2005 Mitsubishi Outlander recalls and problems

The 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander has 1 safety recall and 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mitsubishi dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
19
Crashes / fires
3 / 0
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2005 Mitsubishi Outlander recalls

Recall 16V-458: Suspension

Reported Jun 23, 2016 · 194,674 vehicles affected · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Problem: 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, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.

Risk: A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.

2005 Mitsubishi Outlander problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Suspension9
Structure3
Power Train3
Electrical System2
Unknown or Other2
Steering2
Air Bags1
Engine1
Visibility1
Engine and Engine Cooling1
Exterior Lighting1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 2
  • Suspension › Front — 1
  • Structure › Body › Door — 1
  • Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System — 1
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Radiator Assembly — 1
  • Suspension › Front › Control Arm — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 91,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Suspension · reported Aug 17, 2026
This vehicle recieved the [XXX] recall treatment in 2019 but the crossmember snapped anyway in april 2026. It snapped all the way through on the driverside causing the wheel to go completely sideways pulling out the cv axle with it, smashing into the wheel well and fender making the driverside door inoperable, and causing the TOTAL loss of control and needed emergency towing off the roadway. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Suspension · at 91,000 miles · reported Mar 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while his mother owned the vehicle, she received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V458000 (Suspension). She took the vehicle to a dealer and upon inspection of the vehicle, the dealer found no defect with the lower control arm and sprayed an anti-rust agent on the part to prevent corrosion. Recently, the contact stated that while his daughter was at a stoplight, she heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that his daughter and Police Officers attempted to move the vehicle off to the…
Structure · at 198,000 miles · reported Oct 27, 2020
The contact owns a 2005 mitsubishi outlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-35 MPH, there was an abnormal loud clunking sound coming from the front of the vehicle near the driver's feet. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway. The contact attempted to move the vehicle and noticed that the left wheel had seized. The contact stated that the tire was cambered in and resting on the front fender. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the control arm detached from extreme corrosion. The contact was also informed that the…
Suspension · at 205,000 miles · reported Jul 4, 2018
While driving along a paved rural road in a moderate left turn at approximately 25 MPH the lower left rear control arm detached from the rear cross member. This noticeably affected the handling of the vehicle and caused the tire to contact the body of the vehicle. The rear cross member was found severely rusted.
Suspension · at 136,000 miles · reported Mar 2, 2018
The contact owns a 2005 mitsubishi outlander. While driving approximately 20 MPH and making a left turn, the steering malfunctioned and the vehicle would not turn. After stopping to inspect the vehicle, it was discovered that the two front wheels were positioned in opposite directions. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front cross member had fractured due to rusting. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified. The failure mileage was 136,000.

Other Mitsubishi Outlander years

Compare all Mitsubishi Outlander years · All Mitsubishi models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander: 16V-458 (suspension). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander?

Owners report suspension problems most often (9 reports), followed by structure (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 91,000 miles.

Are Mitsubishi recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mitsubishi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.