Is the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander?

The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander have?

12 recalls on file for this model year.

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander

● Typical for this model

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:47:16.505Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 58
Recalls: 12
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Suspension

Complaints per year

2008: 58 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

17% · 10 reports

Most commonly citing subframe/mounting bracket.

Power train

16% · 9 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

July 3, at approximately 10:30 pm we came home and parked the car in the driveway which is at a slight incline.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-08-23

Exterior lighting

14% · 8 reports

Visibility/wiper

12% · 7 reports

Electrical system

12% · 7 reports

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

While parked and turned off(For 15 minutes), the passenger side seat(Heated seat) caught fire. The fire was discovered quickly and extinguished before significant damage took place.

NHTSA ODI report, 2014-06-17

Also filed under Seats

Radio display can not be seen during the day especially with sunroof open.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-04-30

Also filed under Structure

Vehicle seems to hesitate from starting from a stopped position dealer said without a bulletin from Mitsubishi there is nothing they can do.

NHTSA ODI report, 2008-04-30

Safety timeline

12 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2008-04-07Seats08V094000 Mitsubishi is recalling 5,400 my 2007-2008 Outlander passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine…

Remedy: Dealers will relocate the floor harness from beneath both the passenger and driver seats to above the carpet and away from the bottom of the floorboard to prevent contact with any future melt…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-02-24Exterior lighting08V680000 Mitsubishi is recalling 21,493 my 2007-2008 Outlander vehicles equipped with LED type stop lamps and distributed in the united states and Puerto Rico. The brake lamp switch may malfunction and…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch. The recall is expected to begin during February 2009. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2009-05-04Service brakes, air09V077000 Mitsubishi is recalling 39,711 my 2008-2009 Outlander and lacer vehicles. Incorrect material composition of the brake booster check valve may cause the check valve to stick closed when the engine…

Remedy: Dealers will replace the brake booster check valve free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during April 2009. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-08-12Steering14V366000 Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-10-15Exterior lighting14V564000 Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Outlander vehicles manufactured December 15, 2006, to October 31, 2007, and April 16, 2008, to August 22, 2009.

Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch with a new one, free of charge. The recall began in mid-October 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2014-10-15Engine and engine cooling14V562000 Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles.

Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2014.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-09-14Suspension16V458000 Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-07-28Visibility16V791000 Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles manufactured September 8, 2006, to March 29, 2013.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-07-28Visibility17V461000 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.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-02-27Visibility18V071000 Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Outlander, 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Evolution, and 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles equipped with sunroofs.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-003.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-03-27Engine and engine cooling18V069000 Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-08-07Structure, suspension20V279000 Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Remedy: 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Suspension: 10 reports on file for this year.
Power train: 9 reports on file for this year.
Exterior lighting: 8 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 08V094000 · Seats
Recall 08V680000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 09V077000 · Service brakes, air
Recall 14V366000 · Steering
Recall 14V564000 · Exterior lighting
Recall 14V562000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 16V458000 · Suspension
Recall 16V791000 · Visibility
Recall 17V461000 · Visibility
Recall 18V071000 · Visibility
Recall 18V069000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 20V279000 · Structure, suspension

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

202031

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander?: The most-reported component is suspension, accounting for 17% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander have?: 12 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.