2013 Mitsubishi OUTLANDER: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
26 owner complaints analyzed
5 distinct recall campaigns
61,400 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2013 model year. Data snapshot: . 20 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Visibility/Wiper is the most frequently named component, appearing in 6 of 26 complaints (23.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 4 | 15.4% |
| Steering behavior | 4 | 15.4% |
| Engine operation | 2 | 7.7% |
| Braking behavior | 2 | 7.7% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 2 | 7.7% |
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 |
|---|---|
| Visibility/Wiper | 6 |
| Engine | 5 |
| Electrical System | 4 |
| Power Train | 4 |
| Unknown Or Other | 4 |
| Air Bags | 3 |
| Service Brakes | 2 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 |
Visibility/Wiper: 6; Engine: 5; Electrical System: 4; Power Train: 4; Unknown Or Other: 4; Air Bags: 3; Service Brakes: 2; Exterior Lighting: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 6 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 3 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 6 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 4 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 6; 25,000 to 49,999: 3; 50,000 to 74,999: 6; 75,000 to 99,999: 4; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (6). 6 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 |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2017 | 7 |
| 2018 | 4 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
2013: 5; 2014: 2; 2016: 1; 2017: 7; 2018: 4; 2019: 1; 2020: 1; 2021: 3; 2023: 1; 2025: 1
Pattern summary
Visibility/Wiper leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 4 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Engine operation appears in 2 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 10493807 · 2013-01-22 (January 22, 2013)
ARRIVED HOME AFTER PURCHASE AROUND 8PM. NOTICED WATER CONDENSATION INSIDE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT. BROUGHT BACK TO DEALER TWICE. FIRST TIME BACK NO ANSWERS, SECOND TIME BACK THEY SAY "IT IS DUE TO THE CAR SITTING IN THE PARKING LOT FOR A WHILE, NO REPAIRED NEEDED" DUE TO THE COLD TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE AND THE HOT TEMPERATURE INSIDE THE HEADLAMP THE WATER CONDENSATION BEGINS TO CLOULD THE VIEW OF ACTUAL LIGHT THUS DECREASING VISIBILITY ON THE DRIVER SIDE DUE TO THE BLOCKED LIGHT. BASICALLY DRIVING WITH ONE HEADLIGHT~ MUST BE A FAULTY SEALED HE…
Owner-reported narrative. 15 miles reported. Look up ODI 10493807 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10502217 · 2013-03-09 (March 9, 2013)
I HAD OWNED MY OUTLANDER FOR JUST OVER A WEEK AND WAS ATTEMPTING A NORMAL LEFT HAND TURN. MY LONG-SLEEVE, CUFFED SHIRT BECAME CAUGHT ON THE LOWER PORTION OF THE RIGHT PADDLE SHIFTER. AS I ATTEMPTED TO STRAIGHTEN THE CAR FROM THE TURN, THE WHEEL TURNED AND PULLED MY STUCK RIGHT ARM INTO AN OPENING ON THE STEERING WHEEL.CONSEQUENTLY, MY VEHICLE CONTINUED TURNING INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC AS I BOTH TRIED TO STOP AND FREE MY ARM. LUCKILY, APPROACHING TRAFFIC SAW MY CAR IN ENOUGH TIME TO AVOID HITTING ME. I WAS NOT ABLE TO FREE MY HAND UNTIL I BROUG…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10502217 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10512875 · 2013-05-20 (May 20, 2013)
I NOTICED OIL DRIPPING FROM UNDERNEATH THE MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID IT WAS TO FULL OF OIL, TOOK VEHICLE BACK HOME CONTINUED TO LEAK, TOOK VEHICLE BACK AGAIN TO DEALERSHIP FOR SAME LEAK THEY SAID IT WAS THE CVT FILTER SO THEY REPLACED IT. TOOK VEHICLE HOME PARKED IT IN GARAGE WHEN I WOKE UP NEXT DAY TO CHECK ON IT THERE WAS A PUDDLE OF OIL UNDER THE MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION, HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED BACK TO DEALERSHIP AND NOW THEY ARE SAYING THE SEAL BETWEEN THE MOTOR AND TRANS. IS BAD, THEN THEY SAID TH…
Owner-reported narrative. 341 miles reported. Look up ODI 10512875 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10512879 · 2013-05-20 (May 20, 2013)
3RD ROW SEAT BROKE THE FABRIC HAS GIVEN AWAY THERE IS NO SUPPORT OR ANY TYPE OF CUSHION FOR YOUR BUTT. ALL THERE IS , IS THE METAL FRAME STRUCTURE AND WHEN YOU FOLD THE SEAT BACK TO STORE IT, IT WONT STAY DOWN, DOESN'T LATCH SO WHEN YOUR DRIVING ANY BUMP YOU HIT OR ON THE FREEWAY THE SEAT RATTLES AND BOUNCES UP AND DOWN, I FEEL THIS IS A BIG SAFETY HAZARD, WE WILL NOT LET OUR KIDS SIT BACK THERE ANYMORE, ALSO IT HURTS THEM TO SIT ON THAT SEAT, WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 5-2-2013 AND THEY TOLD US MITSUBISHI CONSIDERS IT TO BE TRIM AND WONT …
Owner-reported narrative. 2,854 miles reported. Look up ODI 10512879 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10542216 · 2013-09-06 (September 6, 2013)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,600.
Owner-reported narrative. 5,600 miles reported. Look up ODI 10542216 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10633083 · 2014-09-14 (September 14, 2014)
MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT ENGAGE. THEREFORE I STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL TWICE, AND WHIPPED MY NECK. *TR
Owner-reported narrative. 32,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10633083 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10637470 · 2014-09-19 (September 19, 2014)
BETWEEN APRIL AND MAY 2014 THIS 2013 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER HAS BEEN HAVING DIFFICULTY IN STARTING, AT ONE POINT IT WOULD NOT START AT ALL. SOME BELTS (I DON'T KNOW WHICH) SQUEAK EVERY SO OFTEN. ON 03 JULY 2014 THE DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND HAS SINCE BEEN RECEIVING IT'S SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE, INDICATED THAT THE ALTERNATOR HAS TO BE REPLACED AND THAT THEY HAD NONE IN STOCK. I WAS TOLD TO CALL BACK IN A WEEK. I HAVE CALLED EVERY WEEK SINCE THEN AND I AM ALWAYS TOLD IT IS IN BACK ORDER, THAT THERE ARE MANY OF THE SAME VEHICLES W…
Owner-reported narrative. 16,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10637470 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 10875010 · 2016-06-18 (June 18, 2016)
WE PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE FROM LITTLE JOE'S MITSUBISHI AT 1601 S MILITARY HWY, CHESAPEAKE, VA 23320 ON MAY 20, 2016 AS A PRE OWNED VEHICLE. TWO WEEKS AFTER TAKING POSSESSION OF THE VEHICLE ONE DAY WHEN IT WAS RAINING, THE WIPERS WOULD STOP WITH THE WIPER BLADES STRAIGHT UP AND DOWN AND STAY THERE TILL L HIT THE WIPER HANDLE ON THE STEERING WHEEL ON THE RIGHT SIDE, L CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND SPOKE TO CHRIS BLAIR TJE SALES REPRESENTATIVE AND ADVISED HIM OF THIS THE SAME DAY IT HAPPENED, HE TOL ME HE WOULD TRANSFER ME TO SERVICE, SPOKE TO A MANAG…
Owner-reported narrative. 68,578 miles reported. Look up ODI 10875010 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
5 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
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 ↗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 ↗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 ↗