NHTSA vehicle safety data

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 26 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Mitsubishi dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2013 Mitsubishi Outlander owner complaints

Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander, describing incidents dated January 18, 2013 to June 24, 2025.

Most-cited components

Visibility/Wiper 6 complaints
Engine 5 complaints
Electrical System 4 complaints
Power Train 4 complaints
Unknown or Other 4 complaints
Air Bags 3 complaints

Of the 26 complaints on file, 3 report a crash; across all 26 complaints, owners report 13 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11683495 · Filed August 27, 2025
My vehicle shut off on a state route when I had the vehicle towed to the dealership I was informed it was the ecu. I found out a year after my vehicle was purchased, there was a technical service bulletin out in this part. I am not sure why there was not a recall sent when they knew this part could…
ODI #11560529 · Filed December 17, 2023
On Dec 8,2023 our mitsubishi outlander shut off while being driven. When this occurred multiple warning lights come on including, service engine immediately, engine overheating (which it was not) and multiple other lights. It was towed to the dealership where they told us the ECU is bad. Mitsubishi…
ODI #11434988 · Filed September 30, 2021
1) Transmission or power train 2) The vehicle may be inspected at request 3) The vehicle starts and may go for about a mile, and then it will buck and act like it's in neutral for all gears. I got stuck in the middle of an intersection turning left. I managed to get it back home, and then needed…

Read all 26 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA19-001: Electrical overstress
Closed September 19, 2024
- Recall 20V-024

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

Lower Control Arm May Detach Due to Corrosion

NHTSA #20V279000 · Structure — Frame and Members · NHTSA notice

Reported May 18, 2020 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 141,200 vehicles

Repair completion: 46.59% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mitsubishi campaign SR-20-003 · Owners notified August 7, 2020

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Water Intrusion may cause Wiper Motor Failure

NHTSA #17V461000 · Visibility — Windshield Wiper/Washer — Motor · NHTSA notice

Reported July 20, 2017 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 100,082 vehicles

Repair completion: 35.98% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mitsubishi campaign SR-17-003 · Owners notified July 28, 2017 · Vehicles built September 8, 2006 – March 29, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Water Intrusion may cause Wiper Link Corrosion

NHTSA #16V791000 · Visibility — Windshield Wiper/Washer — Linkages · NHTSA notice

Reported October 31, 2016 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 100,082 vehicles

Repair completion: 35.96% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mitsubishi campaign SR-16-009 · Owners notified July 28, 2017 · Vehicles built September 8, 2006 – March 29, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Lower Control Arm Detachment Due to Corrosion

NHTSA #16V458000 · Suspension — Front — Control Arm — Lower Arm · NHTSA notice

Reported June 23, 2016 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 194,674 vehicles

Repair completion: 18.15% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mitsubishi campaign SR-16-003 · Owners notified September 14, 2016 · Vehicles built September 8, 2006 – March 11, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Power Steering Pressure Tube may Leak

NHTSA #14V366000 · Steering — Hydraulic Power Assist — Hose, Piping, and Connections · NHTSA notice

Reported June 25, 2014 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 203 vehicles

Repair completion: 75.76% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mitsubishi campaign SR-14-006 · Owners notified August 12, 2014 · Vehicles built September 3, 2012 – March 29, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A power steering fluid leak could result in a loss of steering assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV AWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 3

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Pole

Rollover

17% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

1 investigation

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV FWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 3

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Pole

Rollover

19% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

1 investigation

26 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander.

Electrical System

ODI #11683495

Incident: June 24, 2025 · Filed: August 27, 2025

My vehicle shut off on a state route when I had the vehicle towed to the dealership I was informed it was the ecu. I found out a year after my vehicle was purchased, there was a technical service bulletin out in this part. I am not sure why there was not a recall sent when they knew this part could be defective and my life was put at risk by it shutting off on the highway. How is a vehicle safe when it just shuts off. This should have been a recall and not a bulletin. Please reconsider making this a recall. I would hate to see people lose their lives because of this.

Electrical System; Unknown or Other; Engine

ODI #11560529

Incident: December 8, 2023 · Filed: December 17, 2023

On Dec 8,2023 our mitsubishi outlander shut off while being driven. When this occurred multiple warning lights come on including, service engine immediately, engine overheating (which it was not) and multiple other lights. It was towed to the dealership where they told us the ECU is bad. Mitsubishi no longer makes the part. They have also told us this is the 3rd vehicle in the last month with the same issue. Car had no power/electrical /engine issues prior to this event. Mitsubishi is offering no solution to fix the issue. Luckily when the car shut down we were driving at a low speed in a neighborhood. If this had happened on the freeway it could have been very dangerous. We now have no car, no possibility of repair and no answers to why this happened without warning.

Power Train

ODI #11434988

Incident: September 27, 2021 · Filed: September 30, 2021

1) Transmission or power train 2) The vehicle may be inspected at request 3) The vehicle starts and may go for about a mile, and then it will buck and act like it's in neutral for all gears. I got stuck in the middle of an intersection turning left. I managed to get it back home, and then needed help pushing it into the driveway, where it sits. 4) I have seen several similar complaints for the years; 2012, and 2014 through 2021. 5) The vehicle has been worked on, and the valve body for the transmission was replaced about a month ago. 6) The warning message that popped up just before the issue was "Transmission service is required." It appeared on 9/27/2021, the day I was giving a ride to someone across town. I had recently replaced the valve body, because the solenoids were failing, and the transmission itself was serviced.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11432371

Incident: September 9, 2021 · Filed: September 9, 2021

My catalytic converter just went in my vehicle. I was told by dealership that the warranty expired by months. I contacted Mitsubishi and a case was opened. I was called by them today and they wont make an exception even though my mieage is well under the 80000 miles (under by over 28,000 miles) When I asked to talk to a manager I was told no and no exception would be made. I just want them to pay for the defective part.

