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Model reliability

Mitsubishi Outlander reliability

The Mitsubishi Outlander fails its MOT about as often as most cars 6 to 10 years old: 22% of 42,874 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.

Up to 5 years old
13.3% failed their MOT
About average
From 17,928 MOT tests of Mitsubishi Outlanders this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 57% more oftenWipers3.3% vs 2.1%
Fails 43% more oftenHeadlamps1% vs 0.7%Fix about £30
6 to 10 years old
22% failed their MOT
About average
From 42,874 MOT tests of Mitsubishi Outlanders this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 32% more oftenMechanical brake components3.7% vs 2.8%
Fails 63% more oftenBrake performance3.1% vs 1.9%
Fails 60% more oftenPosition lamps2.4% vs 1.5%Fix about £30
Fails 2× as oftenAnti-roll bars2% vs 1%
Over 10 years old
42.7% failed their MOT
About average
From 9,686 MOT tests of Mitsubishi Outlanders this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 4× as oftenSteering linkage components10.7% vs 2.4%
Fails 2× as oftenAnti-roll bars8.7% vs 4.2%
Fails 59% more oftenSuspension arms8.1% vs 5.1%
Fails 39% more oftenMechanical brake components4.3% vs 3.1%
Advised 43% more oftenMechanical brake components24.2% vs 16.9%
Advised 65% more oftenSuspension arms20% vs 12.1%
Advised 2× as oftenRigid brake pipes19.7% vs 8.3%Fix about £120
Advised 3× as oftenSub-frames12.3% vs 4.2%
Safety recalls

28 DVSA recalls for the Mitsubishi Outlander

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2021/23325 Jul 2021Built 2016–2020If there is an object in front of the vehicle the FCM camera system may incorrectly detect it as a pedestrian depending on road circumstances.

If there is an object in front of the vehicle the FCM camera system may incorrectly detect it as a pedestrian depending on road circumstances.

Fix: Carry out a software update to the FCM-ECU.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER PHEV · 17,804 vehicles

R/2020/1469 Oct 2020Built 2019The right side second row seat belt may be assembled incorrectly

The right side second row seat belt may be assembled incorrectly.

Fix: Inspect the installation of the seat belt and replace if necessary.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER PHEV · 248 vehicles

R/2019/14217 May 2019Built 2013–2014The resistor inside the air flow sensor may corrode

It may not be possible to start the engine in order to charge the main drive battery.

Fix: The air flow sensor is to be replaced on the affected vehicles.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER PHEV · 12 vehicles

R/2018/3362 Jan 2019Built 2006–2012Sunroof glass may detach from the sunroof assembly

The sunroof glass may detach from the sunroof assembly.

Fix: Replace the sunroof glass and bonding material.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER · 5,940 vehicles

R/2018/3352 Jan 2019Built 2008–2009The flange of the drive belt automatic tensioner may crack

Power steering drive belt automatic tensioner may crack and fail.

Fix: Replace the automatic tensioner and bolts.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER · 398 vehicles

R/2018/2853 Nov 2018Built 2016–2018The brake hydraulic unit function may be interrupted

Driver assist programme functions through the hydraulic brake unit may be interrupted.

Fix: The ECU will be rewritten with modified software.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER PHEV · 17,633 vehicles

R/2018/2863 Nov 2018Built 2016–2017On certain vehicles equipped with fcm fcm may activate the brake for longer than necessary

Collision avoidance system may activate the brake for longer than necessary.

Fix: The ECU will be rewritten with modified software.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER PHEV · 6,752 vehicles

R/2018/1808 Aug 2018Built 2012–2016Parking brake caliper shaft boots incorrectly sealed

Due to improper sealing of parking brake caliper shaft boots water might penetrate inside and rust the shaft. As the result of continuous use the rust will erode into the internal caliper and the shaft becomes stuck causing decreased parking brake force. Due to improper manufacturing process automatic adjuster for brake pad clearance of rear brake caliper might not work properly. As the result as brake pad wear the clearance is not correctly adjusted and brake force becomes insufficient to hold a vehicle. In the worst case scenario parking brake will not work even though a lever is fully operated and parked vehicle may move.

