RoadVitals

2003 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
116
Latest Aug 27, 2024
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
17
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
12

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

28
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle came to an immediate stop and did not return to normal operation. The contact noticed that the front control arm had detached. No warning light was illuminated. The contact researched and became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V458000 (Suspension). The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to the residence. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was included in the recall but already had been serviced under the recall; however, the failure occurred. The failure mileage was 188,000.

NHTSA ID 11611129 · filed Aug 27, 2024

REAR CONTROL ARMS ARE RUSTED THROUGH, THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE FRONT AND HAD THE REPAIRS DONE. THE FRONT CONTROL ARM RECALL WAS DUE TO POOR RUST PROOFING DURING MANUFACTURING. THE REAR HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. CANNOT REALIGN REAR WHEELS AND REAR SWAY BAR BRACKET BROKE FREE ENTIRELY. VEHICLE IS NOW STATIONARY AS IT CANNOT BE DRIVEN.

NHTSA ID 11286857 · filed Dec 4, 2019
All 28 reports naming suspension

Exterior lighting

Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.

18
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AT NIGHT, THE HEADLIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WAITED A WHILE, AND WAS ABLE TO RESUME DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED HEAD INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.

NHTSA ID 11063034 · filed Jan 16, 2018

RECENTLY BOUGHT A USED 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER AND THE HEADLIGHT LENS ON BOTH SIDES ARE CRACKED, EXTREMELY CRAZED AND THE WHOLE THING IS MILKY, WHICH DULLS THE HEADLIGHT AT NIGHT, I HAVE RESEARCHED AND MITSUBISHI WILL NOT REPLACE AFTER WARRANTY, IT WOULD COST ABOUT $1000 TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES. WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS ON THIS ISSUE, MITSUBISHI SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10593869 · filed May 24, 2014
All 18 reports naming exterior lighting

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

16
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CAR HAS BEEN OWNED FOR 10+ YEARS AND HAS BEEN MAINTAINED VERY WELL. GAS MILEAGE HAS DROPPED SINCE 2014. CAR THREW A P420 CODE IN THE YEARS AFTER. CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAS BEEN REPLACED FOUR TIMES IN A YEAR. OXYGEN SENSOR HAS BEEN REPLACED AND NEW EXHAUST HAS BEEN INSTALLED. WE HAVE NOW SEEN THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD HAS A CRACK IN IT. THIS APPEARS TO BE A MANUFACTURER ISSUE.

NHTSA ID 11151262 · filed Nov 13, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ALSO WHILE IN PARK, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT AND THE AIR CONDITIONER BLEW HOT AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAN CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAN CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.

NHTSA ID 10860316 · filed Apr 19, 2016
All 16 reports naming engine

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE IN AUGUST 2016. AS OF THIS DATE THE PART TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE IS NOT AVAILABLE. HAVE CALL MITSUBISHI SEVERAL TIMES AND THEY KEEP SAYING THE PART IS BEING PROCESSED. CONFUSION AS TO WHETHER THE PARTS ARE SENT TO A DEALER FOR REPAIR OR IF THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE INSPECTED FIRST AND THEN THE PART IS ORDERED BY THE DEALER. THE DEALER CLAIMS THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE INSPECTED FIRST THEN THE PART IS ORDERED IF NECESSARY. MITSUBISHI STATES THAT THEY WILL DETERMINE HOW MANY PARTS TO SEND TO WHAT DEALERS. CONFUSION. NEAREST DEALER TO ME IS 3 TO 4 HOURS ONE WAY TRIP. IF THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE INSPECTED FIRST BEFORE THE PART IS ORDERED THEN IF WILL HAVE TO MAKE TWO 6 TO 8 HOUR ROUND TRIPS. HOW THE DEALER KNOWS HOW MANY PARTS TO SEND TO WHAT DEALERS DOES'T MAKE SENSE. THIS PART IS NEEDED TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE'S STEERING FROM FAILING. THE PART IS THE LOWER CONTROL ARM. PLEASE CLEAR THIS UP FOR ME.

