PROBLEM GUIDE

2007–2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated May 2026

60

complaints filed for the 2010 model year

2007–2013

Model years affected

$1,750 – $2,250

Typical repair cost, by problem

The dominant problem for this generation is severe rust and corrosion on the crossmember and lower control arms, with multiple owners describing the crossmember as "rusted through with holes in it." This is related to a confirmed recall, but many affected vehicles were excluded from that recall despite experiencing identical failures. A separate, unrelated problem — spontaneous sunroof glass shattering while driving — is also documented on the Nissan Murano and Toyota Venza.

Quick Scan: 11 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

Crossmember and structural rust

Severe rust on cross members and lower control arms, described as "rusted through with holes"

Check engine light: Off

Severe rust and corrosion on cross members and lower control arms, with multiple owners describing the crossmember as rusted through with holes in it. This is related to a confirmed structural recall (Campaign 16V458000), but many affected vehicles were excluded from that recall despite experiencing identical failures.

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Electrical system issues

ABS pump motor failures, alternator voltage problems causing headlight dimming

Check engine light: On

ABS pump motor failures causing warning lights and degraded braking performance, plus alternator voltage problems that cause headlights to dim when the AC compressor engages. Some owners report electrical failures recurring even after a recall-related repair was performed.

Electrical failures recurring after a recall repair are worth watching as a potential future 'repair doesn't hold' instance if corroborated on other vehicles.

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Powertrain problems — stranding-level severity

Early transmission failure and limp-mode failures, engine stalling without warning

Check engine light: On

Early transmission failure and limp-mode failures leaving vehicles stranded, along with engine stalling without warning indicators. Reported transmission failures also show metal debris in fluid, cold-start gear-shifting problems, and the transmission "slamming into gears" between 1st and 2nd.

clustering 50,000 – 110,000 mi (transmission)

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Brake system defects (ABS/ESC)

ABS/ESC system malfunctions

Check engine light: On

ABS/ESC system malfunctions, costing approximately $2,000 to repair. Separately, some owners report airbag non-deployment during collisions.

About $2,000

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HVAC Temperature Knob Hard to Turn

HVAC temperature knob is hard to turn

Check engine light: Off

HVAC temperature knob is hard to turn. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 144 owner reports on file.

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Automatic Transmission May Fail Prematurely

Automatic transmission fails prematurely

Check engine light: Off

Automatic transmission fails prematurely. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 128 owner reports on file.

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AC Not Cold Due to Failed Pressure Switch

AC blows warm due to a failed pressure switch

Check engine light: Off

AC blows warm due to a failed pressure switch. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 67 owner reports on file.

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Erratic Blower Motor Operation Due to Failed Resistor and/or Fan Motor

Erratic blower motor operation due to a failed resistor and/or fan motor

Check engine light: Off

Erratic blower motor operation due to a failed resistor and/or fan motor. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 67 owner reports on file.

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Engine Overheating Due to Failed Cooling Fan Controller

Engine overheats due to a failed cooling fan controller

Check engine light: On

Engine overheats due to a failed cooling fan controller. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 36 owner reports on file.

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Noisy Front Exhaust Due to Rusted and Cracked Flex Section on Y Pipe

Noisy front exhaust due to a rusted and cracked flex section on the Y pipe

Check engine light: Off

Noisy front exhaust due to a rusted and cracked flex section on the Y pipe. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 15 owner reports on file.

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No Start and/or Stalling Condition Due to Faulty Crankshaft Position Sensor

No-start and/or stalling condition due to a faulty crankshaft position sensor

Check engine light: On

No-start and/or stalling condition due to a faulty crankshaft position sensor. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 13 owner reports on file.

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This generation has a partial structural recall (Campaign 16V458000) covering the crossmember rust — with many owners reporting their vehicles were excluded despite matching symptoms. Also confirmed: visibility/sunroof recalls (Campaigns 18V071000 and 16V791000) and a drive belt flange recall (Campaign 14V562000). Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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