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2008 Mitsubishi Outlander Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Front and rear crossmember corrosion.” Mitsubishi publishes short, conservative intervals: oil every 7,500 miles normal / 3,750 severe, and — unlike many rivals — an explicit CVT fluid replacement schedule rather than a 'lifetime fill' claim. Read the severe-service column honestly: stop-and-go city trips, short hops, and hot climates all qualify, and they describe how most Mirages actually live. The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty stays intact only with documented on-schedule service.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander.

Reported to NHTSA

Front and rear crossmember corrosion

SUSPENSION

14 NHTSA complaints · 2017-01 → 2024-10

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11420380
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11144658
“THERE'S A RECALL ON THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER/SUB-FRAME,WHICH IS IN GOOD CONDITION,BUT NOT THE BACK ONE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11138778

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake lamp switch failure disabling brake lights

EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES

5 NHTSA complaints · 2012-07 → 2020-11

“BRAKE SWITCH RECALL - WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK, TURNED ON, AND THE BRAKE IS PRESSED TO SHIFT FROM PARK TO ANY OTHER POSITION, THE SHIFTER REMAINS LOCKED IN THE PARK POSITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11035509
“WE HAVE A 2008 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER THAT WE PURCHASED IN 2010. I WAS FOLLOWING MY WIFE DOWN THE ROAD AND NOTICED THAT WHEN SHE APPLIED THE BRAKES THE BRAKE LIGHTS SOMETIMES DID NOT COME ON. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10652194
“THIS VEHICLE WAS RECALLED IN 2009 FOR A FAILURE OF THE SWITCH WHICH ACTIVATES THE BRAKE LAMPS. MITSUBISHI RECORDS INDICATE THAT WE HAD THE SWITCH REPLACED IN MARCH, 2009, ALONG WITH ANOTHER RECALL ITEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10465586

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Wiper linkage recall repair parts delay

VISIBILITY/WIPER

6 NHTSA complaints · 2017-03 → 2017-07

“I RECEIVED AN INTERIM "IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL" LETTER IN DECEMBER 2016 REGARDING THE WIPER LINK BALL JOINT , POTENTIAL CORROSION AND SEPARATION CAUSING WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO STOP OPERATING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11001658
“I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN DECEMBER OF 2016, THAT INDICATED THEY DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS YET TO MAKE THE REPAIR BUT WOULD SEND A SECOND NOTICE WHEN THEY WERE RECEIVED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11003661
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V791000 (VISIBILITY). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10967231

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission shifting and gear selector failure

POWER TRAIN

6 NHTSA complaints · 2010-03 → 2021-04

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER 4WD. WHEN THE DRIVER STARTED THE VEHICLE HE WAS UNABLE MOVE THE GEAR SELECTOR OUT OF DRIVE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN SO THAT THEY COULD DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10319639
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE, AN ABNORMAL WHINING NOISE WAS HEARD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11015818
“THE CAR IS A MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER E.S 2008 WITH 42000 MILES ON IT ,AND THE TRANSMISSION IS NOT SHIFTING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11412885

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Radio display not visible in daylight

EQUIPMENT

3 NHTSA complaints · 2008-04 → 2009-10

“GPS/RADIO CAN NOT BE SEEN DURING SUNNY DAY ESPECIALLY WITH SUNROOF OPEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10288749
“RADIO DISPLAY CAN NOT BE SEEN DURING THE DAY ESPECIALLY WITH SUNROOF OPEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10226118
“VEHICLE SEEMS TO HESITATE FROM STARTING FROM A STOPPED POSITION DEALER SAID WITHOUT A BULLETIN FROM MITSUBISHI THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10226116

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Drive belt and pulley recall parts delay

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

6 NHTSA complaints · 2014-10 → 2018-03

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10651088
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V562000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10667925
“I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE INTERSTATE AND MY SERPENTINE BELT POPPED OFF THE TENSIONER WHICH CAUSED ME TO LOSE MY POWER STEERING AND THEN RESULTED IN MY RADIATOR BLOWING ON THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11079037

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace every 7,500 miles normal / 3,750 severe. Mirage's 1.2L three-cylinder holds barely over 3 quarts — small sumps punish stretched intervals. 0W-20 on most recent models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

CVT Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Mitsubishi schedules CVT fluid replacement — commonly every 60,000 miles normal / 30,000 severe (check your year's table). Use only the specified CVT fluid (J4/CVTF-J4 family); generic ATF destroys the belt-and-pulley unit.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate with every oil change. Light Mirages are easy on tires but the economy-focused OEM rubber wears fast when neglected.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors/drums, and lines at each service — Mirage G4 retains rear drums, which need periodic adjustment checks.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 2-3 years per the schedule. Cheap job, big ABS-unit insurance.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Iridium plugs commonly every 60,000 miles on the Mirage's 3A92 and Lancer's 4B11 — verify your year's table, as some engines list up to 105,000.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Mitsubishi's schedule replaces the engine air filter every 15,000 miles — shorter than most brands, and a 5-minute DIY on the Mirage.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Drive Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles and replace on cracking. The Mirage's single serpentine belt also drives the A/C — a failure strands the car's accessories at once.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace every 15,000 miles, behind the glovebox. Often skipped at quick-lube visits — worth checking if airflow feels weak.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement

Every 60,000 mi

First change around 60,000 miles, then roughly every 30,000-45,000 per the schedule. Mitsubishi long-life coolant or equivalent OAT for your year.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Small-battery economy cars have little reserve — the first cold snap finds a weak one.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

8 crashes 1990–2024

How the 8 occupant deaths break down

7

driver deaths

1

passenger deaths

8

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2010 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

1

complaints mentioning a crash

1

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander reflects Mitsubishi's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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