NHTSA ID 10945663 · filed Jan 17, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT IT NEEDED A WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND THE TIE ROD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V458000 (SUSPENSION); HOWEVER,THE PART WAS UNAVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,432.

NHTSA ID 10899311 · filed Aug 29, 2016
All 14 reports naming steering

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

SINCE THE SECOND YEAR SINCE I'VE OWNED THIS CAR THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL KNOB HAS BEEN FROZEN. THE ONLY WAY YOU CAN TURN THE KNOB IS TO HAVE A MECHANIC MANUALLY TURN THE KNOB UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. MITSUBISHI MOTORS ADMITTED THIS WAS A DESIGN FLAW IN 2002 TO 2007 MITSUBISHI LANCERS AND OUTLANDERS. I HAVE CALLED MITSUBISHI MANY TIMES AND SENT LETTERS OF COMPLAINTS BUT THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BUT LEAVE THE VEHICLES OWNER IN WHAT CAN BE A DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. I'VE HAD TO DRIVE IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS BEFORE AND THE KNOB WAS STUCK ON AIR CONDITIONING IT WAS FREEZING TEMPERATURES WHERE I WAS DRIVING IN AND YOU COULD NOT USE THE DEFROSTER BE CAUSE IT WAS ON COLD AIR! YOU HAD TO PULL OVER AND SCRAPE THE WINDOW AND CONTINUALLY WIPE THE CLOUDED OVER WINDOW. I PAID $23,000 FOR THIS VEHICLE AND NOT TO HAVE CONTROL OF THE HEAT AND AIR IS REDICULUS! YOU CANNOT ALWAYS GET YOUR VEHICLE INTO A MECHANIC AND HAVE THEM MANUALLY TURN THE HEAT AND AIR KNOB. AND THAT'S ALL YOU HAVE A CHOICE OF IS EITHER HEAT OR COLD AIR. THE HVAC SYSTEM WAS INAPPROPRIATELY DESIGNED BY MITSUBISHI AND THE CABLE FROM THE KNOB BUNCHES UP AND DOES NOT WORK ANYMORE. I THOUGHT NOT BEING ABLE TO USE THE DEFROSTER IS A SAFETY HAZARD. MITSUBISHI NEEDS TO OWN UP TO THIS AND RECALL WHAT HAS AFFECTED 1000S OF VEHICLES. YOU CAN BE IN AN AREA OF THE COUNTRY WHERE YOU NEED THE AIR CONDITIONING AND THEN DRIVE INTO A SNOW STORM AND YOU CAN'T USE THE DEFROSTER UNLESS YOU FIND A MECHANIC IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT TO CHANGE IT OVER TO HEAT. THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE NOT BEING ABLE TO TURN THE KNOB TO THE SETTING YOU NEED AT WILL FOR THE DEFROSTER. VEHICLE OWNERS HAVE COMPLAINED TO MITSUBISHI BUT WILL NOT FIXIT. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH MY CAR SINCE 2004. THE PHOTO SHOWS THE HEAT AND AIR CONDITIONING KNOB THAT CAN ONLY BE MANUALLY TURNED BY A MECHANIC.

