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 46 owner complaints about the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander, most often about the power train. It is covered by 13 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 6, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
46 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 5 | 0 |
| Suspension | 5 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 4 | 0 |
| Visibility | 4 | 0 |
| Engine | 4 | 0 |
| Wheels | 4 | 0 |
| Air bags | 3 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| 10 other systems | 18 | 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. 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.
Risk. Unstable voltage could result in intermittent failure of the vehicle's head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers.
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. If the oil seal dislodges, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) may enter the transfer case assembly, reducing the ATF pressure in the transmission, resulting in…
Risk. THIS MAY TEMPORARILY INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE OF THE VEHICLE AND THEREFORE INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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
2009 Mitsubishi Outlander 4-DR w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.


Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
EXACT PROBLEMS AS A RECALL ISSUED ON SELECT 09 OUTLANDER ON 6/25/14 FOR POWER TRAIN: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION BUT MY VIN DOES NOT MATCH AS A VEHICLE AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL. IS THERE A POSSIBILITY MY SELECT VEHICLE SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL? I HAVE SEEN MANY MANY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,240.
I RECEIVED A RECALL ON MY SON'S 2009 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER FOR DRIVE BELT AUTO TENSIONER AND SUNROOF GLASS. I HAVE MADE 6 CALLS TO THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF BRANDON, FL MITSUBISHI AND ALWAYS GET TOLD A SERVICE ADVISOR WILL CALL ME BACK AND I HAVE NOT RECIEVED A CALL BACK. I ALSO MADE 1 CALL TO THE…
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.