Fix: Anti-rust coating (Fluorine) has been applied to parking brake shaft from 27/01/2016 supplied parts & the Inspection process for the caliper has been changed from 14/12/2014 supplied parts.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER · 51,154 vehicles

R/2018/11726 May 2018Built 2006–2012Water ingress may cause windscreen wipers to fail

Due to inappropriate waterproofing water may be drawn into the front wiper motor and/or may cause corrosion of the wiper link ball joint. This may over time cause the wipers to fail.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace the wiper motor which has a modified breather and wiper link ball joint.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER · 13,819 vehicles

R/2018/02119 Feb 2018Built 2015–2016Door latching mechanism may malfunction in hot temperatures

The locking mechanism in the door latch assembly may not operate properly in high temperatures. As a result the door may latch correctly and may unintentionally open whilst driving.

Fix: A modified assembly is available and depending on vehicle identification number the remedy is to replace either both O/S door latches or on all four doors.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER · 18,418 vehicles

R/2018/01919 Feb 2018Built 2014–2016Ecu relay may overheat and cause ecu to malfunction

The engine Electronic Control Unit Relay may overheat and fail. This could interrupt power supply to the engine and will cause the engine malfunction warning lamp to illuminate. The engine may stall and may not restart.

Fix: On affected vehicles the engine ECU power relay will be replaced with a new relay.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER PHEV · 28,059 vehicles

R/2017/1833 Jul 2017Built 2013–2015Internal combustion engine may not perform as expected

The Internal Combustion Engine may not operate correctly. DTC�s will be generated the engine-warning lamp will illuminate and the combination meter will display a message. In the worst case the internal combustion engine will fail to start and charge the main traction battery. If the warnings are ignored the main traction battery will become depleted and the vehicle will lose all drive.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and apply countermeasure software to the ECU and replace the spark plugs with ones of approved specification.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER · 14,242 vehicles

R/2015/22017 Nov 2015Built 2015Fuel may leak

There is a possibility that a connection of the fuel pipe to the fuel hose has been improperly mounted in production

Fix: On affected vehicles inspect the installation of the fuel hose connector and if found to be improper remove and reconnect correctly

Recalled models: OUTLANDER HYBRID · 1,092 vehicles

R/2015/15728 Sept 2015Built 2008–2010Ecu malfunction may cause systems to become inoperable

During operation the headlights and or the windscreen wipers amongst other systems may become inoperable as a result a none conformity in the Electronic Time & Alarm System (ETACS) ECU.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the production date of the ETACS ECU. The ETACS ECU will be replaced if it is within the affected production dates.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER · 3,076 vehicles

R/2014/12428 Nov 2014Built 2007–2009Loss of power steering assistance

Due to the use of inappropriate material for the drive belt on the 4B1 Petrol engine the nylon idler pulley(s) may wear at an angle. If this continues under this condition the drive belt will be forced off the pulleys. This can lead to battery depletion Overheating and on vehicles with hydraulic power steering the steering effort will increase.

Fix: Replace drive belt. Check and if necessary replace idler pulley(s)

Recalled models: OUTLANDER · 3,885 vehicles

R/2014/10928 Nov 2014Built 2007–2009Brake lamps may not illuminate

Silicon grease applied to the brake light switch during production may penetrate the switch and insulate the contacts. This may prevent the stop lamps from operating and on vehicles with automatic transmission the shift lever cannot be moved from the park position.

Fix: Clean mounting and replace brake light switch

Recalled models: OUTLANDER · 3,535 vehicles

R/2014/12928 Nov 2014Built 2010–2012Brake pedal fails to release

Due to incorrect installation of the switch sleeve in the brake booster the switch sleeve may be cracked. As a result the tip of the switch sleeve could break off causing the brake pedal not to release with the effect of the vehicle being unable to restart/move/pull away.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the production date of the brake booster. Replace the brake booster if it is of the affected production dates.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER · 4,333 vehicles

R/2014/07225 Jul 2014Built 2012–2013Possible loss of drive

As a result of incorrect machining of the oil seal installation aperture in the transfer cover by one of the transfer box suppliers it is possible the oil seal may move from its intended position in the casing. This can result Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) passing from the main gearbox into the transfer casing causing the ATF pressure to drop which will result in poor shifting and the illumination of a warning lamp on the instrument panel. Also as the oil level in the transfer box increase it can leak out from the transfer box breather pipe onto the road surface. In the worst case scenario the vehicle can lose all drive.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to inspect the transfer box. If found to be one of the affected transfer boxes then the transfer box will be replaced.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER · 574 vehicles

