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KLUNK
KLUNK

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander

The Verdict

86 Smooth Ride

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander has 55 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are body (23 complaints) and electrical (17 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 86/100, it earns a "Smooth Ride" rating. If you're shopping for a Mitsubishi Outlander, consider the 2025 model year which has 76% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2025 has 76% fewer complaints

View the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander dashboard →

86

Klunk Score: Smooth Ride

This vehicle year has significantly fewer complaints than average. A reliable choice.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 1

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

18V591000 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels. The Certification Label lists an incorrect rear wheel ...

Risk

The incorrect rim size information on the label can cause the operator to replace the rim with an incorrect rim size, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MMNA will notify owners and send them a corrected certification label, free of charge. Owners can also choose to have the label replaced by a dealer, free of charge. The recall began September 26...

Reported May 9, 2018

Get notified if a recall hits this car.

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
2003643302210
20042811391
2005120222
200682920
20078262638
2008265999
2009233884
201021610203
201126615365
2012152865
201322522127
20142021517
201532142158108
20163322263155
201717121282
201823417110
201977843
20201021421
20221311225346
20231541092
202492443
202571320

By Category

Body
23
Electrical
17
Engine
11
Brakes
4

By Severity

1
20
2
26
3
2
4
7

Worst Problems

Complaints

Body 1

See attached document for complaint

5mo ago
Engine 1

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.

5mo ago
Electrical 2

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.

7mo ago
Body 2

The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V507000 (Structure); however, the liftgate gas springs had failed and were replaced prior to the recall. The manufacturer was contacted for reimbursement, and the contact mailed the required documents as requested by the manufacturer. The contact later followed up with the manufacturer, who confirmed that the requested documents had been received and informed the contact that there was no time frame for the reimbursement process. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time to provide reimbursement. The failure mileage was 132,324.

7mo ago
Body 2

The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while the front tires were being replaced, corrosion was found underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while driving over 60 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. In addition, the vehicle vibrated abnormally while driving over 60 MPH. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the shocks, struts, and lower control arm were replaced due to corrosion. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was unknown.

8mo ago
Body 2

The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and turning into a parking area, there was an abnormal snapping sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the exhaust had fractured in half due to excessive corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V507000 (Structure). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.

8mo ago
Body 2

The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that after opening the liftgate, while reaching into the trunk, the liftgate fell and hit the contact on the head. The contact had not sustained an injury. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V507000 (STRUCTURE) as a possible cause for failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

9mo ago
Body 1

The power electric drive seat becomes loose with time. Very dangerous while braking cause the drive seat moves forward fast, driver feels disoriented to extent feeling unstable and could lead to not appropriately having control over vehicle during brake events. This could lead to hitting front vehicle.

11mo ago
Engine 2

Camshaft phaser shattered and is missing a chunk of metal

13mo ago
Body 1

The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the contact became aware that the rearview camera was inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera failed to function properly, and the camera image appeared blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.

15mo ago
Engine 2

Car will drive on interstate then will be unable to accelerate on interstate warning, “Propulsion power reduced” light turns on and vehicle speed decreases and car does not accelerates and loses speed. I had to stop vehicle multiple times to reset the car per advice on the internet but car continues with drastic decrease in speed on the interstate and message “Propulsion Power Reduced.” Car is serviced as per car dealership recommendations but now car is not safe to drive on the interstate.

19mo ago
Electrical 2

My car does not lock. Ive changed the battery in the key fob a few times i cant use my key fob or the actual key to unlock or lock my car. Also while im driving down the road my car lights flicker a lot. Along with all my inside lights. Ive confirmed with my mechanic thats its not the radiator causing the problem. Also my car doeant shift good and sometime jerks when i come to a complete stop and then go.

24mo ago
Electrical 2

SRS-Air Bag codes B1476, B1558, B1631 repeated triggering since 2020. History: - 9/30/20 - Dealer read code B1631 (DR Knee ABG Squib Short) & U0154 (OCM CAN Timeout), did not diagnose cause, erased codes - 4/12/21 ~0920 - check airbag light illuminated - 7/30/21 ~0800 & ~0920 - check airbag light illuminated -- called dealer; was informed since light extinguished I would be liable for diagnostic cost if not covered under warranty - 9/30/21 ~0700 twice - check airbag light illuminated - 11/16/21 ~0720 - check airbag light illuminated - 1/5/22 ~0630 - check airbag light illuminated - 1/14/22 ~1319 twice - check airbag light illuminated - 1/18/22 ~1550 & ~1700 - check airbag light illuminated - 1/19/22 ~1052 & ~1059 - check airbag light illuminated - 1/20/22 ~1304 - check airbag light illuminated - 1/25/22 ~1534 - check airbag light illuminated - 2/11/22 ~1000 - check airbag light illuminated - 3/19/22 ~1800 x 2, ~2245 - check airbag light illuminated - 5/16/23 ~1600 - check airbag light illuminated - 6/18/23 ~1426 - check airbag light illuminated - 6/22/23 ~0928 & ~0955 - check airbag light illuminated - 10/22/23 ~1040 - check airbag light illuminated - 6/16/24 - used personal car scan tool and found B1476 (IG1[A] voltage extraordinary low), B1558 (OCSS control unit), B1631 (DR knee ABG squib short) faults *** Original action by dealer in 2020 to simply delete latched codes did not remedy airbag problem...safety complaints at NHTSA indicate airbag failure during collision...this appears to be a serious public safety problem. ***

