Mitsubishi Outlander Common Problems

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a five or seven-seat mid-size SUV. Most used examples are the third generation (ZJ from late 2012, ZK from 2015 and ZL from 2018 to 2021) or the current ZM from late 2021. The third generation offered 2.0 and 2.4-litre petrols with a CVT, a 2.2 DI-D diesel (4N14) with a six-speed auto and AWD, and the plug-in hybrid from 2014, which moved from a 2.0 petrol and 12 kWh battery to a 2.4 and 13.8 kWh for 2019. The ZM runs a 2.5 petrol (Nissan's PR25DD) with a CVT, and from 2022 a PHEV with a 2.4 petrol, two motors and a 20 kWh battery. The older ZG (2007 to 2012) is still around. The Outlander has a dependable, low-cost reputation; the CVT and the PHEV battery are the main questions.

CVT drone, shudder and hesitation (petrol models, 2012 to 2025)

Automatic petrol Outlanders from 2012 on, apart from the PHEV, use a CVT. Reviewers note a droning noise under acceleration, some ZL owners report weak hill performance, and some ZM owners report shudder at low speed. Mitsubishi recalled 2016 ZK CVT cars for delayed acceleration in certain conditions. Like most CVTs, it is hurt by overheating from towing and by fluid that is never changed. Dealers usually start with a fluid change and a software check, a few hundred dollars. A replacement CVT outside warranty can cost several thousand dollars, roughly $4,000 to $8,000 depending on whether it is new or reconditioned. For buyers worried about the CVT, the diesel with its conventional automatic is the usual alternative.

False overheating warnings and DPF trouble (2.2 DI-D diesel, 2012 to about 2020)

A reported fault on the diesel is a failing engine temperature sensor that brings up an overheating warning when the engine is not hot, often at start-up. Confirm the real temperature with a scan tool before anyone replaces the thermostat or water pump; a sensor is roughly $150 to $350 fitted. The same 4N14 engine also needs regular highway running to clear its particulate filter. On short trips, extra fuel used to burn off soot can dilute the oil and raise the oil level, so check the dipstick. Reviewers also noted some driveline vibration on diesels, and early 2012 to 2013 diesel AWD cars were recalled for a transfer case cover that could let a seal move and leak fluid.

Rocker cover oil leak (2.4 petrol, 2014 to 2016)

A Mitsubishi service bulletin from 2016 covers oil leaks from the rocker cover on 2.4 petrol engines built before a set serial number. Too little sealant was applied in production. The fix is to refit the cover with fresh sealant, roughly a few hundred dollars. Look for oil weeping around the top of the engine and a burning oil smell after a drive.

Parking brake that may not hold (ZJ and ZK, 2013 to 2016)

Two recalls covered parking brakes that might not hold the car. On 2013 to 2016 cars, poor caliper sealing let water in and corrode the parking brake shaft, and some had a faulty automatic adjuster. On some 2016 cars a failed anti-rust coating let the shaft rust and stick. Both could let a parked car roll away. Confirm the recall work was done and test the park brake on a steep slope.

Battery capacity loss and charging faults (PHEV, 2014 to 2021)

The traction battery in older PHEVs loses capacity with age and charging habits, so the electric range shrinks. At least one owner of an early car reports much lower capacity, and a replacement battery outside warranty is one of the most expensive repairs the car can need. Some ZL owners also report real electric range well below the claim and slow onboard charging. Ask a Mitsubishi dealer for a battery health check, confirm what battery warranty remains, and make sure the car charges from both its cable and a wall charger.

Paint, trim and rattles (ZM, 2021 to 2025)

Some ZM owners report peeling paint on roofs and bumpers, peeling trim around the gear selector, dash rattles and screen blackouts. Some 2022 and 2023 Exceed owners report early rear brake pad and rotor wear. These are usually warranty jobs, but a dealer may argue paint damage is from outside causes, so check panels closely before you buy.

Recalls and safety

Third-generation recalls include power relays that could overheat and cause stalling or limp mode (ZJ and ZK sold before February 2017), door latches that might not lock in high temperatures (2015 to 2016 builds), forward collision software that could brake for no reason and stability control software that could switch off driver aids (2017 to 2018), and a second-row seatbelt anchorage on 2019 to 2020 cars. The ZM was recalled in 2023 for a reversing camera fault, and 2022 to 2023 Exceed and Exceed Tourer models for steering wheel touch sensors that could stop the driver assist system working. Some 2020 to 2022 remote keys lacked button battery warnings. Have a Mitsubishi dealer check the VIN for open recalls, and see our recalls page.

Buying a used Mitsubishi Outlander? What to check

• CVT behaviour: Drive from cold, accelerate gently and then firmly, and climb a hill. Shudder, whining, flaring revs or a lag before it pulls point to CVT wear.
• Fluid records: Ask for proof of CVT fluid changes, especially on cars that have towed a caravan or trailer.
• PHEV battery: Ask for a battery health report, charge the car on its cable, and check that EV mode starts and holds at suburban speeds.
• Diesel temperature and oil: Watch the temperature gauge and warnings from start-up, and check that the dipstick is not above full.
• Park brake: Apply the park brake on a steep slope and confirm it holds and releases cleanly.
• Engine top end: On a 2.4 petrol, look for oil around the rocker cover and spark plug area.
• Paint and trim: On a ZM, check the roof, bumpers and interior trim for peeling.
• Service book: On newer cars, Mitsubishi's extended 10-year warranty depends on dealer servicing, so check every stamp to see what cover remains.

Run a Carify VIN check before you buy, and use our Mitsubishi Outlander buying checklist on the inspection.

The verdict

A ZM petrol or PHEV with dealer servicing is the strongest buy, as much of Mitsubishi's extended warranty may remain. Among third-generation cars, a 2019 to 2021 ZL is the pick, with the diesel suiting towing and regular highway driving. Buy a petrol CVT only with fluid records and a smooth test drive. Approach a 2014 to 2018 PHEV with a battery health report in hand, and price in a shorter electric range.