R/2014/04421 May 2014Built 2010–2012Reduction in power steering assistance

Due to a nonconformity in the manufacture of the alternator pulley (free wheel type) the contact surface of the pulley might be deformed. In use the tightening torque of the alternator pulley can decrease resulting in the pulley detaching from the alternator. Should this happen the driver will notice reduced power steering assistance and the warning lamp for the charging system will illuminate.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and ascertain which alternator is fitted. Where an unmodified alternator is fitted replace the alternator.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER · 2,100 vehicles

R/2013/0741 Jul 2013Adaptive cruise control may fail to operate and/or cause brakes to apply

One or both of the following may occur: 1) While driving through a tunnel with the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) operating the ACC control unit may judge that the tunnel wall is a vehicle in front. This can result in the ACC system automatically applying the brakes to reduce vehicle speed. 2) Due to a calculation error in the ACC/Front Collision Mitigation (FCM) control unit ACC failure and Active Stability Control (ASC) failure may be displayed in the combination meter along with an audible warning alarm. The ACC and FCM systems will not operate when these warnings are displayed.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to rewrite the ACC/FCM Electronic Control Unit software with modified software.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER · 385 vehicles

R/2012/06831 May 2012Built 2011Parking brake may fail

It is possible that the parking brake cable may not be properly located in the rear brake shoes parking brake operating lever. It is therefore possible if the cable is not secure that the cable may become loose during driving which will result in the failure of the handbrake if not rectified.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to check and if required secure the cable.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER · 35 vehicles

R/2011/09914 Oct 2011Rear wheel and hub may detach

The rear wheel hubs may come loose which will produce noise to warn the driver. However should the driver continue to driver the vehicle it is possible that the wheel and hub will detach from the vehicle.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the hub bolts and where necessary also replace the wheel hubs.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER · 174 vehicles

R/2010/08018 Aug 2010Clutch may fail

The fixing clip for the clutch master cylinder pipe has insufficient clamping force to retain the pipe on the cylinder. This can result in detachment of the pipe and subsequent loss of clutch operation.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace fixing clip with modified stronger version.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER · 9,903 vehicles

R/2010/07918 Aug 2010Short circuit may occur

It is possible for the engine wiring harness to chaff on a security bracket. If this is allowed to continue this could result in a short circuit in the starter motor circuit which can cause the starter to operate whilst the vehicle is being driven. This will cause the starter to overheat and possibly cause a fire.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles to inspect and insulate the wiring if required.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER · 9,369 vehicles

R/2009/03915 Jul 2009Built 2007–2008Stop lights may not operate correctly

It has been identified that as the result of the manufacturing process silicon grease may have contaminated the stop lamp switch contacts. This can result in oxidation of the contacts and prevent the stop lamps operating when the footbrake is applied.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the stop lamp switch replaced.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER · 4,307 vehicles

R/2009/03715 Jul 2009Built 2008–2009Lack of brake servo assistance

It has been identified that after the vehicle has been stationary for some length of time increased pressure may need to be applied to the footbrake pedal to bring the vehicle to a stop. This is due to insufficient vacuum assistance within the brake booster due to a failure of the check valve. It should be noted that on the second application of the footbrake the check valve will operate as designed and the brakes will operate as normal.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the brake booster check valve replaced.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER · 818 vehicles

R/2008/05829 Sept 2008Engine may stall

When a driver sequentially performs a quick gear shift down (high rpm 6th to 5th to 4th gear etc)during high speed driving (high engine load) the engine ECU can judge the engine to run in overrun condition. As a result to avoid engine damage the ECU will turn off the engine by stopping the fuel supply and closing the throttle.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to re-programme the engine ECU.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER · 387 vehicles

R/2008/10829 Sept 2008Built 2008Fuel could leak from the resin fuel return pipe on the inlet manifold.

It has been identified that the engine fuel return pipe can become damaged as the result of abrasion with it's fixation and harness.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will be checked for evidence of pipe damage which if none is evident protective covers will be installed. Should it be found that the pipes are damaged they will be replaced by pipes which are fitted with protective covers.

Recalled models: OUTLANDER · 332 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Mitsubishi Outlander before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.
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