Used Mitsubishi Outlander review

Exterior:

• Overall, the exterior of the Mk3 Outlander is relatively trouble-free. Most of the issues we’ve come across are the result of owner error or oversight rather than design or manufacturing faults.
• One common example is the spare wheel. A few owners have discovered that when they finally need to use the spare, it’s already damaged, not from being used, but due to the way it’s mounted. If the bracket holding the spare has been over-tightened, or if the factory-fitted protective sleeve is missing, often overlooked or lost during a tyre change, the bracket can dig into the sidewall, leaving deep indentations or causing more serious damage. When inspecting a used Outlander, it’s worth taking the time to check the spare wheel assembly thoroughly.
• While you’re under the rear of the vehicle, it’s also a good idea to look for any signs of off-road use or damage. Surprisingly, the Outlander, particularly those fitted with Mitsubishi’s Super All Wheel Control system, is more capable off-road than many expect. It’s no hardcore 4WD, but for light-duty trails and rural tracks, it holds its own reasonably well. However, rough treatment can leave its mark underneath.
• Rust is not a widespread issue in Australian-delivered cars, but it’s been noted in Outlanders from colder or coastal regions, especially where the underbody has been scraped or damaged. If you’re looking at a vehicle from a rust-prone area, or considering an imported model, be extra vigilant.
• Another point to note: owners of lower-spec models often report that the standard halogen headlights offer poor visibility. Higher trims, such as the Exceed, come with improved lighting and fare much better in this regard.

Interior:

• The interior of the Mk3 Outlander is practical and functional, but it’s not without its shortcomings. The use of hard plastics throughout the cabin has proven to be a double-edged sword, while they’re easy to clean and fairly resistant to scuffs, they can become brittle with age and prone to rattles and squeaks.
• This is particularly noticeable in plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models. Without engine noise to mask interior sounds, the cabin can amplify every creak, click and rattle, which can be quite intrusive.
• The glossy black plastic trim used in many models is another common point of complaint. While it may have looked appealing when new, it’s highly prone to scratching and reflects sunlight excessively, often creating glare for the driver and passengers.
• Durability overall varies depending on how the vehicle has been treated. Some owners report that their Outlanders have stood up well to daily family life, with synthetic leather seats and interior surfaces holding up well. Others have found the trim materials to mark and stain easily, particularly in earlier models with cloth upholstery.
• Ergonomically, the cabin is reasonably well laid out, but not perfect. There have been consistent complaints about small annoyances, limited front-seat storage, shallow cup holders, and awkward control placement.
• Minor electrical faults have also been reported. These include issues with power window operation, indicators not self-cancelling correctly, and intermittent faults with interior lighting or calibration systems, particularly in the second-row climate controls.
• But the most common and widely criticised issue? The infotainment systems.
• Earlier models suffered from laggy software, unresponsive touchscreens, and unreliable Bluetooth connectivity. Call quality via the hands-free system has also drawn criticism, with many users comparing it to talking underwater.
• Mid-cycle updates brought some improvement, but not enough. Some versions introduced a larger screen and removed physical controls like the volume knob, but the software remained clunky, and touch sensitivity was still inconsistent. In later models, a fully touchscreen-based system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto was fitted, but even this has been far from flawless.
• Numerous owners report system failures, screens freezing or becoming completely unresponsive, partial screen functionality loss (such as the left side not registering touch), or the unit displaying only a blank blue screen. These issues have led to many head units being replaced under warranty, though coverage seems inconsistent, some owners have had replacements approved with no issue, while others just outside the warranty period have been denied.
• For those needing replacement units, delays are also an issue, with parts taking up to six to eight weeks to arrive in some cases.
• Even when functioning correctly, the system isn’t particularly user-friendly. Many owners opt to replace the factory infotainment with a high-quality aftermarket unit, especially as fascia kits are available that maintain a factory look. While doing so, many also choose to upgrade the standard speakers, unless the vehicle is fitted with the Rockford Fosgate premium system, audio quality is considered average at best.

Mechanical:

Petrol:

• Starting with the petrol engines, the 2.0-litre (4J11) is generally reliable, provided it’s been serviced regularly. However, on poorly maintained examples, oil consumption can become an issue.
• There are also occasional reports of timing chain problems, but these are mostly found on high-kilometre vehicles or those with subpar maintenance histories.
• Similarly, EGR valve clogging and intake system build-up are possible but usually preventable with routine servicing.
• The 2.4-litre engines, the earlier 4B12 and later 4J12, are largely similar, though they can also experience issues with the MIVEC variable valve timing system.
• Failures in the MIVEC solenoids, often due to oil contamination, are not uncommon.
• Additionally, the intake manifold runner control (IMRC) actuators can fail, leading to rough running and check engine lights.

PHEV:

• The PHEV models use a 2.0-litre 4B11 petrol engine in combination with two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery pack. So far, the petrol engine has proven to be dependable, but some owners in warmer climates have reported premature battery degradation.
• More seriously, there have been cases of the rear axle drive unit failing, particularly bearing failures in the final drive assembly. These typically present as a high-pitched whine and, if left unresolved, can lead to significant repair bills. Unfortunately, these components are extremely costly to replace once out of warranty.

Diesel:

• As for the 2.3-litre turbo diesel (4N14), it’s a capable engine with good torque delivery, but it does require attention.
• EGR-related issues are relatively common, and the injector seals can begin to leak after around 150,000km.
• The diesel particulate filter (DPF) system is also a known trouble area, often not because the DPF itself is faulty, but because other components like the MAP sensor or boost control system aren’t functioning properly.
• A key point: this engine requires the correct oil specification and proper reset procedures during servicing, or DPF issues will arise. Regular highway driving is also essential for proper regeneration.

