Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2011 Mitsubishi OutlanderRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls and 88 owner complaints for the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander. Most complaints involve engine (27) and electrical system (15). The EPA rates it 21–25 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
21–25mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
8campaigns
Latest May 2020
Owner complaints
88
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,550est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

8 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Structure: frame and members

Free remedy

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.

StructureReported May 18, 2020NHTSA 20V279000

Engine and engine cooling: belts and associated pulleys

Free remedy

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.

Engine and engine coolingReported Jan 26, 2018NHTSA 18V069000

Visibility: windshield wiper

Free remedy

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.

VisibilityReported Jul 20, 2017NHTSA 17V461000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

88 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2011 – Apr 2026
  1. Engine27
  2. Electrical system15
  3. Engine and engine cooling9
  4. Power train9
  5. Visibility/wiper9
  6. Air bags8
  7. Service brakes7
  8. Suspension6
  9. Structure5

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Outlander model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2003129
200452
200519
200621
2007125
200858
200946
201060
201188
201236
201368
201445
2015238
2016171
201751
201857
201929
202032
2022219
202350
202426
202516
20263
Crashes reported
6
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
7
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

27 reports
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection? The engine experienced catastrophic internal failure. A connecting rod broke and punctured the engine block, rendering the vehicle completely inoperable. This failure is consistent with overheating and internal engine damage. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure occurred suddenly while driving, without warning. The vehicle lost power immediately, which could have resulted in loss of control, inability to accelerate, and exposure to traffic hazards. This created a serious safety risk to myself and others on the road. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? An independent mobile mechanic inspected the vehicle and confirmed catastrophic engine failure. Based on the condition of the engine and damage observed, the failure is consistent with severe overheating and internal mechanical breakdown. Full written diagnosis may be pending. Dealer inspection: UNKNOWN”) Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police,…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 19, 2026EngineODI 11732167

Electrical system

15 reports1 crash
“Was driving the car and it totally lost power to everything. Had to pull over immediately with whatever power I had left to have the car roll to a stop. Multiple lights came on the dash. Notification came on the screen saying car can not communicate, engine is over heating. Tried to turn off car and back on and it would do nothing at all. Car has been at mechanic for 3 weeks they believe it is the ecu/psu but when replacing car continue to act up and not start.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 20, 2023Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11533521

Engine and engine cooling

9 reports
“The contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 25–30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the check engine, 4-WD, ABS, traction control, and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure was due to the control arm, engine cradle, oil seal, tie rod, starter, and serpentine belt. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 133,025.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 25, 2024Engine and engine coolingODI 11567714
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl · 3.0L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (AV-S6) · Automatic (S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline · Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Outlander 2WD
Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
232825$2,550355
Outlander 4WD
Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive
222724$2,700370
Outlander 2WD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
192622$3,600404
Outlander 4WD
Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · 4-Wheel Drive
192421$3,800423
  • Outlander 2WD
    Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    23 city · 28 hwy · $2,550/yr
    25
    mpg comb.
  • Outlander 4WD
    Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    22 city · 27 hwy · $2,700/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Outlander 2WD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L
    19 city · 26 hwy · $3,600/yr
    22
    mpg comb.
  • Outlander 4WD
    Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L
    19 city · 24 hwy · $3,800/yr
    21
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 27, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander as of Oct 27, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 27, 2026Vehicle 661Vehicle 347
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2011 Outlander questions

How many recalls does the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander have?

8 safety recalls as of Oct 27, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander problems?

Owners filed 88 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (27), electrical system (15), engine and engine cooling (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander get?

The EPA rates the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander at 21–25 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 27, 2026