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...
Engine & cooling
Mitsubishi Outlander Engine problems by year
248 complaints filed with NHTSA about the Mitsubishi Outlander's engine & cooling. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.
Engine complaints by model year
Engine recalls
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...
Latest Outlander engine complaints
The vehicle is currently experiencing severe hesitation during acceleration, slipping gears, high RPM surging, shuddering, jerking at low speeds, and complete loss of motive power. This behavior represents a critical safety hazard, particularly when merging onto highways or turning across oncoming traffic. I have yet to take it to a dealer due to financial hardship and concern for my safety of driving it to one. It has yet to be inspected. Manufacturer was contacted via email about current issues but have had no response yet. There were no warning lamps when I initially was driving away from dealer.
Ive had the car for about a year, the problem I've been noticing is a hesitation when pulling up to a redlight and it changes to green before you come to a stop, and when you press the gas pedal down right there when your rpms go up my car is like missing a beat if that makes sense, also it does it when hard acceleration from a complete stop as well, seems like it might stall out at redlights. I ran a diagnostic test and fault p1609 is popping
1. Engine Motor Mount. Yes, it is available for inspection. 2. Malfunctions to engine due to the unstable enforcement of engine. 3. Unknown if a reproduced issue. I've owned several vehicles and have never had to replace the motor mounts. In additon this vehicle is a 2022 (4 Years). 4. Yes, it has been inspected by a reputable automotive establishment. I've been provided an estimate for repairs. 5. Yes, I started hearing a knock sound January 8, 2026. I presumed it was shock wear related. But determined to be the motor mount.
My 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander has experienced recurring high engine-temperature readings, misfires, and two overheating-related engine shutdowns while driving, creating a risk of unexpected power loss in traffic. The vehicle has been evaluated repeatedly by authorized Mitsubishi dealerships without identifying the underlying cause. Air in the cooling system was documented in September 2025, with the dealership noting it could cause the engine to run hotter than normal. In September 2026, a dealership again reported...
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a significant amount of air in the cooling system. Previous cooling-system service temporarily improved the symptoms, but they returned. The temperature gauge repeatedly approaches H while driving, particularly with the A/C operating, and decreases when I slow down or turn off the A/C. These episodes occur WITHOUT an illuminated Check Engine Light or other warning message. During an earlier incident, the Check Engine Light appeared the following morning but went off before diagnostic codes could be retrieved. At the most recent dealership visit, I provided photographic evidence of the high temperature reading. The dealership's diagnostic equipment reportedly found no issue, but a technician's personal scanner identified a battery-related problem and additional codes. The battery was replaced, yet the temperature problem continued. On October 17, 2026, at approximately 98,395 miles, I again photographed the temperature gauge approaching H without any warning light. Despite multiple inspections, the cause remains UNKNOWN. I am concerned about another engine shutdown and a potential collision. The vehicle is available for inspection.
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 wrong. When the car shuts off the battery light comes on and the car said airbag system service required on 09/13/2026 but went off a few hrs later. The problems started on 09/02/2026
This is the issue I'm 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 that's not being reported
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 instrument cluster failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the safety features were inoperable, and the vehicle was almost involved in a crash. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated...
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that the failure had occurred while traveling with the family. The contact stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was returned to Drivo Car Rental. The contact stated that while returning the vehicle to the agency, the contact was informed that the vehicle should not have been rented. In addition, the contact researched and became aware of an unrepaired recall associated with the VIN under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V369000 (Back Over Prevention). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
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 car back to the lot to get it fixed and then it stopped, was driving back smoothly. The car shop said they changed the transmission oil which supposedly was the problem. 2 weeks later the car is back stalling and jerking with the "transmission service required" light back on yet again.
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. I was instructed that it was okay to drive with the errors. Unfortunately, after coming to a stop, I was unable to accelerate! I was on a major road and I was unable to move off to the side of the road. The vehicle in...
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this state is life-threatening. (A tanker truck thankfully was able to stop!) I was able to limp to the dealer where I purchased the vehicle. NOTE: This has been a well-documented issue (Check OUTLANDER FORUM). My 2024 Outlander briefly had the errors, but they cleared themselves. I feel this needs expedited to severe, requiring a mandated software update before a life is lost! This error inhibits frontal collision sensors!
The contact owns a 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The RPM's increased. In addition, the vehicle hesitated and jerked. o warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact has an upcoming diagnostic testing appointment scheduled. The contact referenced an...
