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2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering labels and buckle assembly. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Headlight failure requiring repeated replacement.” 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

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Campaign #18V591000 · May 9, 2018

Issue: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels. The Certification Label lists an incorrect rear wheel rim size. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk: The incorrect rim size information on the label can cause the operator to replace the rim with an incorrect rim size, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners and send them a corrected certification label, free of charge. Owners can also choose to have the label replaced by a dealer, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-006.

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.

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.

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.

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 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander.

Reported to NHTSA

Headlight failure requiring repeated replacement

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2023-12

“2018 Mitishichi Headlights, left, then right stop working. Dealer replaced first one within 6 months. So far I have replaced one or the other 4 or 5 Times. I did complain to NHTSA”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11562456
“The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the passenger’s side headlight failed to operate. No warning lights were illuminated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11507654
“I HAVE REPLACED THE LOWBEAM HEADLIGHTS 7 TIMES IN THE PAST YEAR. I DONT REALIZE THEY ARE OUT UNTIL SOMEONE OR THE POLICE TELL ME. THIS IS A SAFETY PROBLEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11363636

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sunroof glass shattering while driving

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2019-11 → 2023-12

“The sunroof on our vehicle, self exploded while driving. There was a loud bang, and then we were covered in sunroof glass shards. The fine dust of the sunroof glass went into my right eye which created minor eye irritation”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11559095
“THE SUNROOF GLASS EXPLODED OUT OF OUR CAR WHILE WE WERE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY IN IDAHO. THE SUNROOF WAS CLOSED BECAUSE IT HAD BEEN RAINING AND IT WAS COLD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11376171
“WAS DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND JUST TOPPED A HILL WITHOUT ANY OTHER VEHICLES AROUND, NO OVERPASSES, NO ONE ON THE SIDE ROADS, ETC. WHEN THE SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11281588

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Driver seat looseness during braking and acceleration

SEATS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2018-10 → 2025-08

“The power electric drive seat becomes loose with time. Very dangerous while braking cause the drive seat moves forward fast, driver feels disoriented to extent feeling unstable and could lead to not appropriately having control over vehicle during brake events”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11681202
“THE DRIVERS SEAT IS LOOSE AND WOBBLES. THE SEAT IS LOOSE AND WOBBLES BOTH WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11192193
“THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH WHEN I ACCELERATE AND BRAKE. THIS BECAME EVIDENT DAYS AFTER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11144247

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment during crash

AIR BAGS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2018-07 → 2022-12

“I was in a head on collision on 12/13/2022, and the air bag failed to deploy. The failure of the air bag deployment cause my chest to slam into the steering wheel along with my knees on the steering column”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11497480
“I was driving when a woman pulled out In front of me. I was going 49 mph and have the EDR report to prove so. (I was wearing my seatbelt). The front of my car smashed into the rear end of her car and I smashed the right side of my head into the steering wheel”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11437886
“TAKATA RECALL.. I WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11113921

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag warning light and unintended deployment

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2018-12 → 2025-12

“The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH over a pothole, the driver's side and passenger side curtain airbags erroneously deployed. The contact stated that no collision had occurred prior to the air bags deployment”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11705401
“The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the air bag warning light began to flash off and on. The failure was a constant failure”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11566461
“Air bag light comes on when drivers seat put back. When seat moved forward air bag light goes off. When air bag light is on system will not work, not safe to drive”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11562074

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall and unexpected shutdown while driving

ENGINE

8 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2025-06

“I believe they said it was the cam broke a part .I was driving on a 4 lane highway going 70 my car made a horrible noise and then my car it just shut down I was in the middle lane and thank God I was not hurt or hit by the semis going around me”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11454922
“Camshaft phaser shattered and is missing a chunk of metal”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11667343
“WHILE DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT AND SLOWED DOWN BECAUSE OF A BUMP THE CAR IMMEDIATELY DIED AS SOON AS I PASSED THE BUMP WITH NO ENGINE LIGHT ERRORS. THE BATTERY WAS CAR JUMP AND NOTHING HAPPENED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11383195

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Liftgate gas spring failure and uncontrolled closing

STRUCTURE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2023-01 → 2025-12

“The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V507000 (Structure); however, the liftgate gas springs had failed and were replaced prior to the recall”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11702425
“The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that after opening the liftgate, while reaching into the trunk, the liftgate fell and hit the contact on the head. The contact had not sustained an injury”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11690762
“The rear liftgate on this vehicle does not stop if there is an obstruction, i.e., a hand, a head or other body part. Not only does it not stop in case of obstruction, there is no audible sound made to indicate the door is in motion”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11503424

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)

36 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 2018 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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