Last updated: 2026-10-10

Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi Outlander Years to Avoid

8 scored model years (2018–2025) · model average 76/100

Skip the 2022 Outlander. Owners report hood flutter at speed, sudden shutdowns while driving, and a loose-feeling rear end. The 2021 is the better buy, with no recalls or owner complaints on record.

Verdict

Avoid
2022 62/100
Buy
2021 84/100
Model average
76/100
See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Mitsubishi Outlander Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Mitsubishi Outlander average of 76/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1202262/100Good7209Structure (69)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

62
GoodReliability score: 62 out of 100, rated Good

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

Hood flutter drives most of the 209 complaints. Owners say the hood shakes from about 25 mph and dealers often call it a known issue. Some cars also shut off while driving, with a dark dash and lost power. Others report a rear end that kicks sideways over bumps. Seven recalls add to the case against it.

7 recalls209 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Structure (69), Unknown Or Other (26), Electrical System (22), Suspension (11), Steering (9), Fuel Propulsion System (8)

View full 2022reliability report →

What Are Common Mitsubishi Outlander Problems?

STRUCTURE

78 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2018, 2020

2022: Hood flutter at speed is the dominant problem here.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

63 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2020, 2023

2022: Sudden shutdowns while driving are the most serious pattern.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

39 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2018, 2023

2022: Reports in this category vary widely.

AIR BAGS

32 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2022, 2019

2018: Front airbags fail to deploy in head-on and front-end crashes, and one report describes only a partial deployment.

POWER TRAIN

18 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2024, 2023

2022: Total power loss while driving is the main concern.

SUSPENSION

16 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023, 2018

2022: The rear end feels loose and unstable.

Best Mitsubishi Outlander Year to Buy Instead

84
ExcellentReliability score: 84 out of 100, rated Excellent

2021 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2021 shows no recalls and no owner complaints, and it rates excellent. The 2022 has seven recalls and 209 complaints, and the 2018 has six recalls and 55 complaints. The 2021 has also been on the road long enough to be a fair pick. The 2025 also rates excellent but is too new to favor.

Score: 84/100 (Excellent)0 recalls0 complaints
View full 2021reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander has 0 recalls on file. A VIN check confirms the recall work on the exact car and shows its accident, title, and service history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Mitsubishi Outlander Years by Generation

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Mitsubishi Outlander year should I avoid?
Avoid the 2022. It has 209 owner complaints, the most of any year, plus seven recalls. Hood flutter at speed is the biggest complaint, followed by sudden shutdowns while driving and a loose rear end over bumps.
What is wrong with the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Owners mainly report hood flutter that starts around 25 mph and gets worse on the highway. Fixes such as weatherstripping or a new hood often did not stop it. Others describe the dash going dark and power loss while driving, and a rear end that bounces or kicks sideways.
Is the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander a good used buy?
Yes, it is the site pick. Records show no recalls and no owner complaints, and the year rates excellent. It also avoids the hood flutter and shutdown reports that dominate the 2022. Still check the liftgate and have a mechanic inspect the car.
Is the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander a year to avoid?
It is not on the avoid list, but it ranks among the weaker years. It has six recalls and 55 owner complaints, with airbags and the electrical system reported most. It still rates good, so inspect any 2018 closely before buying.
Should I buy a newer Outlander like the 2025?
Be careful. The 2025 rates excellent with no recalls and few complaints, but it has had little time to collect them. That does not prove it is better than the 2021. The 2021 has a longer record, and that record is clean.

How we score every Mitsubishi Outlander model year

Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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