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2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering relay and parking brake. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “CVT transmission hesitation and failure.” 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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY

Campaign #17V609000 · Sep 29, 2017

Issue: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Outlander, 2015-2016 Lancer and Outlander Sport, and 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles. These vehicles may have defective relays that can result in an engine stall, reduced engine power or the engine overheating.

Risk: If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected relays, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-005.

PARKING BRAKE

Campaign #18V070000 · Jan 26, 2018

Issue: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Outlander and 2013-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles. Water may enter the rear brake calipers causing the parking brake actuator shafts to corrode and possibly bind.

Risk: If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear brake calipers and replace the parking brake boot and lever or the brake caliper body, as necessary. Dealers will also replace the piston assembly of the rear brake caliper. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-002.

SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

Campaign #20V403000 · Jul 13, 2020

Issue: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Outlander and 2018-2019 Outlander PHEV vehicles. The second-row center seat belt buckle may interfere with the right-side seat belt buckle when the seat backs are folded down. The interference may cause the right-side seat belt buckle cover to come off, making the buckle latch inoperable and unable to restrain an occupant.

Risk: An unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will modify the second-row center seat belt buckle cover, install a new warning label to the second-row seat support base, and provide a new warning label insert for the owner's manual, free of charge. The recall began September 1, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-20-004.

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT

Campaign #25V507000 · Jul 8, 2025

Issue: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles sold and/or currently registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.

Risk: A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2025. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-25-002

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT

Campaign #26V252000 · Apr 20, 2026

Issue: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.

Risk: A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2026. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-26-001. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov June 3, 2026. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V507.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander.

Reported to NHTSA

CVT transmission hesitation and failure

POWER TRAIN

137 NHTSA complaints · 2016-03 → 2026-07

“While driving on a highway at approximately 55–60 mph, the vehicle suddenly lost its ability to accelerate and maintain power. The engine RPM increased, but the vehicle would not respond normally, creating a significant safety hazard in traffic”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11748513
“THE CVT TRANSMISSION WENT COMPLETELY OUT. THIS VEHICLE IS ONLY 2 YEARS OLD AND WE WERE IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE NEW MEXICO. WE WERE DRIVING, NO PROBLEMS AND THEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN IT SAID STOP THE VEHICLE TRANSMISSION OVERHEAT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11039938
“MY CAR HAD HAD 3 TRANSMISSIONS REPLACED I'M THE PAST YEAR. IT WILL BE GOING IN FOR IT'S FOURTH TRANSMISSION. IT HAS 54,0000 MILES ON IT. THE CAR WOULD T MOVE AND I ALMOST GOT HIT IN THE REAR ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY IN OHIO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11242168

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear brake caliper and parking brake seizure

SERVICE BRAKES

6 NHTSA complaints · 2019-05 → 2023-04

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT IMMEDIATELY STOP, CAUSING THE STOPPING DISTANCE TO BECOME EXTENDED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11402547
“MY REAR DRIVERS SIDE BRAKE CALIPER FROZE LAST YEAR AND CURRENTLY MY REAR HTTPS://HOODSITE.COM/PASSENGER BRAKE CALIPER IS FROZEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11328990
“PARKING BRAKE IS NONFUNCTIONAL DUE TO PARTS OF BRAKE CALIPER RELATED TO PARKING BRAKE BECOMING STUCK IN PLACE, AND PREVENTING THE PARKING BRAKE FROM ENGAGING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11384061

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment during collision

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2026-07

“Front air bags did not deploy upon impact at approximately 40mph”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11751527
“On June 11, 2020 i was hit head on in an accident in Syracuse NY. My airbags NEVER went off”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11427191
“THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SEAT BELTS WERE LATCHED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE LEFT ARM AS THE WINDOW WAS OPEN AND HER ARM WAS CUT BY THE GUARDRAIL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11034107

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine failure and oil consumption

ENGINE

7 NHTSA complaints · 2017-09 → 2025-10

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11024566
“I OWN A 2015 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT WITH 110,000 MILES ON IT. OTHER THAN THE RECALLS I HAVE HAD NO ISSUES. FREQUENT OIL CHANGES, BRAKES, BASIC MAINTENANCE NOTHING ELSE. MINOR ACCELERATION ISSUES AS PER THE RECALL”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11192926
“The contact owns a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle started to independently decelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11536490

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical system stall and no-start condition

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 → 2023-10

“I HAVE A 2015 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT I BROUGHT BRAND NEW OFF THE LOT. IN THE SUMMER OF 2019, THE "REMOVE KEY" LIGHT WOULD COME ON AFTER MY KEY WAS REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11301129
“THE VEHICLE STALLS WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONING/ HEATING IS TURNED ON AND SOMETIMES THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11278620
“MY STEPDAUGHTER DROVE TO WORK MONDAY (8/9/16) AND COULD NOT REMOVE HER KEY, SWITCH ONLY WENT BACK TO ACC POSITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10894269

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

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)

31 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.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

2

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 2015 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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