2007-2008 OUTLANDER PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MARYLAND, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, WISCONSIN, AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. FOR VEHICLES WITHOUT AN ELECTRIC POWER SEAT, THE FLOOR HARNESS CONNECTOR FOR THE POWER SEAT IS PLACED DIRECTLY ON THE FLOORBOARD UNDERNEATH THE CARPETING (VEHICLES WITH POWER SEATS ALREADY HAVE THE HARNESS ELEVATED). IF A VEHICLE OCCUPANT ENTERS THE VEHICLE WITH A SUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF SNOW ON THEIR FEET CONTAINING ROAD SALT, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE MELTED SNOW MIXTURE TO SOAK THE CARPET AND ALLOW THE SALT-WATER SOLUTION TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE UNUSED POWER SEAT HARNESS CONNECTOR.

Risk and remedy

Risk: THE CONNECTOR TERMINAL MAY CORRODE AND ALLOW CURRENT TO FLOW, RESULTING IN THE GRADUAL HEATING AND MELTING OF THE CONNECTOR AND MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE FLOOR HARNESS FROM BENEATH BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEATS TO ABOVE THE CARPET AND AWAY FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE FLOORBOARD TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH ANY FUTURE MELT SOLUTION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 7, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.

Canadian recalls (13)

Show 13 Canadian recalls

Structure

2020-05-15 · campaign 2020-216

Issue: On certain vehicles, road salt can corrode the front cross-member (subframe). As a result, a lower control arm could eventually detach from the cross-member. This could cause a loss of vehicle control. Safety Risk: A loss of control can create the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Mitsubishi will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the front cross-member (subframe). If no significant corrosion is found, the dealer will spray a sealing and anti-corrosion coating both inside and on the cross-member. If significant corrosion is found, the dealer will replace the cross-member.

Electrical

2018-01-26 · campaign 2018-052

On certain vehicles, the flange of the drive belt automatic tensioner may crack over time due to repetitive high load operations and stress concentration. This could cause the drive belt to detach, leading to battery depletion, which would result in a loss of motive power and a loss of power steering assist. These issues could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the auto tensioner with a countermeasure unit.

Accessories

2018-01-26 · campaign 2018-054

On certain vehicles, the sunroof may not have been bonded properly and could separate from the vehicle. This could pose a risk to other road users, increasing the risk of injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly.

Visual system

2017-07-20 · campaign 2017-364

On certain vehicles, water may drain from the windshield cowl area and potentially collect in the area of the wiper motor breathing hole. If the wiper motor is not operating, water could potentially enter the wiper motor through the breathing hole. If this occurs, over time, it could result in corrosion and/or an electrical conduction failure, both of which could result in the wiper motor not operating. If the wiper motor were to stop operating, the windshield wipers would become inoperative, which could limit the driver’s visibility under certain operating conditions which may increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the wiper motor with an upgraded wiper motor that will prevent water intrusion.

Visual system

2016-10-27 · campaign 2016-529

On certain vehicles, water may drain from the windshield cowl area onto the front wiper link ball joint. Over time, this could result in corrosion and/or wear to the joint, which could result in the separation of the wiper link ball. If separation were to occur, the windshield wipers could become inoperative, which could limit the driver’s visibility under certain operating conditions which may increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the rubber boot which covers the ball joint with a countermeasure one, and the wiper motor crank arm will also be inspected and replaced as necessary.

Structure

2016-06-21 · campaign 2016-317

On certain vehicles, road salt can corrode the front crossmember assembly, which may ultimately lead to separation of the control arm at the mounting point. This would allow the wheel to rotate off its designed axis, and could result in a loss of vehicle control and a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect the crossmember and apply an anti-corrosion treatment or replace the assembly, as required.

