Here Are The Mitsubishi Outlander Years To Avoid
We've rounded up five of the worst Mitsubishi Outlander years to avoid. See which ones (and why you should avoid them) so you can car shop confidently.
The SUV market is one of the, if not the toughest segments in the automotive industry right. Car manufacturers have to go above and beyond to strike a balance of performance, features, reliability, and value to stand out. Unfortunately, the Mitsubishi Outlander just can’t catch a break and seems to be always outgunned by the competition.
Don’t get us wrong; the Mitsubishi Outlander is a fine seven-seater SUV that provides enough features, practicality, and value proposition. However, the general consensus is that the Outlander lacks attention to detail. For the most part, the Outlander is built on an aging and unrefined platform. Fortunately, the fully remodeled 2022 Outlander shows promise.
If you’re looking to buy a used Mitsubishi Outlander, know that you’re buying a solid SUV. However, there are some Mitsubishi Outlander years to avoid due to mechanical issues and other reliability woes.
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Which Mitsubishi Outlander Years To Avoid?
For quick reference, below is a quick list of the Mitsubishi Outlander years you should avoid due to various reliability issues:
- 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
- 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander
- 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
- 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
- 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander
2014 Mitsubishi Outlander
According to the folks at CarComplaints.com, the 2014 Outlander has one the most number of complaints out of Mitsubishi’s SUV lineup. With 78 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls, that’s either not a big deal, or it’s not that popular to begin with.
A few complaints were about the Outlander’s faulty safety equipment, particularly the airbag system. In some cases, the airbags failed to deploy following an accident, but there’s no known recall about this issue. According to the reports, the airbag light would randomly come on, indicating that they need to be serviced.
In addition, owners also reported issues with the seatbelts. In a few reports, the seatbelts failed to tighten during an accident. Also, the Outlander seat belts were known for not retracting, especially on the passenger’s side.
THE MOST RELIABLE YEARS FOR THE MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER
Today, we walk you through several Outlander generations and determine the most reliable Mitsubishi Outlander you can buy as used or avoid altogether.
2015 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2015 Outlander isn’t the most problematic SUV out there, but it has some problems that make it one of the Mitsubishi Outlander years to avoid. CarComplaints logged 78 NHTSA complaints, and 3 recalls for this Outlander model year.
One of the worst problems with the 2015 Outlander is its body integrity, particularly with its chipping paint. With a reported average mileage of 11,400 miles, frustrated owners complained about paint ripples and chips on their SUVs. The chipped paint surfaces become prone to rusting if left unattended. Unfortunately, this issue seems to be not covered by a warranty.
In addition, the 2015 Outlander is one of the many model years that struggle with automatic transmission failure. Some reports claimed hearing whining noises that only became louder as they accelerated, while some expressed concerns about their SUV decelerating as they drove.
2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
For the sheer number of complaints, the 2016 Outlander has most of them. With 169 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls, the 2016 version is undoubtedly one of the worst Mitsubishi Outlander years to avoid.
At the top of its list of issues, the 2016 model suffers from automatic transmission failure. Again, owners reported hearing whining or rattling noises coming from the engine bay. In some cases, a ‘transmission overheating’ warning may also appear on the dash. Occurring at around 40,000+ miles, the proposed fix is to replace the transmission altogether.
The 2016 Outlander also struggled with body paint problems. According to the reports by frustrated owners, the paint is very prone to chipping and scratches, indicating a poor paint job.
2017 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2017 Outlander is one of the better model years on this list. According to CarComplaints, the 2017 model has 69 NHTSA complaints, and 4 recalls. However, it does have an engine recall which is a significant cause for concern.
With over 132,500 vehicles affected, Mitsubishi issued a recall for specific 2015-2017 Outlander models. According to the recall documents, these vehicles may have defective relays that may result in various engine issues such as stalling, reduced engine power, and overheating. Once the engine stalls, your chances of getting into a crash increase.
A few owners also complained about the erratic Bluetooth connectivity of the 2017 Outlander. From spotty connection quality to outright refusing to connect, the Outlander’s Bluetooth connectivity leaves a lot to be desired.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander
As per CarComplaints, the 2018 version is one of the worst Mitsubishi Outlander years to avoid. Although it had received fewer NHTSA complaints and only 4 recalls, the severity of its issues made it a less desirable used vehicle.
The top complaint is about the Outlander’s premature brake wear. Several owners reported that their brakes started to wear out sooner than they would have liked – usually just months after buying the vehicle. The complainants believe that this has a lot to do with the quality of the brake pads. Although replacing the brake pads is relatively cheap, it’s still an annoying issue to deal with.
Another sore spot of the Outlander is that it tends not to start or has no power. What’s likely an electrical issue, experts claimed that it’s likely due to a defective alternator. With a faulty alternator, the car won’t be able to produce electricity, and the battery won’t charge.
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Which Mitsubishi Outlander Years are Safe to Buy Used?
So which Outlander can you safely buy as pre-owned?
2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
For an older model, the 2011 version is an excellent pick if you’re looking for a used Outlander. One of its biggest complaints is that the seats are squeaking, which shouldn’t be a big deal for most buyers. Another pain point for this year is the rear hatch that refuses to open. Again, this was a report from a single user, so it’s not likely a prevalent issue.
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander is slightly newer but still offers excellent value. It tends to command a price range of $7,700 to $15,000, so you’re getting a great bang for your buck for an Outlander with little to no reliability issues.
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