2009 Mitsubishi OUTLANDER: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
46 owner complaints analyzed
13 distinct recall campaigns
92,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2009 model year. Data snapshot: . 28 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Exterior Lighting is the most frequently named component, appearing in 5 of 46 complaints (10.9%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 6 | 13.0% |
| Transmission and shifting | 3 | 6.5% |
| Steering behavior | 3 | 6.5% |
| Engine operation | 1 | 2.2% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting | 5 |
| Power Train | 5 |
| Suspension | 5 |
| Unknown Or Other | 5 |
| Engine | 4 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 |
| Wheels | 4 |
| Air Bags | 3 |
Exterior Lighting: 5; Power Train: 5; Suspension: 5; Unknown Or Other: 5; Engine: 4; Visibility/Wiper: 4; Wheels: 4; Air Bags: 3
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 4 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 4 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 3 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 3 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 9 |
| 150,000 and above | 5 |
Under 25,000: 4; 25,000 to 49,999: 4; 50,000 to 74,999: 3; 75,000 to 99,999: 3; 100,000 to 149,999: 9; 150,000 and above: 5
100,000 to 149,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (9). 18 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2010 | 2 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 2 |
| 2014 | 5 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 6 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2018 | 7 |
| 2019 | 7 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2026 | 1 |
2009: 1; 2010: 2; 2012: 2; 2013: 2; 2014: 5; 2015: 5; 2016: 6; 2017: 7; 2018: 7; 2019: 7; 2024: 1; 2026: 1
Pattern summary
Exterior Lighting leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 6 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 3 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 3 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 10256255 · 2009-01-25 (January 25, 2009)
AS I WAS DRIVING MY BRAND NEW CAR I JUST GOT 2 MONTHS AGO(MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER 2009) ON THE N.J. PARKWAY ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A CRACK FROM MY SUNROOF AND THEN SUDDENLY THE GLASS JUST EXPLODED INTO MANY PIECES. THANK GOD! I HAD THE COVER CLOSED THAT PREVENTED ME FROM GETTING SHATTERED GLASS IN MY FACE OR GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE . MIND YOU NOTHING AT ALL HIT MY CAR NOR WERE THEIR ANY CARS BESIDE ME. AS I KEPT ON DRIVING TO MY NEAREST EXIT I SAW REMAINING GLASS PIECES FLYING OFF MY SUNROOF EVERYWHERE. WHEN I CAME TO A S…
Owner-reported narrative. 3,265 miles reported. Look up ODI 10256255 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10322838 · 2010-03-30 (March 30, 2010)
WE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON A 2009 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. IT WAS PURCHASED IN OCTOBER OF 2009. THE RECALL NOTICE WAS SENT BY MAIL MARCH 17, 2010. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED AT EDISON MOTORS, BRAD BENSON DEALER IN MONMOUTH, N.J. IT WAS PURCHASED NEW. IT WAS SENT TO ALMATY, KAZAHKSTAN TO MY SON WHO WORKS FOR THE STATE DEPARTMENT AND LIVES THERE WITH HIS WIFE AND TWO VERY YOUNG CHILDREN. THE RECALL WAS TO REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER VALVE. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT HAD BEEN DONE. TO DOUBLE CHECK, I CALLED MITSUBISHI AND THEY SAY IT HA…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10322838 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10325903 · 2010-04-15 (April 15, 2010)
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE GEARS WOULD SHIFT ABNORMALLY WITHOUT DRIVER INTENT AND THEY WOULD OFTEN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO DECREASE IN SPEED WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK IF THE FAILURE RECURRED. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, WHILE APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT AT SPEEDS OF 25 MPH, SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE RAPIDLY ACCELERATED. SHE TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL IN ORDER TO PREVENT DRIVING THROUGH AN …
Owner-reported narrative. 3,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10325903 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10446236 · 2012-02-02 (February 2, 2012)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR WOULD ACTIVE DUE TO CORROSION IN THE VALVE STEM. THE CORRODED VALVE STEM WOULD FRACTURE FROM THE TIRE AND CAUSED THE TIRES TO GO FLAT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE SENSOR NUMEROUS TIMES. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE PART, BUT THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART WAS THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE AND REPLACING IT WOULD NOT BE A PROPER REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THEY WOULD ASSIST THE CONTACT WHILE…
Owner-reported narrative. 5 miles reported. Look up ODI 10446236 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10471606 · 2012-08-20 (August 20, 2012)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND THEN THE SUN ROOF GLASS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 48,236. UPDATED 10/17/12 *CN UPDATED 10/23/2012 *JS
Owner-reported narrative. 47,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10471606 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10515900 · 2013-06-09 (June 9, 2013)