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unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle experienced an apparent engine failure involving the engine cooling system and possible head gasket and/or engine damage. Prior to failure, the vehicle had a strong sweet coolant smell and was later diagnosed by the servicing dealership as having a coolant leak and possible engine-related damage requiring engine replacement. The vehicle is currently located and available for inspection at Don Herring...
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Mitsubishi. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving after leaving the dealership, the vehicle began jerking, hesitating during acceleration, and losing power unexpectedly. A flashing check engine light briefly appeared and disappeared. The sudden loss of normal engine performance created a serious safety hazard because the vehicle could have stalled in traffic, increasing the risk of an accident or collision. I also have eight children, including [[redacted]] twins, and the loss of transportation has prevented me from reliably getting my children to school, medical appointments, and obtaining necessities. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Don Herring Mitsubishi inspected the vehicle and identified a coolant leak and possible major engine damage. The dealership advised that the engine may need replacement. The warranty company, CNA Extended Warranty, stated the dealership's submitted notes referenced a blown head gasket and requested further teardown and inspection before approving repairs. The vehicle remains unrepaired while awaiting further action and/or engine replacement. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has been inspected by Don Herring Mitsubishi and reviewed through CNA Extended Warranty as part of the repair claim process. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was also inspected on Marc INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Following sustained highway operation and varied elevations in tropical conditions, the vehicle's Auto Start-Stop system may activate during traffic congestion. In certain instances, the battery warning light illuminates upon engine automatic restart. If the auto start stop is activated once more on the engine restart the battery warning light will turn off. I went to the dealership and they wanted me to leave the vehicle for diagnostics or kept using it which will change the Mild Hybrid battery and avoid recurrence. But the issue keeps happening.
The EV portion of the PHEV is often not providing power to the motors, even though, there are still plenty of battery power available. The vehicle sometimes gave "Power Reduced" warning that usually went away after 30 minutes, and the vehicle cannot go into EV mode. When in EV mode and just cruising on the highway, it barely has power to keep up with traffic and sometimes it is losing speed just on a slight incline on the road causing me to move over or take it out of EV mode just to get power from the gas...
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engine. In one occasion, I driving in EV mode and merging onto the highway. I stepped on the gas and the car was barely, if at all, accelerating. Fortunately, there wasn't vehicle coming from the highway.
The electrical system in my 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander has repeatedly malfunctioned since September 2023. The primary failure involves the dashboard completely shutting down while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in the loss of critical driving information such as speed and system warnings. The issue is intermittent but ongoing and may be available for inspection upon request. This failure creates a serious safety risk because I am unable to see essential driving information while operating the vehicle, placing...
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both myself and my family at risk. The vehicle has been taken to authorized Mitsubishi dealerships multiple times for these issues. Repairs have been performed during these visits; however, none have permanently resolved the problem. The issue temporarily stops after repairs but eventually returns and continues to recur. The problem has been reproduced multiple times. The vehicle has been inspected by authorized Mitsubishi service departments on multiple occasions, but the underlying issue has not been properly diagnosed or permanently repaired. Prior to failure, there have been repeated battery-related issues and sensor malfunctions. The vehicle has required at least three battery replacements since purchase. These symptoms often occur before the dashboard shuts down. In addition to the electrical issue, the vehicle has also experienced fuel pump concerns, which have persisted despite repair attempts. This ongoing and recurring defect makes the vehicle unsafe to operate and remains unresolved.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection? The engine experienced catastrophic internal failure. A connecting rod broke and punctured the engine block, rendering the vehicle completely inoperable. This failure is consistent with overheating and internal engine damage. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure occurred suddenly while driving, without warning. The vehicle lost power...
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immediately, which could have resulted in loss of control, inability to accelerate, and exposure to traffic hazards. This created a serious safety risk to myself and others on the road. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? An independent mobile mechanic inspected the vehicle and confirmed catastrophic engine failure. Based on the condition of the engine and damage observed, the failure is consistent with severe overheating and internal mechanical breakdown. Full written diagnosis may be pending. Dealer inspection: UNKNOWN") Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer. Insurance has been notified and may conduct an inspection. The MD state trooper deemed the car inoperable and tagged it. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the failure? There were no warning lights, messages, or indications of an issue prior to the failure. The incident occurred suddenly and without warning the same day the vehicle was purchased. At the time of failure, the vehicle had an open and unremedied safety recall (SR-18-001 - Drive Belt Auto Tensioner, NHTSA Campaign #18V069). This defect can cause the drive belt to detach, disabling the water pump and leading to rapid engine overheating. The failure I experienced is consistent with this defect. . The incident occurred day of pur
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked daily. Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data