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2009 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 46 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander, most often about the visibility and wipers (17% of complaints). It is 13th of 23 Outlander model years by number of complaints and has 13 recalls.
Most common 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander problems
Visibility and wipers
8 complaints · 17%Parts named most often: defroster/defogger/hvac system, sun/moon roof assembly.
As I was driving my brand new car I just got 2 months ago(Mitsubishi Outlander 2009) on the n.j. Parkway all of a sudden I heard a crack from my sunroof and then suddenly the glass just exploded into many pieces. Thank god! I had the cover closed that prevented me from getting shattered glass in my face or getting…
The contact owns a 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, she heard a loud noise coming from the vehicle and then the sun roof glass fractured. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for inspection or repairs. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 47,000 and the…
Engine
7 complaints · 15%Lights
5 complaints · 11%I was driving on the highway at 70 MPH and without warning both of my low beam lights went out. I checked fuses and the next time I used the car the lights worked. My wife used the car one night and was driving on a dark country road and the lights once again went out without warning. She was very upset and returned…
Low beam headlights completely failed due to defective etacs ecu. The vehicle was on a highway at night. The vehicle was taken to the Mitsubishi dealer and the defect was confirmed. Mitsubishi was contacted but they will do nothing without NHTSA involvement. In addition, the blower failed due to the etacs ecu so the…
Transmission
5 complaints · 11%The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate and the service engine warning indicator illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle a couple of times. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic…
The contact owns a 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle vibrated violently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 171,240.
Other or unspecified
5 complaints · 11%I've checked everything that I could and my car still shakes a lot when I'm driving and when I am stopped it shakes even more. Every time I press on the gas it jumps up and it kind of feels like it slides. I took it for a free inspection and they said everything was ok but something is not right I can feel it when I…
Upon inspection, discovered that unused compact spare tire wheel was severely rusted and corroded and spare tire deflated & not holding air pressure and unusable. Bolt holes and mounting surfaces so rusty that mounting may be unsafe. Spare tire mounts underneath vehicle and is subject to rain, road salt and debris.
Suspension
5 complaints · 11%The contact owns a 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing the same failure as in NHTSA campaign number: 16v458000 (suspension). The dealer stated that the control arm was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 170,000.
Front cross member corrosion caused driver side lower control arm to detach. Lost control of vehicle at low speed after pulling away from a stop sign. It could have caused a serious accident at higher speed. I have contacted Mitsubishi and although sympathetic, no assistance was offered and I was informed that no…
Wheels and tires
4 complaints · 9%In dec 2012 the tire sensor indicator showed one of the tires was in need of air. I went to fill it and the valve blew off and the tire deflated immediately. Had to put on the spare and have the sensor and valve replaced, $200. In may 2013 again the indicator showed a tire was low. I filled it and later that day I…
The contact owns a 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that the passenger side rear TPMS valve stem failed and caused the tire to deflate. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was determined that the TPMS sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted…
Brakes
3 complaints · 7%Parts named most often: supply.
The contact owns a 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. While driving 45 MPH and attempting to engage the brakes, the brake system failed to engage causing the driver to crash into another vehicle. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. However, the diagnosis was unknown. The vehicle was…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2009 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.
Electrical: electrical system
Risk: Unstable voltage could result in intermittent failure of the vehicle's head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. If the headlights and/or windshield wipers fail, the driver could have reduced visibility. If the tail lights fail, the vehicle could be less visible. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected ecu, free of charge. The recall began on june 15 ,2015. Owners may contact mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is sr-15-002.
Full defect summary
Mitsubishi motors north america, inc. (mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 mitsubishi lancer vehicles manufactured january 12, 2009, to july 6, 2010, 2009-2010 outlander vehicles manufactured january 12, 2009, to august 27, 2010, 2010 lancer sportback vehicles manufactured june 17, 2009, to june 8, 2010, and 2010 lancer evolution vehicles manufactured july 14, 2009, to august 4, 2010. The affected vehicles have an electronic control unit (ecu) that controls the head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. Due to a manufacturing error, the voltage inside this ecu may be unstable.
Visibility and wipers: fan/motor
Risk: Failure of the blower motor may reduce the performance of the windshield defroster, diminishing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on june 15, 2015. Owners may contact mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is sr-15-003.
Full defect summary
Mitsubishi motors north america, inc. (mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 lancer vehicles manufactured march 16, 2009, to march 30, 2011, 2010-2011 lancer sportback vehicles manufactured june 17, 2009, to december 1, 2010, 2010-2011 lancer evolution vehicles manufactured july 14, 2009, to january 7, 2011, 2009-2011 outlander vehicles manufactured february 10, 2009, to june 22, 2011, and 2011 outlander sport vehicles manufactured august 26, 2010, to november 19, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the blower motor may fail.
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.
Transmission: transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Risk: If the oil seal dislodges, automatic transmission fluid (atf) may enter the transfer case assembly, reducing the atf pressure in the transmission, resulting in poor transmission shifting or the inability of the vehicle to be driven, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transfer assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on july 30, 2014. Owners may contact mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is sr-14-005.
Full defect summary
Mitsubishi motors north america, inc. (mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2007 and 2009 outlander vehicles. During servicing, the affected vehicles were repaired with replacement transfer case assemblies whose oil seal may come out of position.
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.
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 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
- What are the most common problems with the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: visibility and wipers (8 complaints); engine (7 complaints); lights (5 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
- 13 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 2009 a bad year for the Mitsubishi Outlander?
- It is 13th of 23 Outlander model years by number of complaints, with 46 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.