IN DEC 2012 THE TIRE SENSOR INDICATOR SHOWED ONE OF THE TIRES WAS IN NEED OF AIR. I WENT TO FILL IT AND THE VALVE BLEW OFF AND THE TIRE DEFLATED IMMEDIATELY. HAD TO PUT ON THE SPARE AND HAVE THE SENSOR AND VALVE REPLACED, $200. IN MAY 2013 AGAIN THE INDICATOR SHOWED A TIRE WAS LOW. I FILLED IT AND LATER THAT DAY I TURNED A CORNER AND FOUND IT WAS TOTALLY FLAT AND THE TIRE WAS RUINED. AGAIN PUT ON THE SPARE AND TOOK IT TO TIRE WAREHOUSE (ON A SUNDAY MY DEALER WAS NOT OPEN). THEY INFORMED ME THE PIECE OF THE SENSOR/VALVE WAS MISSING CAUSING IT T…
Owner-reported narrative. 70,550 miles reported. Look up ODI 10515900 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10522680 · 2013-07-01 (July 1, 2013)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TPMS VALVE STEM FAILED AND CAUSED THE TIRE TO DEFLATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TPMS SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Owner-reported narrative. 35,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10522680 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10650935 · 2014-10-29 (October 29, 2014)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V562000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND 14V564000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10650935 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
13 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
09V077000 · Service Brakes, Air:Supply:Check Valve
Reported: 2009-03-10 (March 10, 2009)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗14V365000 · Power Train:Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive) | Power Train:Automatic Transmission
Reported: 2014-06-25 (June 25, 2014)
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2007 and 2009 Outlander vehicles. During servicing, the affected vehicles were repaired with replacement transfer case assemblies whose oil seal may come out of position.
Consequence: If the oil seal dislodges, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) may enter the transfer case assembly, reducing the ATF pressure in the transmission, resulting in poor transmission shifting or the inability of the vehicle to be driven, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transfer assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-005.
NHTSA campaign record ↗14V366000 · Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections
Reported: 2014-06-25 (June 25, 2014)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗14V562000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Belts And Associated Pulleys
Reported: 2014-09-12 (September 12, 2014)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗14V564000 · Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch
Reported: 2014-09-12 (September 12, 2014)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗15V232000 · Electrical System
Reported: 2015-04-20 (April 20, 2015)
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to July 6, 2010, 2009-2010 Outlander vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to August 27, 2010, 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to June 8, 2010, and 2010 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to August 4, 2010. The affected vehicles have an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. Due to a manufacturing error, the voltage inside this ECU may be unstable.
Consequence: Unstable voltage could result in intermittent failure of the vehicle's head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. If the headlights and/or windshield wipers fail, the driver could have reduced visibility. If the tail lights fail, the vehicle could be less visible. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected ECU, free of charge. The recall began on June 15 ,2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-002.
NHTSA campaign record ↗15V233000 · Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:Fan/Motor
Reported: 2015-04-20 (April 20, 2015)
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Lancer vehicles manufactured March 16, 2009, to March 30, 2011, 2010-2011 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to December 1, 2010, 2010-2011 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to January 7, 2011, 2009-2011 Outlander vehicles manufactured February 10, 2009, to June 22, 2011, and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to November 19, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the blower motor may fail.
Consequence: Failure of the blower motor may reduce the performance of the windshield defroster, diminishing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-003.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V458000 · Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Arm
Reported: 2016-06-23 (June 23, 2016)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗16V791000 · Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Linkages
Reported: 2016-10-31 (October 31, 2016)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗17V461000 · Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor
Reported: 2017-07-20 (July 20, 2017)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗18V069000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Belts And Associated Pulleys
Reported: 2018-01-26 (January 26, 2018)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗18V071000 · Visibility:Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
Reported: 2018-01-26 (January 26, 2018)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗20V279000 · Structure:Frame And Members | Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower Arm
Reported: 2020-05-18 (May 18, 2020)
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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