Last updated: 2026-07-26

Mitsubishi Outlander

1 Mitsubishi Outlander Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Mitsubishi Outlander average of 76/100

The Mitsubishi Outlander years to avoid are 2022 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2022 with a reliability score of 62/100. The best Mitsubishi Outlander year to buy is 2021 84/100.

Verdict

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander scores significantly below the model average of 76/100. The weakest year is 2022 with a score of 62/100 due to structure (69) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2020 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

The 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander has good reliability. There are 7 recalls and 209 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander. Severity signals include 14 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Structure (69), Unknown Or Other (26), Electrical System (22).

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?

Top reported issues across all Mitsubishi Outlander model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

STRUCTURE

78 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

63 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

39 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2020, 2022

AIR BAGS

32 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

POWER TRAIN

18 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2022

STEERING

16 complaints

Most reported in 2022, 2023, 2024

Best Mitsubishi Outlander Year to Buy Instead

76
GoodReliability score: 76 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 30 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (11), Air Bags (4), Unknown Or Other (3).

Score: 76/100 (Good)3 recalls30 complaints
View full 2020reliability report →
VIN History Report

Found a Safe Year? Check the Specific Car

Even the best Mitsubishi Outlander year can have hidden problems. A VIN check reveals past accidents, title issues, and service gaps for the exact car you're considering.

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  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

All Mitsubishi Outlander Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Mitsubishi Outlander years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Mitsubishi Outlander years: 2022 (score: 62/100). These model years score significantly below the Mitsubishi Outlander average of 76/100.
What is the best year for the Mitsubishi Outlander?
The best year for the Mitsubishi Outlander is 2021, with a reliability score of 84/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Mitsubishi Outlander have?
Across all years in our database, the Mitsubishi Outlander has a total of 24 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Mitsubishi Outlander worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2021 model year, which scores 84/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 76/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Mitsubishi Outlander problems?
The most common Mitsubishi Outlander problems are structure (78 complaints), electrical system (63 complaints), unknown or other (39 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander reliable long-term?
The Mitsubishi Outlander has an average reliability score of 76/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Mitsubishi Outlander generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Mitsubishi Outlander generation is the Third generation (GF/GG/ZJ/ZK/ZL; 2012) with an average score of 75/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
How much does it cost to maintain a Mitsubishi Outlander?
The estimated annual maintenance cost for the Mitsubishi Outlander is $519 based on independent repair cost databases. This is below the category average, making it relatively affordable to maintain.
Is the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander a good used buy?
Yes, the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 84/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

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