2008 Mitsubishi Outlander recalls and problems
The 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander has 12 safety recalls and 58 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mitsubishi dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2008 Mitsubishi Outlander recalls
Recall 20V-279: Structure, Suspension
Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. 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 a loss of vehicle control, 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. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.
Recall 18V-069: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive belt to detach.
Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-001.
Recall 18V-071: Visibility
Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Outlander, 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Evolution, and 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles equipped with sunroofs. The sunroof glass may detach from the sunroof assembly, becoming a road hazard to other vehicles.
Risk: If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-003.
Recall 17V-461: Visibility
Problem: 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. The water may cause internal corrosion of the windshield wiper motor and the possible failure of the motor.
Risk: Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-003.
Recall 16V-791: Visibility
Problem: 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 windshield and cause the front wiper link ball joint to corrode, possibly resulting in the wiper link separating and the wipers becoming inoperative.
Risk: Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rubber boot on the ball joint to prevent water intrusion. Additionally, they will inspect the wiper motor crank arm for excessive play, replacing it as necessary. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-009.
Recall 16V-458: Suspension
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.
Recall 14V-562: Engine and Engine Cooling
Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4B1 engines, have an engine pulley and belt arrangement for turning the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (if equipped). These pulleys may experience unusual wear and allow for belt detachment.
Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-009.
Recall 14V-564: Exterior Lighting
Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Outlander vehicles manufactured December 15, 2006, to October 31, 2007, and April 16, 2008, to August 22, 2009. In the affected vehicles, the brake light switch may malfunction causing the brake lights to not illuminate during brake application.
Risk: Brake lights that are inoperative would not warn other drivers that the vehicle is stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch with a new one, free of charge. The recall began in mid-October 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-010. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 08V-680 and does not include any vehicles that were previously recalled.
Recall 14V-366: Steering
Problem: 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 vehicles that received replacement 6-speed automatic transmissions during servicing. The transmissions in these vehicles have insufficient clearance between the power steering pressure tube and the converter housing of the automatic transmission. As a result of the contact, the power steering pressure tube may develop a hole and leak power steering fluid.
Risk: A power steering fluid leak could result in a loss of steering assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pressure tube and return tube, free of charge. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-006.
Recall 09V-077: Service Brakes, Air
Problem: Mitsubishi is recalling 39,711 my 2008-2009 outlander and lacer vehicles. Incorrect material composition of the brake booster check valve may cause the check valve to stick closed when the engine is shut off. When the vehicle is re-started and put into motion, under certain driving conditions (Very slow vehicle maneuvers), there may be insufficient initial braking assist.
Risk: This may temporarily increase the stopping distance of the vehicle and therefore increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake booster check valve free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during april 2009. Owners may contact mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
Recall 08V-680: Exterior Lighting
Problem: Mitsubishi is recalling 21,493 my 2007-2008 outlander vehicles equipped with LED type stop lamps and distributed in the united states and puerto rico. The brake lamp switch may malfunction and cause the stop lamps to not illuminate during brake application.
Risk: The failure of the brake lamps to illuminate when the brakes are applied will not provide warning to following traffic and could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch. The recall is expected to begin during february 2009. Owners may contact mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
Recall 08V-094: Seats
Problem: Mitsubishi is recalling 5,400 my 2007-2008 outlander passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of 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. For vehicles without an electric power seat, the floor harness connector for the power seat is placed directly on the floorboard underneath the carpeting (Vehicles with power seats already have the harness elevated). If a vehicle occupant enters the vehicle with a sufficient amount of snow on their feet containing road salt, it is possible for the melted snow mixture to soak the carpet and allow the salt-water solution to come into contact with the unused power seat harness connector.
Risk: The connector terminal may corrode and allow current to flow, resulting in the gradual heating and melting of the connector and may result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will relocate the floor harness from beneath both the passenger and driver seats to above the carpet and away from the bottom of the floorboard to prevent contact with any future melt solution. The recall began on april 7, 2008. Owners may contact mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
2008 Mitsubishi Outlander problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 10 | |
| Power Train | 9 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 8 | |
| Electrical System | 7 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 7 | |
| Structure | 6 | |
| Service Brakes | 5 | |
| Engine | 5 | |
| Unknown or Other | 5 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | |
| Steering | 3 |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
- Structure › Body — 3
- Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 2
- Structure › Frame and Members — 2
- Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System — 1
- Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems — 1
- Suspension › Subframe/Mounting Bracket — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 99,000 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 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Mitsubishi Outlander years
Compare all Mitsubishi Outlander years · All Mitsubishi models
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander: 20V-279 (structure, suspension), 18V-069 (engine and engine cooling), 18V-071 (visibility), 17V-461 (visibility), 16V-791 (visibility) and more. Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Owners report suspension problems most often (10 reports), followed by power train (9). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 99,000 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.