Problems · NHTSA complaints
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander problems
Owners filed 50 complaints about the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander with NHTSA between Apr 2023 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (12).
Complaints
50
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Electrical system12
- Engine8
- Fuel/propulsion system8
- Air bags6
- Service brakes6
- Power train5
- Steering5
- Forward collision avoidance4
- Back over prevention4
- Suspension4
- Tires3
- Wheels2
- Seat belts1
- Lane departure1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
10
13
10
17
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2024 | 13 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 17 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
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…”
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…”
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.”
Air bags
6 reports2 crashes
“The contact owned a 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle crashed and T-bone another vehicle that ran a red light. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact struck her head on the front driver's side window and steering wheel, sustaining injuries to the head, back, shoulder, neck, and knee. The contact’s daughter, seated in the rear passenger’s seat struck her head against the rear passenger side window and sustained a head injury. The other child seated in the rear middle seat had not sustained any injuries. The contact and her daughter received medical attention. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and then to a body shop by the Insurance Company. The vehicle was deemed a total loss. Prior to the crash, the dealer was made aware of an emergency parking sensor warning light and another unknown warning light that were illuminated. The contact stated that the screen went blank but had not yet informed the dealer of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.”
Service brakes
6 reports2 crashes
“The vehicle failed to stop. Emergency Braking failed and I was unable to manually depress the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The vehicle electronics have intermittently have failed, turning everything off in the vehicle including the instrument panel at different times.”
Power train
5 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear of the vehicle would move independently. The contact stated that it felt as if the vehicle were going to slide and eventually would lose control. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that an unknown rear chip had failed. The shock absorbers had water, the rear brake pads were worn down to zero, and the rear differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted and was worsening. In addition, the contact stated an abnormal grinding sound could be heard coming from the rear differential. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the differential gauge had failed to function as intended. The warning light for the 4-wheel drive was illuminated. The brakes and calipers were replaced. The rear differential was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the pole where the breather pipe is inserted on the rear differential carrier is off spec, allowing water intrusion. And that the new rear tires were badly worn…”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.