Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2023 Mitsubishi OutlanderRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 50 owner complaints for the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander. Most complaints involve electrical system (12) and engine (8). The EPA rates it 26–27 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
26–27mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Jun 2025
Owner complaints
50
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

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

Back over prevention: software

Free remedy

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Outlander and 2023-2025 Outlander PHEV vehicles. Due to a software error in the in-vehicle infotainment system (A-IVI), the rearview camera image may freeze, or not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Back over preventionReported Jun 3, 2025NHTSA 25V369000

Back over prevention: display function

Free remedy

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Outlander and 2023 Outlander PHEV vehicles. Due to a software error in the in-vehicle infotainment system (A-IVI), the backup camera rearview image may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Back over preventionReported Jun 7, 2023NHTSA 23V345000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

50 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2023 – Oct 2026
  1. Electrical system12
  2. Engine8
  3. Fuel/propulsion system8
  4. Air bags6
  5. Service brakes6
  6. Power train5
  7. Steering5
  8. Forward collision avoidance4
  9. Back over prevention4

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
4
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
5
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

12 reports
“My 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander has experienced recurring high engine-temperature readings, misfires, and two overheating-related engine shutdowns while driving, creating a risk of unexpected power loss in traffic. The vehicle has been evaluated repeatedly by authorized Mitsubishi dealerships without identifying the underlying cause. Air in the cooling system was documented in September 2025, with the dealership noting it could cause the engine to run hotter than normal. In September 2026, a dealership again reported a significant amount of air in the cooling system. Previous cooling-system service temporarily improved the symptoms, but they returned. The temperature gauge repeatedly approaches H while driving, particularly with the A/C operating, and decreases when I slow down or turn off the A/C. These episodes occur WITHOUT an illuminated Check Engine Light or other warning message. During an earlier incident, the Check Engine Light appeared the following morning but went off before diagnostic codes could be retrieved. At the most recent dealership visit, I provided photographic evidence of the high temperature reading. The dealership's diagnostic equipment…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11772262

Engine

8 reports
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle experienced an apparent engine failure involving the engine cooling system and possible head gasket and/or engine damage. Prior to failure, the vehicle had a strong sweet coolant smell and was later diagnosed by the servicing dealership as having a coolant leak and possible engine-related damage requiring engine replacement. The vehicle is currently located and available for inspection at Don Herring Mitsubishi. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving after leaving the dealership, the vehicle began jerking, hesitating during acceleration, and losing power unexpectedly. A flashing check engine light briefly appeared and disappeared. The sudden loss of normal engine performance created a serious safety hazard because the vehicle could have stalled in traffic, increasing the risk of an accident or collision. I also have eight children, including [XXX] twins, and the loss of transportation has prevented me from reliably getting my children to school, medical appointments, and obtaining necessities. Has the problem been…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 9, 2026EngineODI 11736808

Fuel/propulsion system

8 reports1 crash
“Our vehicles gas door would not open to get gas. During the 2nd and 3rd repair they damaged our vehicle. Worst of all on the last repair they modified our gas tank. They said they took it off another vehicle. Mine was a locking door now it isn’t. Since this was done the vehicle smells of gas when you fill it up and the miles to empty is off about 100 miles.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 11, 2026Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11756256
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl · 2.4L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid
Transmissions
Automatic (AV-S8) · Automatic (A1)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
EV range
420 mi (EPA)

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

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 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-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
243127$2,300332
Outlander 4WD
Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · 4-Wheel Drive
243026$2,400342
Outlander PHEV
Auto (A1), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · All-Wheel Drive
252726$2,400115
  • Outlander 2WD
    Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    24 city · 31 hwy · $2,300/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
  • Outlander 4WD
    Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L
    24 city · 30 hwy · $2,400/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
  • Outlander PHEV
    Auto (A1), 4 cyl, 2.4 L
    25 city · 27 hwy · $2,400/yr
    26
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Mitsubishi Outlander SUV AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
17.9%
Overall
4 / 5
Mitsubishi Outlander SUV FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.8%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 18312Vehicle 18311
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

2023 Outlander questions

How many recalls does the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander have?

2 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.

What are the most common 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander problems?

Owners filed 50 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (12), engine (8), fuel/propulsion system (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander get?

The EPA rates the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander at 26–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

How safe is the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026