Mitsubishi Outlander, representative photo
Representative model. Photo: Bull-Doser, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2008 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns
12
Park-it warnings
0
Complaints
58
Latest campaign
May 18, 2020

Recall summary by component12

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
ComponentCampaignsLatestCampaign IDs
Visibility3Jan 26, 2018
Engine and engine cooling2Jan 26, 2018
Exterior lighting2Sep 12, 2014
Structure1May 18, 2020
Suspension1Jun 23, 2016
Steering1Jun 25, 2014
Service brakes, air1Mar 10, 2009
Seats1Feb 28, 2008

Safety recalls12

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
0Park-it warnings
0Fixable over the air
May 18, 2020Latest campaign
May 18, 202020V279000

Structure: frame and members

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

DetailsHide details for campaign 20V279000
What's wrong
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.
Risk
A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign
NHTSA 20V279000 · May 18, 2020
Jan 26, 201818V069000

Engine and engine cooling: engine gasoline

If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

DetailsHide details for campaign 18V069000
What's wrong
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive belt to detach.
Risk
If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-001.
Campaign
NHTSA 18V069000 · Jan 26, 2018
Jan 26, 201818V071000

Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly

If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

DetailsHide details for campaign 18V071000
What's wrong
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Outlander, 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Evolution, and 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles equipped with sunroofs. The sunroof glass may detach from the sunroof assembly, becoming a road hazard to other vehicles.
Risk
If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-003.
Campaign
NHTSA 18V071000 · Jan 26, 2018
Jul 20, 201717V461000

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer motor

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

DetailsHide details for campaign 17V461000
What's wrong
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.
Risk
Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign
NHTSA 17V461000 · Jul 20, 2017
Oct 31, 201616V791000

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer linkages

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

DetailsHide details for campaign 16V791000
What's wrong
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.
Risk
Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign
NHTSA 16V791000 · Oct 31, 2016
Jun 23, 201616V458000

Suspension: front control arm

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

DetailsHide details for campaign 16V458000
What's wrong
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.
Risk
A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign
NHTSA 16V458000 · Jun 23, 2016
To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Buying a used 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander? Recalls cover the model; a history report checks one car's title, odometer and accident records. VinAudit history report → Sponsored · disclosure

Owner complaints by component58

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h
58Complaints filed
1Involving a crash
1Involving a fire
2Injuries reported
ComponentShareComplaints%CrashesFiresInjuries
Suspension1017000
Power train916001
Exterior lighting814000
Visibility/wiper712000
Electrical system712010
Service brakes59000
Unknown or other59000
Engine59000
Structure59000
Engine and engine cooling47000
Steering35000
Vehicle speed control35000
Air bags23101
Equipment23000
Visibility23000

2 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.

Latest reports

  • Steering

    “My abs light and traction light on”

    Filed 05/28/2026 · ODI 11740754
  • Unknown or other

    “Rusted suspension crossbody unsafe to drive. The brakes and calibers seem to always seize as well making this vehicle a death trap no matter how many times I get it fixed.”

    Filed 10/09/2024 · ODI 11618906
  • Suspension

    “The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, she heard an abnormal coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated.”

    Filed 06/10/2021 · ODI 11420380

Other Mitsubishi Outlander model years

Other Mitsubishi models

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander recall questions

How many recalls does the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander have?

NHTSA lists 12 safety recall campaigns for the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander. The most recent, 20V279000 (reported May 18, 2020), concerns structure. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What are the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander recalls for?

The largest group is visibility, with 3 campaigns. Others: engine and engine cooling (2), exterior lighting (2), structure (1). Each campaign below lists the defect, the risk and the free remedy.

What is the most common complaint about the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander?

Suspension is the most-reported component, named in 10 complaints out of 58 filed with NHTSA (17%). Across all complaints, owners reported 1 crash and 1 fire. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

Check a specific Mitsubishi by VIN

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