2013 Mitsubishi Outlander: common problems and reliability

The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander has 135 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 14 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and air bags. Owners most often flag cvt transmission reliability concerns — 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. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2013 model year

135
Owner complaints
14
Recalls
12
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

electrical system
29
air bags
28
engine
18
visibility/wiper
16
power train
14

Recalls affecting the 2013 Outlander

visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor

Campaign 17V461000

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles. In the affected vehicles, water may drop between the hood and the windshield and leak into the wiper motor breathing hole. T…

visibility:windshield wiper/washer:linkages

Campaign 16V791000

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles manufactured September 8, 2006, to March 29, 2013. In the affected vehicles, water may enter between the hood and …

suspension:front:control arm:lower arm

Campaign 16V458000

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, o…

steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connections

Campaign 14V366000

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, Mitusbishi is recalling certain 2007-2012 Outlander…

What owners say across generations

Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The vehicle is consistently praised for its strong value proposition, driven by aggressive pricing, significant dealer discounts, a compelling 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and attractive financing

  • CVT transmission reliability concerns — 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. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Underpowered 4-cylinder engine — described as sluggish, barely adequate, and struggling with merging/passing, especially in pre-2021 models. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Interior material quality and dated design — use of hard plastics, lack of refinement, and an overall feeling of being outdated compared to segment rivals, particularly in pre-2021 models. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Software and app connectivity problems — 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. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Early-build quality and minor failures — 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. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Outlander.

Typical used price

Used Outlander listings typically run $27,675–$34,020 across 2019 to 2026 model years.

Other Outlander model years

2024 Outlander2021 Outlander2019 Outlander2018 Outlander2017 Outlander2015 Outlander2012 Outlander2010 Outlander2009 Outlander2007 Outlander2006 Outlander2005 Outlander2004 Outlander2003 Outlander
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