NHTSA ID 11193003 · filed Apr 1, 2019

THE ISSUE BEGAN IN 2004 WHEN MY VEHICLE WAS 1 YEAR OLD. THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL KNOB BECAME FROZEN AND YOU COULD NOT TURN IT FROM HEAT TO AIR CONDITIONING OR THE OTHER WAY. I SPENT $23,000 ON THIS CAR AND YOU COULD NOT TURN FROM AIR CONDITIONING TO HEAT AT WILL ONLY A MECHANIC CAN MANUALLY TURN IT UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND THEN ONLY PUT IT ON HOT OR COLD. ONE TIME I WAS DRIVING 600 MILES FOR AN EMERGENCY WITH THE KNOB STUCK ON AIR CONDITIONING AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO TURN IT TO HEAT. IT WAS BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES AND THE WINDOW FOGGED UP BECAUSE I WAS NOT ABLE TO PUT THE DEFROSTER ON. I HAD TO CONTINUALLY PULL OVER TO WIPE OFF THE WINDOW AND THE FROST. THERE COULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT IF I HAD NOT CONTINUALLY PULLED OVER. 2002 TO 2007 LANCERS AND OUTLANDERS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. IT WAS A DESIGN FLAW BY THE MANUFACTURER BUT THEY WILL NOT OWN UP TO THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD IT TO A MECHANIC MANY TIMES BUT THEY CANNOT FIX IT. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY MITSUBISHI IS NOT FORCED TO FIX THIS FOR CONSUMERS WHEN THIS IS CLEARLY A DANGEROUS PROBLEM IF YOU CANNOT USE THE DEFROSTER. I SHOULD NOT BE MADE TO PAY FOR SOMETHING WHEN IT IS A MANUFACTURING FLAW. THERE ARE 1000S OF VEHICLES ON THE ROAD WITH THIS PROBLEM AND MITSUBISHI WILL NOT OWN UP THAT THIS IS A CLEARLY SAFETY ISSUE. THE CONSUMER HAS NO POWER IN THIS SITUATION I HAVE CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE AND AM TOLD THEY WILL DO NOTHING ABOUT IT UNLESS IT'S RECALLED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP IN THIS MATTER I HAVE NO PLACE ELSE TO GET HELP WITH THIS AND I CAN'T AFFORD ANOTHER VEHICLE. THIS IS WRONG MITSUBISHI ALLOWS CARS ON THE ROAD WITH THIS PROBLEM AND TURNS A BLIND EYE TO POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ASSISTANCE.

NHTSA ID 11192997 · filed Apr 1, 2019
All 11 reports naming visibility

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 10897984 · filed Aug 23, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED SPARKS EMITTING NEAR THE RADIO. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THERE WAS SMOKE AND SUDDENLY THE INTERIOR FRONT OF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT WERE FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 206,000.

NHTSA ID 10667260 · filed Dec 19, 2014
All 8 reports naming electrical

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

8
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO AVOID COLLIDING WITH A DEER. DURING THE CRASH, THE VEHICLE HAD ROLLED OVER AND THE DRIVER WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED HEAD AND NECK INJURIES, A FRACTURED LEFT SHOULDER AND AN INJURED TORSO AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED AWAY. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN AT THE SCENE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 340,000. *DT *TR *BF CONSUMER STATES THAT AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY DURING THE COLLISION. CONSUMER SAYS THAT MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE AIRBAG FAILURE SINCE 2004, BUT FAILED TO INFORM CONSUMERS. *DL

NHTSA ID 11222052 · filed Jun 24, 2019

AIR BAGS DID NOT DELPOY DURING CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTATLED AND I NO LONGER OWN THE VEHICLE. *JS

NHTSA ID 11101307 · filed Jun 12, 2018
All 8 reports naming airbags

Fuel system

Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

HEAVY SMELL OF GASOLINE WHEN FUEL TANK IS FILLED. FILL GARAGE WITH FUMES. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. IF FILLED TO A HALF TANK OR SO, NO INDICATION OF FUEL SMELL. DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE LEAKING. I HAD AN ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC LOOK AT IT AND THE FUEL TANK AS WELL AS FILLER NOZZLE ARE DETERIORATED. I CALLED MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA AND THEY ACTED AS IF THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THEY EVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM. I CALLED MULTIPLE DEALERS, AND ALL HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR CUSTOMERS. THE INTER-NET IS FULL OF SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON 2003 TO 2006 OUTLANDERS. I HAVE HAD A RECALL FOR THE FRONT END BECAUSE OF EXCESSIVE RUST MAKING IT UNSAFE TO DRIVE. I DO NOT THINK THIS IS A NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR WITH THE FUEL TANK. MITSUBISHI SHOULD ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM AND CORRECT IT FOR THEIR CUSTOMERS. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. THE CAR IS ALWAYS GARAGED WHEN NOT BEING DRIVEN.

NHTSA ID 11029708 · filed Sep 21, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE MUFFLER AND THE FUEL TANK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.

NHTSA ID 10806563 · filed Nov 24, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR MECHANISM FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 164,241.

