Avoid: 2022, 2016, 2015 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2021
21 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 24 model years, the Mitsubishi Outlander has 2,543 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 165 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and electrical system. 2015 drew the most complaints (466), 2021 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (19).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $20,398–$24,097.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 5 |
| 2025 | 18 |
| 2024 | 27 |
| 2023 | 55 |
| 2022 | 227 |
| 2021 | 19 |
| 2020 | 57 |
| 2019 | 98 |
| 2018 | 93 |
| 2017 | 124 |
| 2016 | 334 |
| 2015 | 466 |
| 2014 | 131 |
| 2013 | 135 |
| 2012 | 71 |
| 2011 | 173 |
| 2010 | 60 |
| 2009 | 46 |
| 2008 | 58 |
| 2007 | 125 |
| 2006 | 21 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2004 | 52 |
| 2003 | 129 |
Highest: 2015 (466 complaints). Lowest: 2021 (19).
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide.
Widespread anxiety about long-term durability, particularly in non-hybrid 4-cylinder models, though specific failure reports are less frequent than the concern. Owners stress the necessity of regular fluid changes.
Described as sluggish, barely adequate, and struggling with merging/passing, especially in pre-2021 models.
Use of hard plastics, lack of refinement, and an overall feeling of being outdated compared to segment rivals, particularly in pre-2021 models.
The Mitsubishi app is reported to be unreliable, failing to start the vehicle remotely; remote start is a paid subscription feature after an initial trial, which was a point of frustration for some buyers.
Isolated reports on newer models (2023-2025) include premature rear brake wear, failing power liftgates, emblems falling off, broken cruise control buttons, and weak batteries in cold weather.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Outlander. Individual model years are broken down above.
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