Structure: frame and members
Risk. A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 28, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Bull-Doser, Public domain.
58 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 10 | 0 |
| Power train | 9 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 8 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 7 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 7 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 5 | 0 |
| Engine | 5 | 0 |
| Structure | 5 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 4 | 0 |
| 7 other systems | 14 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
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.
Risk. A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Risk. A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. Brake lights that are inoperative would not warn other drivers that the vehicle is stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. A power steering fluid leak could result in a loss of steering assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Risk. THIS MAY TEMPORARILY INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE OF THE VEHICLE AND THEREFORE INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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.
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.
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.
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
2008 Mitsubishi Outlander 4-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.


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