RoadVitals

2009 Mitsubishi Outlander

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

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.
46
Latest May 6, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
13
Latest May 18, 2020
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
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.
5
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 46 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander, most frequently naming the visibility, engine and exterior lighting categories. 13 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 106 manufacturer communications are on file.

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

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Visibility814.5%
  • Engine712.7%
  • Exterior lighting59.1%
  • Powertrain (other)59.1%
  • Suspension59.1%
  • Other / unspecified47.3%
  • Airbags35.5%
  • Electrical35.5%

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

Safety recalls

13 campaigns cover this model year

View all 13

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
20V279000

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS; SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

May 18, 2020
141,200 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.Manufacturer number SR-20-003View on NHTSA.gov
18V071000

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Jan 26, 2018
56,641 units potentially affected
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Outlander, 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Evolution, and 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles equipped with sunroofs. The sunroof glass may detach from the sunroof assembly, becoming a road hazard to other vehicles.
The risk: If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-003.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.Manufacturer number SR-18-003View on NHTSA.gov
18V069000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

Jan 26, 2018
141,053 units potentially affected
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive belt to detach.
The risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-001.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.Manufacturer number SR-18-001View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 46
Filed May 6, 2026

I was driving home from work and I came upon a red light as I was slowing down the car started jilting as I went to take off I started jilting again but then smoothed out. The check engine light, ABS brake light and speed traction off light came on.They just all popped on. At the next light it did the same thing , it started to shutter and loss of power on taking off. It was sputtery at the same time which could have caused an accident! I finally make it home in about an hour later I had to run out to the store to get a couple things. I put it in reverse and it started to jitter again so I put it in park I checked all the fluids everything was fine Don't know why the lights were on. Again I put it in reverse Go to pull out of my driveway it starts to jitter. I put it in drive very slow getting up to movement. I slowed to stop at a light and it stalls out right in the middle of the intersection I try to start it back up , it does but now it just will not go anywhere!! there was no warning no loud bangs, pops, or squeals, no loud anything it just stopped. It will engage in each gear but refuses to go anywhere. it feels like it wants to go but it's just not going. This is very dangerous I could have gotten in a serious accident being in the middle of the intersection like that. this problem needs to be fixed upon looking on many forums and internet sites this seems to be a very common issue with the CVT or the 2009 or any outlander for that matter. My car was made in Japan I guess because the VIN starts with J I'm not sure of how to get any recalls from there or if that matters. I'm not sure the history on my vehicle neither or where it was registered last. I wish I knew when and where the repairs have been done for the recalls that my vehicle may have had. My car is doing exactly what the recalls were for; MMNS's number SR-15-002 in June 15th 2015 and also mmna's number SR-18-001 I did change both CVT filters and fluid also the oil and oil filter. Still nothing.

NHTSA ID
11736094
Incident
May 4, 2026
Electrical
Filed Mar 17, 2024

The MMCS system has a known bug. As of October 2023 the date and time of the system has defaulted back to 2004. The defect has disabled features such as maintenance records that are logged since new. The defect has been reported to the dealer and they have acknowledged there is currently no fix. The dealer also noted that replacing the GPS receiver does not correct the problem and it is likely a head unit firmware issue. There are hundreds of complaints via Internet forums that Mitsubishi equipped MMCS models from approximately 2007 through 2014 are affected. The only way to retrieve any data in the system is to disconnect the GPS receiver and manually input the current date. That fix disables the navigation system in lieu of having all the data the system has stored since new which could be a safety issue for some owners. This is an unacceptable problem for most owners.

NHTSA ID
11577857
Incident
Oct 31, 2023
Powertrain (other)
Filed Dec 7, 2019

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 STATING THE SAME.

NHTSA ID
11287676
Incident
Nov 1, 2019
Mileage
195,000 mi
Body & structure
Filed Oct 25, 2019

FRONT CRADLE FRAME ASSEMBLY IS RUSTED TO THE POINT YOU CAN SEE THRU THE LARGE HOLES. TECHNICIANS RECOMMENDATION FRAME RUSTED BEYOND REPAIR, NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. AT A COST OF $2,000

NHTSA ID
11270924
Incident
Oct 15, 2019
Mileage
103,000 mi
Suspension
Filed May 15, 2019

MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SE FRONT SUBFRAME CROSSMEMBER CRADLE HAS CORRODED AND WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. THE CRADLE IS WHERE THE STEERING ATTACHES AND RAISES A SAFETY CONCERN SHOULD THE CRADLE BREAK DUE TO THE CORROSION. THERE ARE MANY MITSUBISHI VEHICLES THAT HAVE A RECALL ON THIS CONDITION, BUT FOR SOME REASON THIS VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED.

NHTSA ID
11207811
Incident
May 15, 2019
Mileage
82,400 mi
Suspension
Filed Apr 28, 2019

CORROSION AND MAJOR RUST ON THE FRAME AND SUSPENSION ESPECIALLY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL. PARTS OF FRAME AND SUSPENSION JUST STARTED FALLING OFF. VERY SIMILAR TO THE PROBLEMS SEEN ON THE OUTLANDER OF THE SAME YEAR BUT DIFFERENT SIZE ENGINE

NHTSA ID
11204258
Incident
Apr 24, 2019
Mileage
100,000 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Apr 4, 2019

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.

NHTSA ID
11193915
Incident
Apr 4, 2019
Mileage
171,240 mi
Powertrain (other)
Filed Mar 13, 2019

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 SERVICE MANAGER. I LEFT VOICEMAIL WITH THE INFORMATION AND TO CALL ME BACK. I HAVE RECIEVED NO CALLBACK. BRANDON MITSUBISHI 9915 E ADAMO DR BRANDON, FL 33619 813-285-7783

NHTSA ID
11186392
Incident
Mar 7, 2019

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TECH TALK 289

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; SEAT BELTS

Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications.

TSB-24-23-004

POWER TRAIN

Service Manual Revision - This Technical Service Bulletin provides corrections to the description of special tools used to install the oil seal within the Automatic Transaxle sections of the applicable Service Manuals.

TSB-24-11-002

ENGINE

Service Manual Revision - This Technical Service Bulletin provides additions to the description of special tools used for removal of the drive belt within the Engine Mechanical (3.0L Engine) section of the applicable Service Manuals.

DEALER LETTER

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.

TSB-23-00-004

STRUCTURE

This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.

TSB-23-00-001

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more than 1.5 percent of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or 100 lbs.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mitsubishi Outlander by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026200—
2025140048.6
2024261055.8
2023452051.5
20222097055.1
2021000—
2020313064.3
2019295067.9
2018556062.7
2017516059.8
20161428052.6
2015525055.7
2014454056.0
2013265161.3
2012226050.5
2011588051.9
20106010049.2
2009Viewing4613055.2
20085812049.4
20071259051.2
2006211046.3
2005181042.7
2004524053.7
20031166051.6

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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.