NHTSA ID 10946971 · filed Jan 23, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE SEAT BELT FAILED TO UNLOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSIS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. *TR

NHTSA ID 10516124 · filed Jun 10, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

CAR TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP, ANDERSON MITSUBISHI, 8162790354), JANUARY 2017, FOR NHTSA RECALL 16V458. CROSSMEMBER NOT REPLACED OR RUST TREATED. CROSSMEMBER FAILED 4-20-2019. REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE $2161.70. MADE CLAIM FOR REIMBURSEMENT THROUGH MITSUBISHI DEALER AND MITSUBISHI OF NORTH AMERICA. HAVE A MITSUBISHI FILE NUMBER [XXX]. MITSUBISHI OF NA HAS VERBALLY AGREED TO SETTLE, BUT HAS NOT CONTACTED ME SINCE AUGUST OF 2019. I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO GET MY CALLS RETURNED SINCE. THE CROSSMEMBER BROKE WHILE MY WIFE WAS DRIVING ON CITY STREETS WHICH CAUSED THE CAR TO VEER INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE, WITHOUT ACCIDENT. CAR WAS TOWED AND REPAIRED AT MY EXPENSE. I NEED HELP GETTING MY REIMBURSEMENT PAID. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE CAR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 11278142 · filed Nov 4, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CHECK UNDER THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR FRAME WAS ROTTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHERRY HILL MITSUBISHI AT (856) 471-1057 (1805 MARLTON PIKE W, CHERRY HILL, NJ 08002) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR FRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

NHTSA ID 11053979 · filed Dec 11, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THIS IS FOR A MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER 2003. THERE WAS A LOT OF WATER UNDER THE SEATS, DON'T KNOW HOW, AND THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS ON DUE TO BAD OXYGEN SENSOR AND THERE MIGHT BE CORROSION IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, THIS CAN CAUSE A FIRE, REAR STOP LIGHT STOP WORKING, THE SEAT BELT TENSIONER CAN GO BAD. TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THE MANUFACTURER SAID THAT I ONLY HAVE 1 RECALL WHEN THE NHTSA SAYS THAT THERE'S A RECALL FOR THIS,=NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 03V194000. *TR

NHTSA ID 10214300 · filed Jan 9, 2008

CONSUMER CANNOT UNLOCK THE FRONT AND REAR DOORS FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. WATER WENT UNDER FLOOR AND CORRODED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THIS PROBLEM WAS SIMILAR TO NHTSA RECALL 03V194000: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, WATER COULD ENTER THE FRONT FLOORBOARD AREA FROM OPENINGS IN THE SIDE SILL OR UPPER DASH AREA. THIS WATER COULD COLLECT UNDER THE SEAT AND CAUSE ELECTRICAL CORROSION TO OCCUR IN THE HARNESS CONNECTORS THAT CONTAIN THE WIRING FOR THE SEAT BELT RETACTOR, SIDE AIR BAG IMPACT SENSOR, AND STOP LAMPS. *AK

NHTSA ID 10055561 · filed Jan 21, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THIS PERTAINS TO MY 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER (CURRENT MILEAGE 44732) AND WAS OUR FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM. MY WIFE WENT TO THE POST OFFICE IN TOWN TO MAIL A PACKAGE. AFTER STOPPING IN THE PARKING SPOT, THE CAR SURGED (ACCELERATED) BEFORE SHE COULD SHIFT INTO PARK AND STRUCK THE LANDSCAPING WALL AT THE POST OFFICE. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE WAS WALKING ON THE SIDEWALK BETWEEN THE FRONT OF THE CAR AND A HEDGE IN FRONT OF THE WALL. ALSO, FORTUNATELY, ONLY DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE CAR. AN INCIDENT REPORT HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE LOCAL POLICE, MITSUBISHI, AND 21ST CENTURY INSURANCE. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY IN MY GARAGE. *TR

NHTSA ID 10290158 · filed Oct 28, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS ACTIVATED WITHOUT THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED SPONTANEOUSLY WHENEVER THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION. IN ADDITION, THE SRS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND REMAINED LIT UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THEY STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED ACCORDING TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 03V194000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM;WIRING,INTERIOR/UNDER DASH); HOWEVER, THE RECALL REMEDY DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED AND THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING SMELL INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. ALSO, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WOULD BECOME STUCK WITHOUT WARNING WHEN IT WAS DEPRESSED AND THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR WAS INOPERATIVE. THE WEBBING FAILED TO EXTRACT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,000.

