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2008 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 58 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander, most often about the suspension (17% of complaints, typically around 138,000 miles). It is 6th of 23 Outlander model years by number of complaints and has 12 recalls.
Most common 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander problems
Suspension
10 complaints · 17%Half of these problems showed up before 138,000 miles. Parts named most often: subframe/mounting bracket.
The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, she heard an abnormal coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to her residence. The contact took the vehicle to independent mechanic and was…
Mitsubishi has a limited recall for rusted crossmembers on 2008+ Outlander sports from certain states that used salt to treat snow. My daughter's 2008 Outlander has always been registered in satellite beach, fl, a very salty atmosphere. The front wheels wobble on acceleration and rapid deceleration because the…
Visibility and wipers
9 complaints · 16%Parts named most often: glass, side/rear.
Vehicle seems to hesitate from starting from a stopped position dealer said without a bulletin from Mitsubishi there is nothing they can do. Problem with seeing radio display during daylight hours also both rear side windows rattle when in down position.
Both rear side windows rattle while in down position. Dealer claims this is normal and without a bulletin from Mitsubishi they can not repair.
Transmission
9 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 49,000 miles. Parts named most often: automatic transmission.
July 3, at approximately 10:30 pm we came home and parked the car in the driveway which is at a slight incline. I got out of the vehicle to unload items from the back, and as I came around on the passenger side the car made a loud pop sound and the car began to roll backwards and was making an audible clicking noise.…
After turning the car on, it will get stuck in park and is a struggle to switch the gears from park to drive. This has been a problem.
Engine
9 complaints · 16%Half of these problems showed up before 110,000 miles. Parts named most often: exhaust system.
The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate and the service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
I received a safety recall notice regarding my 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander regarding the drive belt and pulley system. I made an appointment with my dealership, jerry's Mitsubishi, in parkville md 21234 and then they cancelled the appointment stating they do not have the parts and have no date when they are to arrive. I…
Lights
8 complaints · 14%Half of these problems showed up before 94,000 miles.
We have a 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander that we purchased in 2010. I was following my wife down the road and noticed that when she applied the brakes the brake lights sometimes did not come on. This is a huge safety problem. When we got home I tested it and found that about 20% of the time no brake lights would…
The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v564000 (exterior lighting); however, the part needed to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was…
Electrical
7 complaints · 12%Half of these problems showed up before 55,000 miles.
Mitsubishi is fully aware of problems with electronic keys in new models and would not replace the keys. Problems reported by Mitsubishi in "technical bulletins" to dealers are not treated as equipment recalls, even though known equipment defects are reported. For no apparent reason the electronic key to my Outlander…
While parked and turned off(for 15 minutes), the passenger side seat(heated seat) caught fire. The fire was discovered quickly and extinguished before significant damage took place. I filed a complaint with Mitsubishi who directed me to the local Mitsubishi dealer for a diagnostic. The Mitsubishi(kerry Mitsubishi)…
Body and structure
5 complaints · 9%Half of these problems showed up before 115,000 miles. Parts named most often: body, frame and members.
The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine cradle, cross member, and sub frame…
The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander. While the vehicle was undergoing scheduled maintenance, the dealer (tony mangino Mitsubishi, 1658 u s 9, clifton park ,new york 12065) informed the contact that the subframe was severely rusted and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was…
Brakes
5 complaints · 9%This vehicle was recalled in 2009 for a failure of the switch which activates the brake lamps. Mitsubishi records indicate that we had the switch replaced in march, 2009, along with another recall item. However, throughout the first half of 2011, my wife and I had problems getting the car to come out of 'park', and…
The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander. While driving 30 MPH and attempting to engage the brakes, the brake pedal sank to the floor without warning. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 122,000.
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2008 Mitsubishi Outlander recalls
Body and structure: frame and members
Risk: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mmna will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began august 7, 2020. Owners may contact mmna customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mmna's number for this recall is sr-20-003.
Full defect summary
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.
Engine: belts and associated pulleys
Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mmna will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin march 27, 2018. Owners may contact mmna customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mmna's number for this recall is sr-18-001.
Full defect summary
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.
Visibility and wipers: sun/moon roof assembly
Risk: If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mmna will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly, free of charge. The recall began on february 27, 2018. Owners may contact mmna customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mmna's number for this recall is sr-18-003.
Full defect summary
Mitsubishi motors north america, inc. (mmna) is recalling certain 2007-2010 outlander, 2008-2010 lancer, 2009-2010 lancer evolution, and 2010 lancer sportback vehicles equipped with sunroofs. The sunroof glass may detach from the sunroof assembly, becoming a road hazard to other vehicles.
Visibility and wipers: motor
Risk: Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mmna will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The recall began july 28, 2017. Owners may contact mmna customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mmna's number for this recall is sr-17-003.
