2008 Mitsubishi OutlanderProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 58 owner complaints about the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 12 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-458 the manufacturer reports only 17% of affected cars repaired.

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 28, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain.

Complaints by system

Where the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander has problems

58 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Suspension100
Power train91
Exterior lighting80
Electrical system71
Visibility/wiper70
Service brakes50
Engine50
Structure50
Engine and engine cooling40
7 other systems142

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

12 recalls

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

39%repaired · 2022 Q2

Structure: frame and members

Recall 20V-279 · May 18, 2020 · 141,200 vehicles · 55,415 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

26%repaired · 2019 Q2

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

Recall 18V-071 · Jan 26, 2018 · 56,641 vehicles · 14,525 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

37%repaired · 2019 Q2

Gasoline: belts and associated pulleys

Recall 18V-069 · Jan 26, 2018 · 141,053 vehicles · 52,415 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

35%repaired · 2018 Q4

Windshield wiper/washer: motor

Recall 17V-461 · Jul 20, 2017 · 100,082 vehicles · 35,221 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Show 8 more recalls
35%repaired · 2018 Q4

Windshield wiper/washer: linkages

Recall 16V-791 · Oct 31, 2016 · 100,082 vehicles · 35,192 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

17%repaired · 2018 Q2

Control arm: lower arm

Recall 16V-458 · Jun 23, 2016 · 194,674 vehicles · 32,605 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

41%repaired · 2016 Q1

Brake lights: switch

Recall 14V-564 · Sep 12, 2014 · 37,145 vehicles · 15,112 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

45%repaired · 2016 Q1

Gasoline: belts and associated pulleys

Recall 14V-562 · Sep 12, 2014 · 165,923 vehicles · 75,468 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

74%repaired · 2015 Q4

Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections

Recall 14V-366 · Jun 25, 2014 · 203 vehicles · 150 repaired

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Supply: check valve

Recall 09V-077 · Mar 10, 2009 · 39,711 vehicles

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

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Brake lights: switch

Recall 08V-680 · Dec 19, 2008 · 21,493 vehicles

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

–no report yet

Seats

Recall 08V-094 · Feb 28, 2008 · 5,400 vehicles

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mitsubishi.

Best & worst years

2008 vs. every other Outlander year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Outlander median. How we score

'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'22'23'24'25'26
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander safety ratings

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander 4-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander frontal crash test, NHTSA
Frontal crashNot rated
2008 Mitsubishi Outlander side barrier test, NHTSA
Side barrierNot rated
  • Rollover: 4 stars (16.9% risk)
  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What Outlander owners report

Recent suspension complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, she heard an abnormal coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to her residence. The contact took the vehicle to independent…
Complaint 11420380 · Jun 10, 2021 · 138,000 miles
MITSUBISHI HAS A LIMITED RECALL FOR RUSTED CROSSMEMBERS ON 2008+ OUTLANDER SPORTS FROM CERTAIN STATES THAT USED SALT TO TREAT SNOW. MY DAUGHTER'S 2008 OUTLANDER HAS ALWAYS BEEN REGISTERED IN SATELLITE BEACH, FL, A VERY SALTY ATMOSPHERE. THE FRONT WHEELS WOBBLE ON ACCELERATION AND RAPID DECELERATION…
Complaint 11414408 · Apr 29, 2021 · 134,000 miles
THE CAR IS A MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER E.S 2008 WITH 42000 MILES ON IT,AND THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT SHIFTING. I CONTACTED MITSUBISHI MOTORS BUT SINCE 10 YEARS PASSED NOTHING COULD BE DONE.I HAD BEEN SURFING INTERNET AND THERE ARE TOO MANY ISSUES RELATED TO THIS TYPE VEHICLES.
Complaint 11412885 · Apr 19, 2021 · 42,000 miles

Own a 2008 Outlander?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.