2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 52
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Suspension
Campaigns on file for 2004
None on file
38% of complaints
Complaints per year
2004: 52 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 116 |
| 2004 | 52 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 21 |
| 2007 | 125 |
| 2008 | 58 |
| 2009 | 46 |
| 2010 | 60 |
| 2011 | 58 |
| 2012 | 22 |
| 2013 | 26 |
| 2014 | 45 |
| 2015 | 53 |
| 2016 | 144 |
| 2017 | 51 |
| 2018 | 57 |
| 2019 | 29 |
| 2020 | 31 |
| 2022 | 217 |
| 2023 | 48 |
| 2024 | 26 |
| 2025 | 15 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Suspension
38% · 20 reportsMost commonly citing rear and lower arm.
Show complaint excerpts
2004 Mitsubishi Outlander. Consumer writes in regards to corrosion recall notice instruction issues - dealership applied corrosion spray to front cross member and lower control arm before consulting consumer.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-03
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander. While driving 25-30 MPH, there was an abnormal noise coming from the rear driver's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-09
Also filed under Structure
Structure
15% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing body and frame and members.
Show complaint excerpts
I crashed my Outlander in my parking lot, I was parking slowly, pushing the brake slowly, the car was at the final position in my spot and suddenly the car crashed into a tree.
NHTSA ODI report, 2014-05-22
Slammed my front drivers side into a cement column in a parking lot. My airbag did not deploy. No major injury just a bruised jaw and sore neck. Incident 01/17/2013. Usaa auto insurance said car was totalled so I get the cash value.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-02-08
Also filed under Air bags
Air bags
13% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
In a driver's side collision, my side air bag did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2008-07-09
On 10/17/04, I was was rear ended. The car spun around and the air bags did not open. Model mitshubishi Outlander 2003. My body jerked against the frame of the steering wheel. Yes! I had my seat belt on.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-10-27
Exterior lighting
12% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing concealment devices and unit.
Engine and engine cooling
12% · 6 reportsMost commonly citing engine.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2003-11-14Visibility03V429000 On certain sport utility vehicles located in the caribbean, due to a software programming error in the electronic timing and control system (Etacs), while using the intermittent wiper mode, the…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the etacs module. Owner notification began November 14, 2003. Owners should contact Mitsubishi caribbean at 1-800-981-0452.
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R
2004-05-28Trailer hitches04V197000 Certain sport utility vehicles may have been equipped with dealer-installed trailer hitch wiring harness and control module. The electronic control module can overheat.
Remedy: Owners are being requested to stop using the harness until a newly designed replacement is provided and can be installed by the dealer. The recall began on May 28, 2004. Owners should contact…
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R
2016-09-14Suspension16V458000 Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members.
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R
Date not on fileEquipment04V428000 Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no.
Remedy: Mitsubishi caribbean will mail a customer notification letter containing a written description and a graphic of the bi-lingual dashboard air bag warning label.
Buy-smart checklist
2004 Mitsubishi Outlander — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Suspension: 20 reports on file for this year.
- Structure: 8 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 7 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V428000 · Equipment
- Recall 03V429000 · Visibility
- Recall 04V197000 · Trailer hitches
- Recall 16V458000 · Suspension
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander?
- The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.