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2009 Mitsubishi Outlander Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Recall remedy parts unavailable.” 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 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander.

Reported to NHTSA

Recall remedy parts unavailable

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

9 NHTSA complaints · 2014-10 → 2017-05

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER (N/A). THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V562000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10671270
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V564000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10682540
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V791000 (VISIBILITY). THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10984469

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Seat belt unlatching or retractor failure

SEAT BELTS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-12 → 2018-11

“SEAT BELT COMES UNBUCKLED AT RANDOM TIMES WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. IT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST A DOZEN TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11144769
“DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR FAILS TO LOCK. PER MITSUBISHI SERVICE DEPARTMENT, SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY DOES NOT HAVE AN UNLIMITED WARRANTY. SEAT BELTS SHOULD NOT FAIL. AS A MAJOR SAFETY EQUIPMENT IN A VEHICLE, SEAT BELTS SHOULD HAVE A LIFETIME WARRANTY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11092799
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT UNLATCHED. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10938759

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

TPMS valve stem corrosion and tire deflation

WHEELS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2012-02 → 2013-07

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR TPMS VALVE STEM FAILED AND CAUSED THE TIRE TO DEFLATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A PRIVATE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TPMS SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10522680
“IN DEC 2012 THE TIRE SENSOR INDICATOR SHOWED ONE OF THE TIRES WAS IN NEED OF AIR. I WENT TO FILL IT AND THE VALVE BLEW OFF AND THE TIRE DEFLATED IMMEDIATELY. HAD TO PUT ON THE SPARE AND HAVE THE SENSOR AND VALVE REPLACED, $200. IN MAY 2013 AGAIN THE INDICATOR SHOWED A TIRE WAS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10515900
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR WOULD ACTIVE DUE TO CORROSION IN THE VALVE STEM. THE CORRODED VALVE STEM WOULD FRACTURE FROM THE TIRE AND CAUSED THE TIRES TO GO FLAT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE SENSOR NUMEROUS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10446236

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Panoramic sunroof glass fracture while driving

VISIBILITY

2 NHTSA complaints · 2009-01 → 2012-08

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, SHE HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND THEN THE SUN ROOF GLASS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10471606
“AS I WAS DRIVING MY BRAND NEW CAR I JUST GOT 2 MONTHS AGO(MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER 2009) ON THE N.J. PARKWAY ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A CRACK FROM MY SUNROOF AND THEN SUDDENLY THE GLASS JUST EXPLODED INTO MANY PIECES. THANK GOD! I HAD THE COVER CLOSED THAT PREVENTED ME FROM GETTING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10256255

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

ETACS ECU low-beam headlight failure

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

2 NHTSA complaints · 2016-11 → 2018-08

“LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS COMPLETELY FAILED DUE TO DEFECTIVE ETACS ECU. THE VEHICLE WAS ON A HIGHWAY AT NIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE MITSUBISHI DEALER AND THE DEFECT WAS CONFIRMED. MITSUBISHI WAS CONTACTED BUT THEY WILL DO NOTHING WITHOUT NHTSA INVOLVEMENT. IN ADDITION, THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11118195
“I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING BOTH OF MY LOW BEAM LIGHTS WENT OUT. I CHECKED FUSES AND THE NEXT TIME I USED THE CAR THE LIGHTS WORKED. MY WIFE USED THE CAR ONE NIGHT AND WAS DRIVING ON A DARK COUNTRY ROAD AND THE LIGHTS ONCE AGAIN WENT OUT WITHOUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10927643

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Front subframe corrosion and control arm failure

SUSPENSION

8 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2019-10

“THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER RUSTED SO BADLY THAT IT BROKE OFF DURING NORMAL DRIVING. THE FRAME FAILED AT THE LOWER A-FRAME ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE RESULTING IN THE ENTIRE WHEEL/SUSPENSION ASSEMBLY TO FAIL AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED DOWN TO THE FRAME AND SKIDDED ALONG THE ROAD TO STOP. THIS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11150043
“FRONT CROSS MEMBER CORROSION CAUSED DRIVER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM TO DETACH. LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE AT LOW SPEED AFTER PULLING AWAY FROM A STOP SIGN. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT AT HIGHER SPEED. I HAVE CONTACTED MITSUBISHI AND ALTHOUGH SYMPATHETIC, NO ASSISTANCE WAS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10979031
“MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SE FRONT SUBFRAME CROSSMEMBER CRADLE HAS CORRODED AND WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION. THE CRADLE IS WHERE THE STEERING ATTACHES AND RAISES A SAFETY CONCERN SHOULD THE CRADLE BREAK DUE TO THE CORROSION. THERE ARE MANY MITSUBISHI VEHICLES THAT HAVE A RECALL ON THIS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11207811

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

CVT judder, stalling, and unintended acceleration

POWER TRAIN

6 NHTSA complaints · 2010-04 → 2026-05

“I was driving home from work and I came upon a red light as I was slowing down the car started jilting as I went to take off I started jilting again but then smoothed out. The check engine light, ABS brake light and speed traction off light came on.They just all popped on. At”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11736094
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE GEARS WOULD SHIFT ABNORMALLY WITHOUT DRIVER INTENT AND THEY WOULD OFTEN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO DECREASE IN SPEED WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE AND ADVISED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10325903
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE A COUPLE OF TIMES. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10913641

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment in crash

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2014-10 → 2018-05

“"TAKATA RECALL" I WAS INVOLVED IN A COLLISION IN WHICH TOTALED MY CAR. THE FRONT WAS COMPLETELY SMASHED AND TORN APART. THE PROBLEM IS... MY AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED DURING THIS ACCIDENT AND WE WERE HIT WHILE DOING 35MPH. I WAS INFORMED THAT AIRBAGS DEPLOY IN CAR ACCIDENTS IF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11097630
“''TAKARA AIRBAGS' MOVING, ROADWAY-FRONT END COLLISION. CAR WAS TOTALED IN ACCIDENT AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11061220
“MY VEHICLE WAS HIT FROM THE SIDE, SPUN AROUND IN THE STREET AND THROWN INTO A METAL STEEL FENCE, MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I SUFFERED SERIOUS INJURIES FROM THE ACCIDENT. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10651513

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)

7 crashes 1990–2024

How the 7 occupant deaths break down

5

driver deaths

2

passenger deaths

7

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.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

0

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 2009 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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