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2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering motor and linkages. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Windshield wiper failure and recall part shortages.” 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.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

Campaign #17V461000 · Jul 20, 2017

Issue: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles. In the affected vehicles, water may drop between the hood and the windshield and leak into the wiper motor breathing hole. The water may cause internal corrosion of the windshield wiper motor and the possible failure of the motor.

Risk: Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-003.

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

Campaign #16V791000 · Oct 31, 2016

Issue: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles manufactured September 8, 2006, to March 29, 2013. In the affected vehicles, water may enter between the hood and windshield and cause the front wiper link ball joint to corrode, possibly resulting in the wiper link separating and the wipers becoming inoperative.

Risk: Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rubber boot on the ball joint to prevent water intrusion. Additionally, they will inspect the wiper motor crank arm for excessive play, replacing it as necessary. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-009.

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

Campaign #16V458000 · Jun 23, 2016

Issue: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.

Risk: A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.

STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS

Campaign #14V366000 · Jun 25, 2014

Issue: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, Mitusbishi is recalling certain 2007-2012 Outlander vehicles that received replacement 6-speed automatic transmissions during servicing. The transmissions in these vehicles have insufficient clearance between the power steering pressure tube and the converter housing of the automatic transmission. As a result of the contact, the power steering pressure tube may develop a hole and leak power steering fluid.

Risk: A power steering fluid leak could result in a loss of steering assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pressure tube and return tube, free of charge. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-006.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Campaign #20V279000 · May 18, 2020

Issue: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.

Risk: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander.

Reported to NHTSA

Windshield wiper failure and recall part shortages

VISIBILITY/WIPER

8 NHTSA complaints · 2016-06 → 2017-12

“TAKATA RECALL A DAY AGO ME AND MY WIFE WAS RIDING DOWN THE HIGHWAY ON A RAINY DAY THEN THE WIPERS STOPPED WE WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY POURING DOWN RAIN. WE COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING AT ALL WE ALMOST GOT INTO 4 ACCIDENTS. SITTING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THE HIGHWAY SAFETY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10981149
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE REPAIRED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 16V792000 (VISIBILITY) HOWEVER IT WAS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10969739
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V791000 (VISIBILITY/WIPER). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. IN ADDITION, THE WIPERS FAILED TO WORK INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11000800

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Undercarriage and body corrosion

STRUCTURE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2016-05 → 2025-06

“The contact owns a 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, his wife indicated that the vehicle was not driving in a straight line. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front driver’s side suspension lower control arm had”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11505970
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR TOP LIFTGATE WAS RUSTED AND THE LICENSE PLATE WAS BUBBLED AND CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPAIRED THE TOP LIFTGATE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11365210
“TAILGATE IS RUSTING NEAR THE LIFT GATE HANDLE AND ALSO BOTH SIDES OF THE UPPER PART NEAR THE GLASS WHERE THE TAILGATE MEETS THE SPOILER. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH MITSUBISHI THEY WILL NOT HONOR ANY RUST ISSUES UNLESS I AM ABLE TO POKE A HOLE THROUGH THE AFFECTED AREAS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10862444

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Service brake corrosion and failure to stop

SERVICE BRAKES

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-12 → 2021-03

“A PARKING BRAKE RECALL HAS NOT FIXED THE CORROSION/LOCKING OF REAR PARKING BREAK CALIPERS. ROLLS WHILE IN GEAR AND TURNED OFF-IF ON INCLINE. PARKING BRAKE DOESN'T ENGAGE FULLY AND THEN STICKS BUT WILL NOT KEEP CAR FROM MOVING. STICKS WHILE FROZEN OR IN WARM WEATHER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11398674
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AND DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THERE WAS A LOUD CLANKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE BRAKES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN SEVERAL TIMES TO THE DEALER BUT THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10938758
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO IMMEDIATELY STOP. ALSO, THE ACS MALFUNCTION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START WITHOUT BEING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11282414

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission overheating and loss of power

POWER TRAIN

8 NHTSA complaints · 2013-05 → 2022-08

“The contact owns a 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the transmission started overheating. There was a message displayed on the instrument panel to Slow Down. The vehicle then started to decelerate independently. The contact was able to”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11468377
“1) Transmission or power train 2) The vehicle may be inspected at request 3) The vehicle starts and may go for about a mile, and then it will buck and act like it's in neutral for all gears. I got stuck in the middle of an intersection turning left. I managed to get it back”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11434988
“I NOTICED OIL DRIPPING FROM UNDERNEATH THE MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID IT WAS TO FULL OF OIL, TOOK VEHICLE BACK HOME CONTINUED TO LEAK, TOOK VEHICLE BACK AGAIN TO DEALERSHIP FOR SAME LEAK THEY SAID IT WAS THE CVT FILTER SO THEY REPLACED IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10512875

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbag system service required warning light

AIR BAGS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2017-08 → 2024-10

“AIRBAG SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED message appears on dash. Occurred on 09/20/2018 and again on 09/29/2023. Both times required service to fix. Has now happened again on 10/14/2024. Secondary issue was reported by another driver for same vehicle for NHTSA ID Number: 11339357 and”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11619740
“TAKATA RECALL - AIRBAG LIGHT HAS COME ON AND WILL NOT GO OFF. OCCURS IN PARK OR IN DRIVE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11053893
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE "SERVICE AIR BAG REQUIRED" MESSAGE DISPLAYED AND REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11097658

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbags failing to deploy in a crash

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2014-09 → 2018-04

“STRUCK IN RIGHT FRONT QUARTER PANEL BY PICKUP TRUCK GOING 70MPH WHICH TOTALLED MY VEHICLE AND CAUSED INJURIES TO MYSELF AND GRANDSON BUT NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. DEPLOYMENT WOULD HAVE REDUCED OUR INJURIES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11005483
“TAKATA RECALL I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION IN MY 2013 OUTLANDER SPORT. ALTHOUGH AT THE TIME OF IMPACT I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY DOING BETWEEN 45-55 MPH, AND THE IMPACT AREA OF MY VEHICLE WAS ALL FRONT END, NOT ONE SINGLE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. I SUFFERED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10935470
“MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, THE SEAT BELT DID NOT ENGAGE. THEREFORE I STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL TWICE, AND WHIPPED MY NECK. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10633083

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

ECU failure causing electrical malfunction or stall

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

7 NHTSA complaints · 2014-09 → 2025-08

“My vehicle shut off on a state route when I had the vehicle towed to the dealership I was informed it was the ecu. I found out a year after my vehicle was purchased, there was a technical service bulletin out in this part. I am not sure why there was not a recall sent when they”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11683495
“On Dec 8,2023 our mitsubishi outlander shut off while being driven. When this occurred multiple warning lights come on including, service engine immediately, engine overheating (which it was not) and multiple other lights. It was towed to the dealership where they told us the”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11560529
“OVER NIGHT, MY BATTERY DIED. WHEN I TRIED TO TURN THE CAR ON, THE WINDSHIELD WHISPERS WOULD GO CRAZY, RADIO WOULD TURN ON, BUT NOT THE CAR. PURCHASED A NEW BATTERY, CAR IS ONLY 3 YRS OLD. THE NEW BATTERY IS BEING DRAINED NOW. WHEN THE CAR IS OFF, THE RADIO TURNS ON AND OFF BY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10823818

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

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

12 crashes 2010–2024

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

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.

6

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls 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 2013 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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