Problem / Issue Thinking About Buying a Used Outlander? Read This First

[tesla 1]

Buying a used Mitsubishi Outlander can be a smart decision or a very expensive mistake if you choose the wrong model year.​

While many Outlanders provide years of trouble-free ownership, certain generations are known for recurring defects that buyers should understand before signing the paperwork.


1. Transmission Problems

CVT Issues: The continuously variable transmission (CVT) in certain Outlander models, especially those from the 2014–2016 model years, has been reported to cause jerking, stalling, and overheating. Some owners have experienced complete transmission failure, often requiring replacement, which can be costly.
Transmission Warranty Extensions: Mitsubishi extended the warranty on some CVT transmissions in response to widespread issues, so it's worth checking if your Outlander’s transmission is covered.

2. Electrical System Malfunctions

Faulty Batteries: In some models, the battery drains faster than expected, sometimes due to issues in the electrical system that draw power even when the car is off. This has been a frequent complaint in certain 2018–2021 models.
Dashboard Display Problems: Several owners report issues with the multimedia display freezing or malfunctioning, especially in models with infotainment systems from 2018 onward.
Lighting Malfunctions: Some Outlander models have had problems with the headlights or tail lights failing prematurely, often due to wiring issues or faulty connections.



3. Suspension and Steering

Control Arm and Ball Joint Wear: Early models, like those from 2007–2013, are known to experience premature wear in the front suspension, especially in the control arm and ball joints. This can lead to knocking noises and alignment issues.
Steering Vibrations: Some owners report vibrations in the steering, especially at higher speeds, often linked to alignment or suspension issues that may develop prematurely in some models.

4. Brake System Issues

Premature Brake Wear: Certain Outlander models, including the 2014–2018 range, have shown premature brake pad wear, with some owners needing replacements as early as 15,000–20,000 miles.
Brake Noise and ABS Issues: Some models experience noisy brakes, and there have been occasional reports of issues with the ABS system not functioning correctly, though these are less common.

5. Engine and Fuel System Concerns

Excessive Oil Consumption: Some models, particularly the 2014–2016 versions, have been reported to consume oil faster than expected. Owners need to monitor oil levels frequently to avoid engine issues.
Stalling and Power Loss: Some 2019–2021 Outlanders have been reported to experience sudden power loss or stalling, which may be tied to software or fuel system issues.

6. Battery Degradation in PHEV Models

Plug-in Hybrid Battery Issues: The Outlander PHEV, while generally well-regarded, has some reported issues with battery degradation over time, especially in older models from 2018–2020. Owners report reduced range as the battery ages, which is typical for EV batteries, but some find it diminishes faster than expected.

7. Air Conditioner and Heating Problems

AC Compressor Issues: Several Outlanders, particularly those in hot climates, have had problems with the air conditioning compressor failing prematurely, leading to high repair costs.
Heater Core Leaks: Certain models from the 2014–2017 years have reported issues with the heater core leaking, which can lead to poor heating and, in some cases, overheating.

The Outlander can be an excellent value on the used market, but choosing the wrong model year can quickly erase any savings. Researching known issues before buying may save you far more money than negotiating a lower purchase price.

Youtube

 

[Car Doktor]

The Mitsubishi Outlander has been generally reliable, but certain model years have experienced recurring issues. Here are some common defects reported by owners, especially in models from around 2007 through 2023:

1. Transmission Problems

CVT Issues: The continuously variable transmission (CVT) in certain Outlander models, especially those from the 2014–2016 model years, has been reported to cause jerking, stalling, and overheating. Some owners have experienced complete transmission failure, often requiring replacement, which can be costly.
Transmission Warranty Extensions: Mitsubishi extended the warranty on some CVT transmissions in response to widespread issues, so it's worth checking if your Outlander’s transmission is covered.

2. Electrical System Malfunctions

Faulty Batteries: In some models, the battery drains faster than expected, sometimes due to issues in the electrical system that draw power even when the car is off. This has been a frequent complaint in certain 2018–2021 models.
Dashboard Display Problems: Several owners report issues with the multimedia display freezing or malfunctioning, especially in models with infotainment systems from 2018 onward.
Lighting Malfunctions: Some Outlander models have had problems with the headlights or tail lights failing prematurely, often due to wiring issues or faulty connections.

View attachment 442

3. Suspension and Steering

Control Arm and Ball Joint Wear: Early models, like those from 2007–2013, are known to experience premature wear in the front suspension, especially in the control arm and ball joints. This can lead to knocking noises and alignment issues.
Steering Vibrations: Some owners report vibrations in the steering, especially at higher speeds, often linked to alignment or suspension issues that may develop prematurely in some models.

4. Brake System Issues

Premature Brake Wear: Certain Outlander models, including the 2014–2018 range, have shown premature brake pad wear, with some owners needing replacements as early as 15,000–20,000 miles.
Brake Noise and ABS Issues: Some models experience noisy brakes, and there have been occasional reports of issues with the ABS system not functioning correctly, though these are less common.

5. Engine and Fuel System Concerns

Excessive Oil Consumption: Some models, particularly the 2014–2016 versions, have been reported to consume oil faster than expected. Owners need to monitor oil levels frequently to avoid engine issues.
Stalling and Power Loss: Some 2019–2021 Outlanders have been reported to experience sudden power loss or stalling, which may be tied to software or fuel system issues.

6. Battery Degradation in PHEV Models

Plug-in Hybrid Battery Issues: The Outlander PHEV, while generally well-regarded, has some reported issues with battery degradation over time, especially in older models from 2018–2020. Owners report reduced range as the battery ages, which is typical for EV batteries, but some find it diminishes faster than expected.

7. Air Conditioner and Heating Problems

AC Compressor Issues: Several Outlanders, particularly those in hot climates, have had problems with the air conditioning compressor failing prematurely, leading to high repair costs.
Heater Core Leaks: Certain models from the 2014–2017 years have reported issues with the heater core leaking, which can lead to poor heating and, in some cases, overheating.

Summary

While the Mitsubishi Outlander is a popular and mostly reliable SUV, these common issues should be considered, especially when looking at used models. For recent Outlanders, Mitsubishi has worked to address many of these issues, so newer models are often more reliable. Regular maintenance, checking for recalls, and warranty coverage can help mitigate some of these common problems.

Youtube

One issue that often flies under the radar is the failure of the front exhaust flex pipe on some Outlanders. Owners usually notice a ticking noise during cold starts and assume it's an engine problem, when it's actually an exhaust leak.

I've also seen reports of the AWD transfer case developing small seal leaks that can go unnoticed for a long time. Neither issue is especially common, but both can become surprisingly expensive if ignored.

They're definitely worth checking when shopping for a used Outlander.

 

[Peter]

One issue that often flies under the radar is the failure of the front exhaust flex pipe on some Outlanders. Owners usually notice a ticking noise during cold starts and assume it's an engine problem, when it's actually an exhaust leak.

I've also seen reports of the AWD transfer case developing small seal leaks that can go unnoticed for a long time. Neither issue is especially common, but both can become surprisingly expensive if ignored.

They're definitely worth checking when shopping for a used Outlander.

I would also add that many used-car buyers spend a lot of time worrying about the CVT and completely forget to inspect the underside of the vehicle.

On some older Outlanders, rust around the rear suspension and subframe can become a bigger ownership headache than the engine itself. It's one of those issues that's easy to miss but expensive to fix later. A clean underbody is often worth more than a stack of maintenance receipts.