2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering buckle assembly and adaptive cruise control. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Driver seat rocking during acceleration and braking.” 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.

6 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

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.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Campaign #18V621000 · Sep 14, 2018

Issue: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system and 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross vehicles and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system and/or an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) system. The software for the Hydraulic Unit Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may be incorrect, possibly preventing the intervention of a safety system such as automatic emergency braking, Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), or the Brake Auto Hold (BAH) function when any of these systems are in use.

Risk: If the safety systems do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the Hydraulic Unit-ECU software, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-008.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Campaign #18V620000 · Sep 14, 2018

Issue: Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Outlander Sport, 2018-2019 Eclipse Cross, and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system that detects pedestrians. Due to incorrect software, the FCM-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) may apply braking for longer than needed, even after a pedestrian is no longer detected.

Risk: If the FCM-ECU software activates the brake for longer than necessary, the driver may react by applying additional braking. The resulting rapid deceleration of the vehicle can increase the risk of a rear-end collision.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the FCM-ECU software with updated software, free of charge. The recall is began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-007.

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.

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 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander.

Reported to NHTSA

Driver seat rocking during acceleration and braking

SEATS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-08 → 2020-08

DRIVER SEAT MOVE TO MUCH COMPLETE BRING CAR BACK TO DEALER SAY NOTHING CAN'T DO FOR ME THIS HAPPENS FROM THE DAY I BY THE CAR .I NEED HELP WHIT THIS PROBLEM & I CALL MITSUBISHI OF NORTH AMERICA TOLL ME SEAT IS NO PART OF SAFETY IN THE CAR
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11348828
POWER DRIVER SEAT ROCKS FORWARD AND BACK DURING ACCELERATION, STOPPING, STATIONARY AND GOING OVER BUMPS. THIS HAPPENS ON CITY STREETS AND ON THE HIGHWAY. SEVERITY OF ROCKING MOTION VARIES DEPENDING ON SEAT HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11020869

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Spontaneous glass shattering and windshield cracking

VISIBILITY

3 NHTSA complaints · 2018-04 → 2022-02

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MITSUBUSHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKING. THE CONTACT CALLED HIS INSURANCE COMPANY TO HAVE THE WINDSHIELD REPLACED. THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED, BUT IT CRACKED ALSO
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11282297
I am the owner of a 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander. On February 14, 2022 at 1:00 PM, my wife and I were driving home along the 405 freeway northbound from our son’s house. All of a sudden, we heard a loud bang and shattered glass entered the vehicle from overhead
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11452107

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CVT transmission hesitation and stalling

POWER TRAIN, ENGINE

9 NHTSA complaints · 2017-09 → 2026-05

The CVT transmission went out at 115k and has to be replaced and can not be repaired
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11735516
Cvt transmission bad at 81,000 miles as well as the transfer case causing delay in shifting and rough shifting
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11646872

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Electrical system battery drain and stalling

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

5 NHTSA complaints · 2019-04 → 2025-08

I keep getting the 4wd system service pop up and my vehicle stalls at 40 and jerks a lot
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11682632
THE VEHICLE WON'T START. BATTERY KEEPS DRAINING, I HAVE TO CHARGE THE BATTERY WITH A CHARGER EACH TIME. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE ELECTRICAL THAT CONTINUOUSLY IS DRYING THE BATTERY
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11320184

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Airbag system service required light

AIR BAGS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-06 → 2020-02

I HAVE A 2017 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER THAT HAS NEVER BEEN IN A WRECK OR ANYTHING PUT THE AIRBAG LIGHT COME ON AND I HAVE ALREADY TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TIRED TO MAKE ME PAY FOR THE SERVICES
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11207399
AIRBAG SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF CONSTANTLY WHILE DRIVING ON ANY TYPE OF ROAD AND WHILE PARKED. MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP STATES THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT GOT WET AND THE LIGHT WILL GO OFF WHEN THE SEAT DRIES
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11296955

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Air bags fail to deploy in crash

AIR BAGS, SEAT BELTS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2019-11

FRONT IMPACT WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE AIRBAGS DIDN'T OPEN
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11278921
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE CONTACT SWERVED TO AVOID A DEER AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY AND THE SEAT BELT RESTRAINED THE DRIVER TOO TIGHTLY
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11204515

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Electric parking brake stuck and won't disengage

SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2024-11

E brake will not disengage
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11526117
EMERGENCY BREAK STUCK AND ALARM SOUNDING. FIRST TIME EBRAKE WAS EVER USED. VEHICLES EBRAKE WAS SET WHILE PARKED ON A HILL. WILL NOT DISENGAGE PROPERLY
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11318252

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Service brake failure leading to crash

SERVICE BRAKES

6 NHTSA complaints · 2017-12 → 2022-12

FROM TIME TO TIME THE BRAKES DON'T WANT TO WORK RIGHT IF YOU HAVE TO PRESS THEM KINDA HARD THEY JUST MAKE YOU KEEP GOING LIKE YOU ARE SLIDING
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11130958
2017 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE BRAKES AND DEALERS REFUSAL TO REPAIR VEHICLE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT; THEREFORE, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. *JS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11053298

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

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

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 2017 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.