NHTSA ID 10260218 · filed Feb 27, 2009

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN I BOUGHT MY CAR SOME TIME LAST YEAR EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE BUT AFTER A FEW MONTHS THINGS STARTED TO GO WRONG ON THE CAR. IT BEGAN WITH ME CONSTANTLY HAVING TO GET THE OIL CHANGED THE TIRES WERE BAD THE CAR STARTED MAKING NOISES THAT I COULDN'T EXPLAIN AND THE TIRES IN THE TIRES IN THE BACK WERE CONSTANTLY BUSTING. THE ENGINE IS NOW GOING BAD AND I HAVE BOUGHT AT LEAST 10 SETS OF TIRES FOR THE BACK IN THIS YEAR ALONE. I DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO KEEP PUTTING IN THIS CAR AND CONTINUE TO PAY THE LEASE OFF FOR IT AS WELL. ITS GETTING ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10639513 · filed Sep 27, 2014

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. ON TWO DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, THE TIRES FLATTENED DUE TO THE VALVE STEMS. THREE OF THE VALVE STEMS WERE REPAIRED AT $20 EACH, AND THE FIRST VALVE STEM WAS FREE. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08T018000 (TIRES:VALVE) WAS REFERENCED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID 10242260 · filed Sep 15, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Transmission

Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND THEN ACCELERATING AT ABOUT 35MPH, THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTS HARD, JERKING THE CAR FORWARD HARD AND CAUSING ONE OF THE REAR CV JOINTS TO POP. THE DEALER SAID THERE WASN'T ENOUGH OCCURRENCES OF IT HAPPENING TO WARRANT ANY INSPECTION OR REPAIR. THEY CALLED IN A MITSUBISHI REP AND HE CLAIMED TO NEVER FEEL OR HEAR THE PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH THE SERVICE TECH DID. *TR

NHTSA ID 10302312 · filed Jan 26, 2010

REGULAR USE. WIRING CONNECTION TO AUTOMATIC SHIFTER CONTROL HAS BROKEN. SHIFTER HAS TO BE REPLACED. AUTOMATIC DRIVE LIGHTS DON'T WORK (DRIVE, REVERSE, NEUTRAL, ETC.) AND MANUAL SHIFTER FAILS TO WORK. NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE WITHOUT REPAIRS. *TR

NHTSA ID 10220182 · filed Mar 5, 2008

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

DT: THE FIRST TIME THE PROBLEM HAPPENED WAS ABOUT A YEAR AGO WHEN COMING TO A STOP SIGN. THE CONSUMER PUT HER FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE WOULDN'T STOP. THE CONSUMER USED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE TO STOP. WHEN CONSUMER TRIED TO STOP WHILE GOING 10 MPH THE FIRST TIME THERE WAS NO PRESSURE IN THE BRAKES AND THEY WENT TO THE FLOOR. CONSUMER DIDN'T TAKE THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC AT THAT TIME. THE PROBLEM SEEMED TO HAPPEN A ONCE A MONTH. IN MAY IT HAPPENED TWICE. THE OWNER HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED FROM WORK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO ADVISED THE CONSUMER THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEM. TWO WEEKS LATER WHILE DRIVING ON A BACK ROAD THERE WAS A MAN HOLDING A SIGN TELLING CARS TO SLOW DOWN, WHEN THE CONSUMER TRIED TO SLOW DOWN, THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR AGAIN. CONSUMER PULLED EMERGENCY BRAKE AGAIN TO GET VEHICLE TO STOP. THE OWNER STATES THE BRAKES JUST WON'T HOLD. THE OWNER CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN TO INFORM THEM OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY CAN'T REPAIR THE BRAKES BECAUSE THEY CAN'T FIND ANY PROBLEMS WITH THE BRAKES. YESTERDAY WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK THE OWNER PULLED UP TO GET OUT OF PARKING LOT AND TRIED TO PUT THE BRAKES ON WHEN THEY WENT TO THE FLOOR AGAIN, AND THEN THE OWNER PULLED THE EMERGENCY BRAKES AND VEHICLE STOPPED. *AK *JB

