Mitsubishi Outlander Common Failures: Problems, Solutions And More!
Its impressive handling, stylish interior, and easy-to-use infotainment system make the Mitsubishi Outlander a sought-after SUV. But not everything is luxury and comfort, also this car has some common faults of the Mitsubishi Outlander .
Drivers who travel a lot will love its comfortable three-row seats and generous cargo space. Its resale value is also better than most vehicles, depreciating only 51% after five years.
How good is the Mitsubishi Outlander?
The Mitsubishi Outlander has scored highly in major reliability ratings. It is given 4.0 out of 5.0, placing it eighth out of 26 vehicles in its segment. However, some of their models also received below average reviews.
The Mitsubishi Outlander ranked 7th from the bottom in the 2017 Consumer Reliability Survey, registering a higher number of complaints compared to other SUVs (182 problems per 100 vehicles, which is higher than the average of 156 ).
Mitsubishi Outlander Common Faults
If you’re eyeing a used Mitsubishi Outlander, it’s helpful to have an idea of the common Mitsubishi Outlander faults you might run into as you rack up the miles. Here are some of the most common problems through your model years:
1- Brake wear problem
One of the common problems that plagued the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander is premature brake wear. Several owners have reported that their brakes began to wear just months after purchasing their vehicle .
Although driving habits can significantly contribute to premature brake wear, some owners believe that it is the quality of the brake pads that caused their brakes to wear faster than normal.
Some owners have had to replace their brake pads to restore their Outlander’s braking performance. There is no shortage of high-quality brake pad kits on the market, so finding one for an Outlander is easy.
2- Automatic transmission failure
The automatic transmission in some Mitsubishi Outlanders can reportedly fail prematurely. This issue has affected multiple model years, including 2003 to 2004, 2008 to 2009, and 2011 to 2016. Some drivers reported hearing a whining sound that got louder when accelerating, others complained of that their SUV suddenly slowed down while they were driving.
If your Mitsubishi Outlander begins to exhibit transmission related issues, take it to an auto repair shop immediately. You can read this guide to learn more about how to spot a bad automatic transmission. Most of the time, a transmission overhaul or replacement is needed to correct the problem.
3- Problem with the chipping of the paint
Paint problems top the list of common 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander failures. Some owners have reported that the paint on the hood of their SUV has chipped over time. Others have complained that their hood also developed rust spots as early as 28,000 miles. The drivers of the affected units were able to fix the problem by touching up the paint.
4- Failure of the resistor and/or fan motor
Some Mitsubishi Outlander owners have reported erratic blower motor operation due to blower motor and/or blower motor resistor failure. This issue is known to affect various units from model years 2003-2005, 2007-2011 and 2014-2015.
Experts recommend checking the blower motor if the blower motor resistor fails. If your Outlander’s fan stops working or you notice that it only runs at a specific speed, then there’s a high chance that your resistor has malfunctioned.
You may also need to replace the motor as well as the resistor if the blower motor has failed the functional test .
5- AC Pressure Switch Failure
Some Mitsubishi Outlander owners have reported that their AC is not blowing cold air. Most of them found that a faulty pressure switch caused the problem. This issue has been known to affect model year 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014, and 2015 units. Replacing the faulty pressure switch resolved the issue on most vehicles.
6- Tire failure
Some 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander owners have complained that the low tire pressure light tends to come on every two to three weeks. Upon checking, the mechanics discovered that the front passenger side tire had an air leak.
Most owners of affected vehicles have reported that the problem persisted after fixing their tires . This led most of them to speculate that sensor problems (rather than bad tires) caused the problem.
7- Failures in the valve stems
Wheel and tire problems are also on the list of common 2007 Mitsubishi Outlander failures. The first thing owners noticed was reportedly that the tire pressure warning light went off. Most of the time, the valve was shot suddenly in the parking lot and the affected tire went flat when inspected by drivers.
Some owners also said that their tire valve stems simply broke off while the vehicle was parked. In some cases, the stems broke when the driver added air to their tires or checked their tire pressure.
Replacing the tire sensors resolved the issue on most vehicles . Repairs can cost up to $190, depending on the extent of the damage.
8- Problems with the HVAC temperature knob
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) temperature control knob on some Mitsubishi Outlanders can be difficult to turn. If you are thinking of buying a 2003-2007 Mitsubishi Outlander, there is a chance that you will develop this problem.
Mitsubishi has published a service bulletin for this problem detailing the repairs that need to be done. These include installing a new air blend door lever and link and lubricating the blend door race.
Mechanics must also install a filter on top of the blower motor housing to block road debris and dirt. The temperature control assembly may also need to be replaced depending on the extent of the problem.
9- Problems with the cooling fan controller
Several owners of different model years of Outlander have also reported engine overheating due to a bad cooling fan controller. The complaints are coming mainly from 2003-2005 Mitsubishi Outlander owners. Most drivers were able to resolve the issue by replacing the faulty driver.
Overheating is a serious concern, as it can lead to expensive and complex engine problems in the long run. If you are starting to experience a similar issue with your Outlander, you should address it immediately. If the cooling fan controller is working as it should, there is probably something else wrong under the hood.
In summary
These are just some of the problems you may encounter with your Mitsubishi Outlander. By doing your research and asking drivers about their experience with the model year you’re considering, you can get a better estimate of its true cost of ownership. As long as you stay on top of your maintenance schedule and replace faulty parts promptly, you’ll be able to enjoy many years with your Outlander.
