Run a free NHTSA vPIC decode on a Mitsubishi Outlander VIN to confirm the model year and engine, then see which of the 41 NHTSA recall campaigns for 2003–2026 cover that year.
VIN prefixJA44A4
Free decode plus the NHTSA recalls for its model year. 17 characters, no I, O or Q.
Mitsubishi Outlander
About the Mitsubishi Outlander
Mitsubishi has sold the Outlander in the US since the 2003 model year. Across those years NHTSA lists 41 vehicle recall campaigns and 1,341 owner complaints. The 2022 has the most complaints of any model year (217). EPA rates it at 19–28 mpg combined, counting the plug-in hybrid on gas alone. A free VIN decode gives you NHTSA vPIC’s record for the car (model year, engine, plant) and the NHTSA recalls for its model year. It won’t show theft, flood or lemon-law history.
US model years2003–2026
EPA classSmall Sport Utility Vehicle
NHTSA recall campaigns41
Owner complaints1,341 at NHTSA
Auction lot photo, for illustration
Generations
Mitsubishi Outlander at a glance
One generation in the data, 2003–2026: 41 NHTSA recall campaigns and 1,341 owner complaints.
NHTSA has 41 campaigns on file for Outlander model years 2003–2026, and the 2008 and 2009 show up in the most (13 each). Move the line to your model year to see which apply.
2009
Air bag inflator, fire risk or do-not-drive/park-outside advisorySafety recallCanada only
Pick a row
What to ask
Source: NHTSA recall database, vehicle campaigns only; row text is NHTSA’s summary. A listed year does not mean every car is covered, so check the VIN.
Canada rows: Transport Canada recalls database. Transport Canada recalls that match an NHTSA campaign are folded into that row by VinNumber.net; rows with the Canadian flag have no NHTSA match. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada · Transport Canada.
Owner reports · NHTSA complaints
What Mitsubishi Outlander owners report
Owner summaries + NHTSA data
Complaints peak with the 2022 (217 of 1,341). Tap any bar or generation.
1,341NHTSA complaints, 2003–2026
119mention a crash
10mention a fire
102injuries reported
Owner complaints by model yearOutlander: 1,341 complaints · most for the 2022 (217)
2003·2005····2010····2015····2020····2025·
Top complaint areas · Outlander
Mentions in 1,341 complaints, 2003–2026.
Powertrain (transmission, driveline)179
Engine and cooling176
Electrical system170
Suspension167
Structure and body153
Brakes102
Crashes 119Fires 10Injuries 102
2003–2026
NHTSA data summary
The 2022 is the outlier. On its own it has 217 of the ’s 1,341 complaints (16%), more than any other Outlander model year. By area, nothing stands out. Powertrain leads with 179, with engine and cooling (176) and the electrical system (170) close behind.
What Outlander owners report across recent generations
Owner summary
2022–present (4th generation, GN)
The 2022 draws by far the most NHTSA complaints, and close to half describe a hood that shakes or flutters at highway speed. Other owners report the forward collision system braking or warning with nothing ahead and a backup camera image that freezes or does not appear. CarComplaints lists a shaking hood, air bags that deployed after a small impact and a failed forward collision system for 2022. Recalls cover a fuel pump that may fail, rearview camera software and seat belt locking retractors. Later years draw few complaints so far. [1][2]
2014–2020 (3rd generation, GF)
The 2016 draws the most NHTSA complaints, and many describe the CVT hesitating, jerking or shuddering when pulling away, sometimes with stalling. Brake complaints also come up often. CarComplaints lists paint that chips easily, brakes that failed and a bad A/C compressor for 2015, and transmission failure, easily chipped paint and road noise for 2016. Recalls cover a CVT delay when accelerating on 2016 models, relays that may cause stalling or overheating, rear parking brake shafts that corrode and bind, and liftgate gas springs that may corrode and let the liftgate fall. The Outlander PHEV based on this generation stayed on sale for 2021 and 2022. [3][4][5][6][7][8]
✓
What to check before buying
Run the VIN through the NHTSA recall lookup, including the fuel pump and camera software recalls on 2022 models and the CVT, relay, parking brake and liftgate recalls on older ones.
At highway speed, watch whether the hood shakes.
Pull away gently and firmly to check for CVT hesitation or jerking, and make sure the liftgate stays up on its own.
Counts: NHTSA complaints file, records to October 1, 2026, one count per complaint; areas are NHTSA component groups.
Owner summary updated September 29, 2026.