Transmission:

• The CVTs, especially in 2013-and-later models, are an area of concern. Although they’re improved over earlier versions, issues still arise.
• Symptoms such as juddering, slipping, whining or clunky gear transitions are all common warning signs.
• In some cases, problems are limited to faulty solenoids or valve body components, which can be repaired for around $2,000. However, if the steel belt and pulley system is damaged, rebuilds can run over $4,000. A complete transmission replacement can cost upwards of $8,000.
• The biggest factor in CVT failure? Lack of regular servicing. Mitsubishi’s factory intervals are overly optimistic. We recommend a fluid change every 50,000km to ensure the best chance at longevity.
• Also, these CVTs do not handle towing well, even with a transmission cooler fitted, towing heavy loads can accelerate wear significantly.

Recalls:

• July 2013 – Mitsubishi Outlander models numbering 413 units are affected by multiple defects including Electronic Power Steering failure, malfunctions in Adaptive Cruise Control and other warning systems, as well as issues with the ETACS computer affecting turn signals.
• July 2013 – 3,633 Mitsubishi Outlander units are affected by multiple defects including failure of the Electronic Power Steering computer, issues with Adaptive Cruise Control functioning incorrectly in tunnels, warning failures in various systems like Adaptive Cruise Control, Forward Collision Mitigation, and Active Stability Control, and malfunctions in the Electronic Time and Alarm Control System affecting turn signals.
• July 2013 – 809 Mitsubishi Outlander units are affected by multiple potential defects including Electronic Power Steering failure, malfunctioning Adaptive Cruise Control, warning alarms for various systems, and issues with the Electronic Time and Alarm Control System affecting turn signals.
• July 2014 – 1,626 Mitsubishi ASX and Outlander units from 2012-2013 are affected by improperly machined transfer case covers, which could lead to oil seal displacement and loss of transmission fluid, potentially resulting in gear shift failure and vehicle immobility.
• August 2014 – 18,247 Mitsubishi Outlander and Pajero units are affected by a defect in the lighting switch platform’s base structure, which could cause cracks in the soldering, leading to the potential failure of headlamps and/or turn signal lamps.
• August 2014 – 212 units of Mitsubishi Lancer, Outlander, and ASX from the 2014 year range are affected by a defect in the 5M/T Selector Lever Bell Crank assembly, potentially causing disengagement of the Select Lever Pin and making gear shifting difficult or impossible.
• December 2014 – 105,237 Mitsubishi Lancer and Outlander units are affected by defects in the engine’s V-ribbed belt material, which can wear unevenly and potentially come off, leading to increased steering effort and a loss of electrical and drive power, posing a collision hazard.
• December 2014 – 8,788 Mitsubishi Outlander units are affected by a defect where poor conductivity can cause the brake lamp switch to malfunction and potentially prevent the gear shift lever from moving out of the parking position
• June 2016 – 55 Mitsubishi Outlander units are affected by a design change in the vehicle wiring harness that renders the electric trailer brake accessory harness unsuitable, causing electric trailer brakes and brake lights to malfunction.
• October 2016 – Mitsubishi CF Lancer, ZK Outlander, and XB ASX models from 2014-2016 have a fault in their continuously variable transmission (CVT) that may cause a delay in acceleration, affecting 31,965 units and potentially leading to accidents.
• May 2017 – Due to improper engine and EV software as well as spark plug specification, 1,654 Mitsubishi Outlander units (2013-2017) may experience unexpected petrol engine shutdown, limiting the vehicle to EV drive mode and increasing the risk of battery discharge and accidents.
• October 2017 – Mitsubishi Lancer, ASX, and Outlander models from 2014-2017 have a defect in the Power Relay that may cause excessive heat and result in engine stall or loss of power, affecting 48,209 units.
• April 2017 – 20,148 Mitsubishi ASX, Outlander and Outlander PHEV models from 2015-2016 are affected by a defect in the door latch assembly, which may not operate correctly under high temperatures, posing a risk of doors opening while driving.
• February 2018 – 70,795 Mitsubishi ASX and Outlander models from 2012-2016 are affected by defects in parking brake calipers and automatic adjusters, which may cause the vehicle to roll away when parked.
• October 2018 – 35,850 Mitsubishi Eclipse, ASX & Outlander models from 2016-2018 are affected by incorrect operation of the ASC safety system software, which may momentarily disable various safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Forward Collision Mitigation, increasing the risk of an accident.
• March 2019 – Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV models from 2013-2015 have a fault in the airflow sensor within the petrol engine, affecting 155 units; failure leads to deterioration in vehicle performance, EV system warning, and can result in the car becoming inoperable.
• July 2020 – 1,948 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV units from 2019-2020 are affected due to an incorrectly assembled second-row, right-side seat belt shoulder anchorage, increasing the risk of serious injury or death in an accident.
• January 2021 – 8,847 units of Mitsubishi ASX and Outlander from the year 2016 are affected by a failure in the anti-rust coating, which may cause the parking brake shaft to rust and not engage, increasing the risk of unintended vehicle movement.
• August 2021 – 3,677 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV units from 2013-2020 are affected by a defect where the 12-volt AGM battery may have been replaced with a non-AGM battery, increasing the risk of hydrogen sulphide gas release and acid leakage in case of battery failure or collision.