25mo ago
Body 2

This is the second time the bushings on the rear motor (i believe they said inverter motor) have needed to be replaced. Currently the motor is being held by two of the three bushing. I was told by Mitsubishi that this is a common issue. If it's a common issue and if all three bushings failed, the rear motor would be displaced and could cause driver to have accident while driving the vehicle. My brakes are better made then these bushings, I have only had to replace my brakes once.

26mo ago
Electrical 2

The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the air bag warning light began to flash off and on. The failure was a constant failure. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,330.

30mo ago
Electrical 2

2018 Mitishichi Headlights, left, then right stop working. Dealer replaced first one within 6 months. So far I have replaced one or the other 4 or 5 Times. I did complain to NHTSA . These lights have been out more than they have worked. Google indicates a large number of these issues but no recall from NHTSA.

31mo ago
Electrical 2

Air bag light comes on when drivers seat put back. When seat moved forward air bag light goes off. When air bag light is on system will not work, not safe to drive. Dealership on first repair did wire repair. They claimed when seat was put back it stretched harness turning on air bag light. Did repair under warranty. Second time they replaced harness due to same problem per Service Advisor. Second repair was not warranty due to being over on mileage. Vehicle is a 2018 with 31754 miles.

31mo ago
Body 3

The sunroof on our vehicle, self exploded while driving. There was a loud bang, and then we were covered in sunroof glass shards. The fine dust of the sunroof glass went into my right eye which created minor eye irritation. I was able to pull over. Flush out my eye with water and then proceeded to remove the pieces of glass from the sunroof area because I was afraid the pieces would blow off and hit any vehicle that was behind us for the remainder of our drive home. It scared the hell out of us. I am thankful that my daughter was not driving due to seeing her panic reaction from this experience. There were no drivers in front of us. We were not driving under any trees. It was a clear open rural road. Went to our local dealer. They inspected the sunroof & stated they have never seen anything like this happen. Since I was out of the warranty due to mileage(9,000 over)they suggest I go through my insurance company to resolve this matter. My view on this is it wasn’t so much a warranty issue, but a huge safety issue. Never would I imagine a Sunroof self exploding while driving and not causing me to have an accident because of my reaction to it. So with this in mind, I directly called Mitsubishi motors of North America. I had them open up a case number on this issue. The final response back from the manufacture was that I needed to go through my insurance company to deal with having my sunroof replaced. During filing my case to the manufacture directly, they asked me what I would like to have Mitsubishi motors of North America do. I stated to have my sunroof replaced with the right tempered glass. That this was a scary situation and one of great safety concern that no sunroof with all the manufacture testing should ever have this happen. I was very disappointed that they were not willing to take the responsibility of replacing the sunroof properly with the right tempered glass. My insurance company view the photo of the sun roof damage and a claim is in the process.

31mo ago
Body 2

Our car seat is nearly brand new (first used at the end of Sept 2023 upon birth of our daughter) upon placing the car seat in the base, we noticed it wasn’t making the clicking sound indicating a secure lock to base. Upon further investigation it appears the pieces that lock the car seat in place are jammed and not operating properly. If we had gotten in a car accident the car seat would not have been properly secured.

32mo ago
Body 1

I have a safety recall on my vehicle. Mitsubishi says I will have to dry from oklahoma to Arkansas because they no longer have places in Oklahoma that will fix a recall. But there are many dealerships that are selling Mitsubishis. Those dealerships also tell me I would have to take it to Arkansas. This is a huge problem, I bought this car brand new and unable to get recalls fixed on it unless I drive to another state. This is awful. I’m a nurse and work a lot I don’t have time to dry to Arkansas and have my car worked on. Not only that time, gas and mileage. That’s not fair at all to me. They should have to have a center of some sort in Oklahoma to fix these recalls if they are going to be selling new Mitsubishis here in Oklahoma.

35mo ago

55 total

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