Engine

2014-09-15 · campaign 2014-397

On certain vehicles, the drive belt material may cause abnormal pulley wear. If the vehicle is driven under this condition, the drive belt may become damaged from the worn pulley and detach, affecting electrical charging system and cooling system function and would illuminate the engine warning lamp(s) on the instrument panel. This could result in battery depletion and an overheated engine, resulting in a loss of motive power. Vehicles equipped with a hydraulic power steering system could also experience loss of power steering assist. These issues could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the drive belt, and the pulley will be replaced if it is found worn beyond a certain level.

Electrical

2014-09-15 · campaign 2014-398

On certain vehicles, a defect in the brake light switch could cause the brake lights to become inoperative. Failure of the brake lights to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed could result in a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch.

Steering

2014-06-25 · campaign 2014-247

Certain 2013 model year vehicles with a 6-speed automatic transmission may have been manufactured with insufficient clearance between the power steering pressure tube and the bosses on the converter housing of the automatic transaxle. This may cause the power steering pressure tube to rust from abrasive contact between the two components. In the worst case, a pin hole could develop and allow for power steering fluid leakage, which can result in the loss of power steering assist and increase the risk of crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace the power steering pressure tube and return tube. Note: Only a limited number of 2007 to 2012 model year vehicles equipped with a replacement automatic transaxle with the bosses on the converter housing are included in the recall population.

Powertrain

2014-06-25 · campaign 2014-248

On certain 2012 to 2014 model year vehicles, due to improper manufacturing of the oil seal boss in certain transfer assemblies, the oil seal can become out of position and allow automatic transmission fluid to enter into the transfer assembly, resulting in reduced automatic transmission fluid pressure in the transaxle. This condition would illuminate the “Automatic Transmission” (A/T) warning light in the instrument panel and could result in the inability to shift gears or to drive the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the transfer assembly. Note: Only a limited number of 2007 to 2010 model year vehicles equipped with a replacement transfer assembly are included in the recall population.

Brakes

2009-03-06 · campaign 2009-072

On certain vehicles, the brake booster check valve may stick closed when the engine is shut off. When the vehicle is re-started and put into motion, under certain driving conditions (very slow vehicle manoeuvres), there may be insufficient initial braking assist, which could temporarily increase the stopping distance. This could result in a vehicle crash causing property damage, personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the brake booster check valve.

Lights and instruments

2008-12-22 · campaign 2008-453

On certain vehicles, the stop lamp switch may have been contaminated with silicone grease during vehicle assembly. This could prevent proper brake lamp operation. Failure of the brake lamps to illuminate when the brakes are applied may result in the following road users being unaware of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch.

Electrical

2008-02-21 · campaign 2008-063

On certain vehicles not equipped with the power seat option, the unused harness connector for the power seat feature is placed directly on the floorboard, underneath the carpeting. If a vehicle occupant enters the vehicle with a sufficient amount of snow on their feet containing road salt, it is possible for the melted snow mixture to soak the carpet and allow the salt-water solution to come into contact with the unused power seat harness connector. As a result, the connector terminal may corrode and allow current to flow, resulting in the gradual heating and melting of the connector. This could result in a vehicle fire, causing personal injury or death. Correction: Dealers will relocate the floor harness beneath both the passenger and driver seats to an area above the carpet.

Owner complaints (58)

Owners filed 58 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander (1 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries reported). Among 23 model years of this model, it ranks #6 for the most complaints (median 50).

Most-reported problemComplaints
Suspension10
Power train9
Exterior lighting8
Electrical system7
Visibility/wiper7
Structure5
Service brakes5
Engine5

Crash test ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander.

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2008 Mitsubishi Outlander 4-DR w/SAB–––4★

Fuel economy

EPA ratings for each 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander version.

VersionCity MPGHighway MPGCombinedYearly fuel cost
Outlander 2WD 2.4 L Automatic (variable gear ratios)202522$3,050
Outlander 2WD 3.0 L Automatic (S6)172520$3,350
Outlander 4WD 2.4 L Automatic (variable gear ratios)202522$3,050
Outlander 4WD 3.0 L Automatic (S6)172420$3,350
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Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings, US EPA fuel economy and Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database (contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada). Recalls updated 2026-10-30.