Vehicle Speed Control; Service Brakes; Engine

ODI #11395590

1 injury

Incident: February 5, 2021 · Filed: February 10, 2021

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN AN ACTIVE STABILITY CONTROL SERVICE WARNING DISPLAYED ON THE DASHBOARD. IT WAS COUPLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND IMMEDIATELY CAUSED MY CAR TO SEIZE UP MAKING ME MOMENTARILY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS I REGAINED CONTROL THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO RESIST ANY ACCELERATION WHILE THE RPMS WOULD FREQUENTLY SPIKE. I ALSO LOST ANTI-LOCK BRAKE FUNCTIONALITY WITH NO DASHBOARD WARNING. THROUGH MY MECHANIC I LATER FOUND OUT THE CAR WAS FORCING ITSELF INTO "LIMP MODE" BECAUSE THE ENGINE AIR FLOW SENSOR WAS GIVING A FAULTY READING. ALL OF THIS PUT MY CAR INTO CONDITIONS FOR A CRASH HAD I NOT ACTED QUICKLY TO AVOID IT. IT ALSO CREATED A REPAIR BILL THAT WAS UNNECESSARY AS THIS IS APPARENTLY PART OF A KNOWN TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TSB-13-13-008. I FIND IT INAPPROPRIATE AND IRRESPONSIBLE OF MITSUBISHI TO NOT HAVE ALERTED ME TO THE DEFECT IN THE AIR FLOW SENSOR AND FILTER BOX. IT CAUSED A NEEDLESS DANGEROUS DRIVING CONDITION AND EXCESS REPAIRS.

Power Train

ODI #11350223

Incident: June 1, 2020 · Filed: August 19, 2020

AT 115,000 MILES, THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. MY SUV NO LONGER GOES ABOVE 30MPH WITHOUT THE RPMS WILDLY JUMPING. BOTH THE 2014 AND 2015 MODELS HAVE A RECALL FOR THIS VERY CVT ISSUE BUT THE 2013 DOES NOT.

Electrical System; Service Brakes

ODI #11282414

Incident: June 30, 2019 · Filed: November 26, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO IMMEDIATELY STOP. ALSO, THE ACS MALFUNCTION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WITHOUT BEING (7) JUMPSTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NORTH PALM MITSUBISHI (572 NORTHLAKE BLVD, NORTH PALM BEACH, FL 33408, (561) 328-9121) WHERE THE COMPUTER WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,300.*PM*JB

Power Train

ODI #11138997

Incident: October 6, 2018 · Filed: October 8, 2018

AFTER A LONG DRIVE, EVEN MORE SO UPHILLS, THE TRANSMISSION STARTS SLIPPING AND THE CAR HESITATES TO GO AFTER A STOP. A WARNING MESSAGE THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS OVER HEATING APPEARS AND THE CAR RUNS AT HIGH RPMS AT ONLY 60 MPH. ERROR CODE P1778 HAS APPEARED TWICE. THE CAR ONLY HAS 71,000 MILES

Air Bags

ODI #11090823

Crash

Incident: April 24, 2018 · Filed: April 28, 2018

MY CAR WAS TOTALED A FEW DAYS AGO I WAS DRIVING HOME AND HIT A DEAR AT 55MPH AND MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY MY FRONT END WAS DESTROYED MY RADIATOR WAS DESTROYED ALONG WITH OTHER PARTS OF THE CAR AND THE CAR WAS CONSIDERED TOTALED. I WAS INFORMED MY AIR BAGS SHOULD OF DEPLOYED BUT THEY DID NOT

Engine

ODI #11085120

Incident: April 12, 2018 · Filed: April 15, 2018

ON APRIL 12TH, THURSDAY NIGHT AROUND 8 PM, I WAS HEADING NEAR THE I-290/ I-90 INTERSECTION, RIDING ON I-90 WEST. I HEARD A SHARP CRACK IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR. I LOST POWER STEERING, CHECK BATTERY CHARGE LIGHT CAME ON AND WITHIN 2-3 MINUTES, ENGINE OVERHEATING LIGHT CAME ON. I BROUGHT MY CAR TO A STOP IN A SAFE AREA BETWEEN THE INTERSECTING HIGHWAYS. A HIGHWAY WORKER PROTECTED ME WITH HIS SAFETY TRUCK TILL AAA TOW TRUCK TOOK MY CAR TO THE LOCAL SCHAUMBURG MITSUBISHI DEALER ANY STEPS YOU TOOK TO ISOLATE THE PROBLEM, SUCH AS CHECKING FOR FLOOR MATS. BE SPECIFIC ABOUT WHAT YOU DID AND HOW YOU DID IT. THE DEALER/SERVICE PERSONNEL FOUND THAT THE BELT TENSIONER BEARING WAS PULLING OUT AND THE BELT WAS NOT RIDING ON THE PULLEY CORRECTLY. THE TENSIONER WAS REPLACED AND THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS REPLACED I BELIEVE THIS IS A DESIGN FAULT WITH THE BELT TENSIONER/ BEARING AND SHOULD BE FIXED FOR THESE CARS. A SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH WILL SHOW THIS IS A FAIRLY COMMON PROBLEM

Other Mitsubishi Outlander model years

Check your 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander VIN

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