Full defect summary
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.
Visibility and wipers: linkages
Risk: Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mmna will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rubber boot on the ball joint to prevent water intrusion. Additionally, they will inspect the wiper motor crank arm for excessive play, replacing it as necessary. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on july 28, 2017. Owners may contact mmna customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mmna's number for this recall is sr-16-009.
Full defect summary
Mitsubishi motors north america, inc. (mmna) is recalling certain model year 2007-2013 outlander vehicles manufactured september 8, 2006, to march 29, 2013. In the affected vehicles, water may enter between the hood and windshield and cause the front wiper link ball joint to corrode, possibly resulting in the wiper link separating and the wipers becoming inoperative.
Suspension: lower arm
Risk: A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mmna will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began january 2017. Owners may contact mmna customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mmna's number for this recall is sr-16-003.
Full defect summary
Mitsubishi motors north america, inc. (mmna) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 lancer, 2004 lancer wagon, 2003-2006 lancer evolution, 2003-2006 outlander and 2007-2013 outlander v-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia, wisconsin and the district of columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
Engine: belts and associated pulleys
Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on october 15, 2014. Owners may contact mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is sr-14-009.
Full defect summary
Mitsubishi motors north america, inc. (mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 lancer, lancer evolution, and outlander; 2009-2011 lancer sportback, lancer rilliart, and lancer sportback ralliart; and 2011 outlander sport vehicles. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4b1 engines, have an engine pulley and belt arrangement for turning the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (if equipped). These pulleys may experience unusual wear and allow for belt detachment.
Lights: switch
Risk: Brake lights that are inoperative would not warn other drivers that the vehicle is stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch with a new one, free of charge. The recall began in mid-october 2014. Owners may contact mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is sr-14-010. Note: this recall is an expansion of recall 08v-680 and does not include any vehicles that were previously recalled.
Full defect summary
Mitsubishi motors north america, inc. (mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 outlander vehicles manufactured december 15, 2006, to october 31, 2007, and april 16, 2008, to august 22, 2009. In the affected vehicles, the brake light switch may malfunction causing the brake lights to not illuminate during brake application.
Steering: hose, piping, and connections
Risk: A power steering fluid leak could result in a loss of steering assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pressure tube and return tube, free of charge. The recall began in august 2014. Owners may contact mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is sr-14-006.
Full defect summary
Mitsubishi motors north america, inc. (mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 outlander vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, mitusbishi is recalling certain 2007-2012 outlander vehicles that received replacement 6-speed automatic transmissions during servicing. The transmissions in these vehicles have insufficient clearance between the power steering pressure tube and the converter housing of the automatic transmission. As a result of the contact, the power steering pressure tube may develop a hole and leak power steering fluid.
Brakes: check valve
Risk: This may temporarily increase the stopping distance of the vehicle and therefore increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the brake booster check valve free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during april 2009. Owners may contact mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
Full defect summary
Mitsubishi is recalling 39,711 my 2008-2009 outlander and lacer vehicles. Incorrect material composition of the brake booster check valve may cause the check valve to stick closed when the engine is shut off. When the vehicle is re-started and put into motion, under certain driving conditions (very slow vehicle maneuvers), there may be insufficient initial braking assist.
Lights: switch
Risk: The failure of the brake lamps to illuminate when the brakes are applied will not provide warning to following traffic and could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch. The recall is expected to begin during february 2009. Owners may contact mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
Full defect summary
Mitsubishi is recalling 21,493 my 2007-2008 outlander vehicles equipped with LED type stop lamps and distributed in the united states and puerto rico. The brake lamp switch may malfunction and cause the stop lamps to not illuminate during brake application.
Seats
Risk: The connector terminal may corrode and allow current to flow, resulting in the gradual heating and melting of the connector and may result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will relocate the floor harness from beneath both the passenger and driver seats to above the carpet and away from the bottom of the floorboard to prevent contact with any future melt solution. The recall began on april 7, 2008. Owners may contact mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
Full defect summary
Mitsubishi is recalling 5,400 my 2007-2008 outlander passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia. For vehicles without an electric power seat, the floor harness connector for the power seat is placed directly on the floorboard underneath the carpeting (vehicles with power seats already have the harness elevated). If a vehicle occupant enters the vehicle with a sufficient amount of snow on their feet containing road salt, it is possible for the melted snow mixture to soak the carpet and allow the salt-water solution to come into contact with the unused power seat harness connector.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: suspension (10 complaints, typically around 138,000 miles); visibility and wipers (9 complaints); transmission (9 complaints, typically around 49,000 miles).
- How many recalls does the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
- 12 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from May 18, 2020 (body and structure). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2008 a bad year for the Mitsubishi Outlander?
- It is 6th of 23 Outlander model years by number of complaints, with 58 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.