NHTSA ID 10130966 · filed Aug 26, 2005

FRONT BRAKES SQUEAK AND LOCK UP WHEN COLD, (MORNINGS) DEALER SAY IT'S NORMAL. MY FRIEND HAS AN OUTLANDER AND HE DOES NOT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE TAKEN IT IT 4 TO 5 TIMES. THE BRAKES LOCKING UP NEARLY CAUSED A COLLISION FROM THE CAR BEHIND ME.*AK

NHTSA ID 10114293 · filed Mar 18, 2005

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) MY NAME IS [XXX] . CONTACT NUMBER IS [XXX] . I OWN A 2003 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. A LITTLE OVER 2 YEARS AGO THE CAR STARTED TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY BETWEEN 30 AND 50 MILES PER HOUR. I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AND SAW THAT THE BOOTS ON THE CV JOINTS WERE CRACKED AND HAD LEAKED OUT THE GREASE INSIDE THE BOOTS. I ASSUMED THIS WAS THE PROBLEM. I BOUGHT NEW AXLES AND REPLACED THEM. DURING THE INSTALLATION WHILE REMOVING THE AXLE BRACKET ON THE PASSENGER SIDE I FOUND THAT ONE OF THE 2 BOLTS HOLDING THE BRACKET INPLACE HAD SHEARED OFF FROM THE VIBRATION. IF THE SECOND BOLT HAD BROKEN AS WELL THE AXLE WOULD HAVE BROKEN AWAY FROM THE ENGINE BLOCK AND SURELY CAUSED COMPLETE LOSE OF CONTROL OF THE CAR AND A POTENTIAL LIFE THREATENING ACCIDENT. I REPLACED THE AXLES AND THE BRACKET BOLTS AND THOUGHT THAT WAS THE END OF IT. I TEST DROVE THE CAR AFTER THE REPAIRS AND TO MY DISMAY THE VIOLENT VIBRATION WAS STILL THERE. I TOOK THE CAR TO A PROFESSIONAL SHOP FOR FURTHER DIAGNOSIS AT WHICH TIME THE TECHNICIAN CONFIRMED THE VIBRATION AND WAS STUMPED BY IT'S ORIGIN. HE RAN A SEARCH ON ALLDATA AND COME TO FIND OUT YOU'VE KNOW ABOUT A PROBLEM KNOW AS TORQUE CONVERTER VIBRATION IN THESE MITSUBISHI'S SINCE 10/2003 AND THAT IT GOES BACK TO MODELS AS EARLY AS 1997 PER YOUR NO. TSB-03-23-006. SO WHY HAVEN'T YOU DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT? YOU CONTINUE TO ALLOW MITSUBISHI TO PUT DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS CARS ON THE ROAD THAT COULD ENDANGER THE SAFETY AND WELL BEING OF THE DRIVER AND THE PUBLIC IN GENERAL IF THE AXLE BROKE LOOSE AND THE DRIVE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY FOR YOURSELVES? WHY DOES SOMEONE HAVE TO DIE BEFORE YOU'LL DO ANYTHING ABOUT THESE DANGEROUS DEFECTS. I'D LIKE AN EXPLANATION. I CAN BE REACHED AT THE NUMBER ABOVE OR BY EMAIL AT [XXX] . *TR

NHTSA ID 10319096 · filed Mar 11, 2010

THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE, THE CAUSE WAS UNKNOWN.*JB

NHTSA ID 10011195 · filed Mar 10, 2003

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

VEHICLE HAS HAD TWO TIRE BLOW OUTS ON PASSENGER'S REAR, AND DRIVER'S FRONT TIRES. CONSUMER REPLACED THE TIRES AT CONSUMER'S EXPENSE. NO RECALLS FOUND.*AK

NHTSA ID 10101965 · filed Dec 1, 2004

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .