2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Reliability Report

Owners of the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander frequently report issues with the vehicle's liftgate, specifically its failure to remain open or stop upon obstruction. Complaints commonly describe the liftgate unexpectedly falling, sometimes causing minor injuries, such as bumps to the head. These incidents are often linked to higher mileage, generally around 120,000 to 132,000 miles. Additionally, one owner notes a problem with the exhaust system fracturing due to corrosion, accompanied by a snapping sound. Safety implications include potential injury from the liftgate's failure to stop when obstructed, though no crashes or fires are reported. These issues should be considered by prospective buyers, particularly those looking at higher mileage vehicles.

Owners of the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander frequently report issues with the vehicle's headlights, including repeated failures of both the passenger and driver side lights. Complaints describe headlights burning out multiple times within short periods, with some owners replacing them as many as 7 times in a year. These issues often occur without warning, leading to potential safety concerns as drivers may not realize the lights are out until notified by others. The recurring failures are reported at mileage as low as approximately 32,000 miles. While one complaint involves a crash, it is not directly linked to the headlight issue. This pattern of headlight failure may be of interest to prospective buyers considering this model.

Owners of the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander report several issues related to the power train. A common pattern involves the vehicle stalling or shutting down unexpectedly, with one owner noting the car died after passing a bump at low speed and another experiencing a shutdown while driving at highway speeds. Symptoms include the vehicle making a loud noise before shutting down and requiring a restart after stalling when switching from reverse to drive too quickly. These issues occur at various mileages, with one report mentioning the problem from new with less than 50 miles, and another at 34,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as sudden shutdowns occur while driving, posing risks of accidents, particularly in high-traffic situations.

Owners of the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander report several engine-related issues, with a focus on mechanical failures and starting problems. A common complaint involves the camshaft phaser shattering, which suggests potential mechanical fragility. Another pattern includes difficulty starting the vehicle and stalling while driving, often accompanied by flickering warning lights. These issues are reported at approximately 65,000 miles. Additionally, some owners describe problems with the engine heat shield cracking at the bolt inserts, leading to an unsecured shield, typically around 28,000 miles. While no direct safety incidents such as crashes or fires are mentioned, the stalling issue could pose a risk during operation.

Owners of the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander report issues primarily related to seat belt functionality and recall service accessibility. One complaint highlights a problem with the second-row middle seat belt, where it seizes and tightens excessively on the passenger, causing significant discomfort. Another owner reports difficulty accessing recall services, as they are required to travel out of state for repair, which is inconvenient and time-consuming. These issues appear without specific mileage references. Safety implications are noted in terms of discomfort and potential service delays, but no accidents or injuries are mentioned in the complaints.

Owners of the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander report issues with the service brakes, particularly involving the ABS system and premature rear brake pad wear. Complaints frequently mention the "ABS Service Required" message appearing intermittently, with some owners noting that restarting the vehicle temporarily clears the warning. The ABS system's failure to respond properly during sudden stops is also noted, with one owner experiencing sliding despite ample stopping space. Premature rear brake pad wear is reported as early as 12,000 miles, with continued issues at 25,000 miles, sometimes accompanied by noise and a broken caliper rubber protector. These symptoms suggest potential safety implications, as they involve critical braking components.

Owners of the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander report issues with the vehicle's cruise control system, particularly the Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). Complaints frequently mention that the ACC disengages unexpectedly during highway driving, often displaying a message indicating that the system is unavailable or requires servicing. This issue is consistently noted during long road trips, such as a 600-mile round trip between Milwaukee and Wausau, Wisconsin. No reports of crashes or loss of control are associated with these complaints, but the sudden disengagement of cruise control could be disruptive to driving. Used car buyers should be aware of these recurring cruise control issues, especially if planning to use the vehicle for extended highway travel.