Owner opinions · Reddit
What Mitsubishi Outlander owners say on Reddit
Summarized from public threads
Mitsubishi Outlander owners on Reddit mostly defend its reliability. One 2019 gas model reached 200,000 miles on its original engine with CVT fluid and filters changed every 20,000 to 30,000 miles, another 2019 hit 144,000 needing only a cheap relay, and several PHEV owners say they went years without repairs. Cold weather is the weak spot for the plug-in, which loses range, heats poorly on battery and sometimes will not start in deep cold. Pushy dealers also come up.
Pros
Gas models said to pass 144,000 and 200,000 miles with regular CVT service
Several PHEV owners describe years of use with no repairs
Good in snow, with owners praising snow mode
Seen as solid value for the price
Cons
PHEV loses electric range in winter and leans on the gas engine for heat
Some owners in very cold regions describe no-start problems
Unhelpful or pushy dealers
One 2022 owner faced over $8,000 in electronic repairs just after warranty
EPA lists 138 Outlander versions for model years 2003–2026 (gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid). The lowest tailpipe CO₂ is 97 g/mi, for the 2026 plug-in hybrid. Pick a model year and powertrain to see each version.
Outlander2003–2026
19–28 mpg · plug-in hybrid counted on gas alone · 64–74 MPGe plug-in hybrid · CO₂ 97–468 g/mi
2026
26combined MPG
344CO₂ grams per mile (tailpipe)
$2,600EPA yearly fuel cost
—/10Smog rating
1 = worst · 10 = cleanest
5/10Greenhouse gas rating
—Emission standard
Cleanest gas version of 2026: Sport 4WD · Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L — 26 MPG · 344 g/mi
Best (lowest) CO₂ by model year
GasHybridPlug-in hybrid
Annual fuel cost is EPA’s estimate at its current fuel-price assumptions (15,000 miles a year, 55% city driving), so older years are priced at today’s fuel prices. Smog rating and emission standard can differ by sales area (federal vs. California); both are shown. Greenhouse-gas ratings start with the 2013 model year. Plug-in hybrids: mpg is on gas alone; MPGe combines gas and electricity. Source: fueleconomy.gov.
Compare rivals
Outlander vs Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V
NHTSA + EPA data
Take 2003–2026. NHTSA lists 41 recall campaigns for the Outlander, against 55 for the Toyota RAV4 and 65 for the Honda CR-V. Pick a range to compare.
NHTSA recalls (vehicle campaigns for all powertrain versions; equipment and tire campaigns left out), complaints (not sales-adjusted) and 5-Star overall ratings for the latest year rated for all three; EPA mpg, engines and drive. Rivals: same EPA class, picked by VinNumber.net.
Mitsubishi Outlander VIN number location
Where to find the VIN on an Outlander
Tap a spot. Every location should show the same 17 characters.
The Outlander carries its VIN at the base of the driver's side windshield, on the door jamb sticker, and on a B-pillar label. Engine bay stamp is also present. Outlander underwent a significant 2022 redesign, the VIN decode will confirm the chassis generation. Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrid variants add a battery system label. Production history spans multiple assembly plants; the VIN confirms the specific origin.
The title, registration and insurance card show the VIN as well. All locations should match.
FAQ
Common Mitsubishi Outlander VIN questions
Which Mitsubishi Outlander model years have the most owner complaints?
The 2022 leads with 217, ahead of the 2016 (145) and 2007 (125). Those first two alone make up 27% of the 1,341 Outlander complaints filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales.
How many recalls has the Mitsubishi Outlander had?
NHTSA’s recall records show 41 vehicle campaigns for model years 2003–2026, leaving out equipment and tire campaigns.
Which Mitsubishi Outlander recalls are high risk?
NHTSA’s record names a fire risk in 04V-197 and 08V-094. Each should show as closed on a VIN check.
What fuel economy does the Mitsubishi Outlander get?
It varies. EPA rates the 2003–2026 Outlander at 19–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drive, with the plug-in hybrid counted on gas alone (64–74 MPGe on gas and electricity) (fueleconomy.gov).
How does the Mitsubishi Outlander compare with the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V on recalls?
For 2003–2026 models the Outlander has 41 NHTSA recall campaigns. The Toyota RAV4 has 55, the Honda CR-V 65. Complaints run 1,341, 8,672 and 15,317 in that order, with no sales adjustment.
What crash rating does the Mitsubishi Outlander have?
NHTSA’s 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2025 Outlander 5 stars overall. That is the most common score; ratings run 4–5 stars across its 2 rated versions.
