NHTSA vehicle safety data

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 57 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Mitsubishi dealer.

NHTSA also files the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander separately as Outlander Phev — 5 recall campaigns.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2018 Mitsubishi Outlander owner complaints

Owners have filed 57 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander, describing incidents dated May 21, 2018 to September 9, 2026.

Most-cited components

Engine 12 complaints
Air Bags 10 complaints
Electrical System 9 complaints
Structure 8 complaints
Unknown or Other 8 complaints
Exterior Lighting 5 complaints

Of the 57 complaints on file, 7 report a crash; across all 57 complaints, owners report 8 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11764435 · Filed September 15, 2026
Driving down the road and the engine shuts off. Yes its available upon request. I have reported it to my mechanic. The safety is me and others as this has happened 3 times in the past 2 weeks in the middle of traffic. My mechanic has been the only one to look at the car and doesnt know what is…
ODI #11763078 · Filed September 9, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V252000 (Structure). The contact stated that the dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact was informed that…
ODI #11718511 · Filed February 17, 2026
See attached document for complaint

Read all 57 complaints

Liftgate Gas Springs May Rupture

NHTSA #26V252000 · Structure — Body — Hatchback/Liftgate — Support Device/Strut · NHTSA notice

Reported April 20, 2026 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 108,046 vehicles

Repair completion: 11.49% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mitsubishi campaign SR-26-001 · Owners notified June 17, 2026 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.

Safety consequence

A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2026. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-26-001. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov June 3, 2026. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V507.

Liftgate Gas Springs May Rupture

NHTSA #25V507000 · Structure — Body — Hatchback/Liftgate — Support Device/Strut · NHTSA notice

Reported August 7, 2025 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 121,529 vehicles

Repair completion: 23.02% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mitsubishi campaign SR-25-002 · Owners notified October 6, 2025

Defect description

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles sold and/or currently registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.

Safety consequence

A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.

Manufacturer remedy

MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2025. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-25-002

Inoperative Right Rear Seat Belt Buckle

NHTSA #20V403000 · Seat Belts — Rear/Other — Buckle Assembly · NHTSA notice

Reported July 13, 2020 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 177,000 vehicles

Repair completion: 55.47% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mitsubishi campaign SR-20-004 · Owners notified September 1, 2020

Defect description

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Outlander and 2018-2019 Outlander PHEV vehicles. The second-row center seat belt buckle may interfere with the right-side seat belt buckle when the seat backs are folded down. The interference may cause the right-side seat belt buckle cover to come off, making the buckle latch inoperable and unable to restrain an occupant.

Safety consequence

An unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will modify the second-row center seat belt buckle cover, install a new warning label to the second-row seat support base, and provide a new warning label insert for the owner's manual, free of charge. The recall began September 1, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-20-004.

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.

Prolonged Braking by Collision Avoidance System

NHTSA #18V620000 · Electrical System — Software · NHTSA notice

Reported September 14, 2018 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 9,166 vehicles

Repair completion: 90.19% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mitsubishi campaign SR-18-007 · Owners notified October 16, 2018

Defect description

Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Outlander Sport, 2018-2019 Eclipse Cross, and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system that detects pedestrians. Due to incorrect software, the FCM-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) may apply braking for longer than needed, even after a pedestrian is no longer detected.

Safety consequence

If the FCM-ECU software activates the brake for longer than necessary, the driver may react by applying additional braking. The resulting rapid deceleration of the vehicle can increase the risk of a rear-end collision.

Manufacturer remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the FCM-ECU software with updated software, free of charge. The recall is began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-007.

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.

Safety Systems may be Disabled When in Use

NHTSA #18V621000 · Forward Collision Avoidance — Adaptive Cruise Control · NHTSA notice

Reported September 14, 2018 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 58,916 vehicles

Repair completion: 86.45% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mitsubishi campaign SR-18-008 · Owners notified October 16, 2018

Defect description

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system and 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross vehicles and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system and/or an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) system. The software for the Hydraulic Unit Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may be incorrect, possibly preventing the intervention of a safety system such as automatic emergency braking, Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), or the Brake Auto Hold (BAH) function when any of these systems are in use.

Safety consequence

If the safety systems do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the Hydraulic Unit-ECU software, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-008.

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.

Incorrect Rim Size on Label/FMVSS 110

NHTSA #18V591000 · Equipment — Other — Labels · NHTSA notice

Reported September 5, 2018 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 14,791 vehicles

Repair completion: 98.48% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mitsubishi campaign SR-18-006 · Owners notified September 26, 2018 · Vehicles built August 8, 2017 – July 26, 2018 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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 rim size. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Safety consequence

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.

Manufacturer 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, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-006.

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.

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV AWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

16% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Forward Collision Warning (Optional) Lane Departure Warning (Optional)

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV FWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 5

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 5

Side Pole

Rollover

19% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control Forward Collision Warning (Optional) Lane Departure Warning (Optional)

57 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander.

Unknown or Other; Engine

ODI #11764435

Incident: September 2, 2026 · Filed: September 15, 2026

Driving down the road and the engine shuts off. Yes its available upon request. I have reported it to my mechanic. The safety is me and others as this has happened 3 times in the past 2 weeks in the middle of traffic. My mechanic has been the only one to look at the car and doesnt know what is wrong. When the car shuts off the battery light comes on and the car said airbag system service required on 09/13/2026 but went off a few hrs later. The problems started on 09/02/2026

Structure

ODI #11763078

Incident: September 9, 2026 · Filed: September 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V252000 (Structure). The contact stated that the dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact was informed that there would be a callback to schedule the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Structure

ODI #11718511

Incident: November 28, 2025 · Filed: February 17, 2026

See attached document for complaint

Suspension; Electrical System; Engine

ODI #11716927

Incident: June 9, 2025 · Filed: February 10, 2026

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.

Air Bags

ODI #11705401

Incident: October 5, 2025 · Filed: December 16, 2025

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.

Structure

ODI #11702425

Incident: August 25, 2025 · Filed: December 2, 2025

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.

Suspension; Structure

ODI #11696135

Incident: October 28, 2022 · Filed: October 28, 2025

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.

Structure

ODI #11695090

Incident: October 22, 2025 · Filed: October 22, 2025

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.

Structure

ODI #11690762

Incident: June 1, 2023 · Filed: October 1, 2025

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.

Seats

ODI #11681202

Incident: May 1, 2023 · Filed: August 17, 2025

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.

Other Mitsubishi Outlander model years

Check your 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Mitsubishi Outlander at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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