NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls and 57 owner complaints for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. Most complaints involve engine (12) and air bags (10). The EPA rates it 22–27 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4–5 stars overall.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles sold and/or currently registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Outlander and 2018-2019 Outlander PHEV vehicles. The second-row center seat belt buckle may interfere with the right-side seat belt buckle when the seat backs are folded down. The interference may cause the right-side seat belt buckle cover to come off, making the buckle latch inoperable and unable to restrain an occupant.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Outlander model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 129 |
| 2004 | 52 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 21 |
| 2007 | 125 |
| 2008 | 58 |
| 2009 | 46 |
| 2010 | 60 |
| 2011 | 88 |
| 2012 | 36 |
| 2013 | 68 |
| 2014 | 45 |
| 2015 | 238 |
| 2016 | 171 |
| 2017 | 51 |
| 2018 | 57 |
| 2019 | 29 |
| 2020 | 32 |
| 2022 | 219 |
| 2023 | 50 |
| 2024 | 26 |
| 2025 | 16 |
| 2026 | 3 |
“Driving down the road and the engine shuts off. Yes its available upon request. I have reported it to my mechanic. The safety is me and others as this has happened 3 times in the past 2 weeks in the middle of traffic. My mechanic has been the only one to look at the car and doesnt know what is wrong. When the car shuts off the battery light comes on and the car said airbag system service required on 09/13/2026 but went off a few hrs later. The problems started on 09/02/2026”
“The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH over a pothole, the driver's side and passenger side curtain airbags erroneously deployed. The contact stated that no collision had occurred prior to the air bags deployment. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failures. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 215,000.”
“1. On hot/warm days when I start my vehicle it will run then die and give me the code for Mass air sensor which I replaced but it keeps doing it; the check engine will stay on for a while then turn off until it does it again. 2. When driving and I go over a speed bump the suspension grinds or does a hard squeaking noise. 3. The USB in the center console stops working at times or when move the charging cord it disconnects for a few seconds. 4. Internal lights work when they want to, I thought the bulbs where burnt out and replaced them but they still come on when they want to not everytime a door is opened.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outlander 2WD Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,300 | 326 |
| Outlander 4WD Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 24 | 29 | 26 | $2,400 | 341 |
| Outlander PHEV Auto (A1), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 26 | 25 | $2,500 | 174 |
| Outlander 4WD Auto (S6), 6 cyl, 3.0 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 22 | $3,500 | 402 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
6 safety recalls as of Nov 10, 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.
Owners filed 57 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (12), air bags (10), electrical system (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander at 22–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander 4–5 out of 5 stars overall.