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ProblemsByVinFile / 2008-MITSUBISHI-OUTLANDERNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Mitsubishi
2008 Mitsubishi Outlander problems
The 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander has 58 NHTSA owner complaints and 12 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander has 58 NHTSA owner complaints and 12 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is suspension at 9 complaints, typically surfacing around 121,256 miles (~$900 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Mitsubishi Outlander owner complaints by model year
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
12
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2008 Outlander?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Reliability score 5.6/10 — around the segment average
12 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
suspension — 9 owner reports
· tends to show around 121,256 mi · ~$900 to fix
powertrain — 8 owner reports
· tends to show around 61,743 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
engine — 7 owner reports
· tends to show around 97,362 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
visibility — 7 owner reports
· tends to show around 1,200 mi · ~$350 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: powertrain is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 61,743 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 12 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 5.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2008 Outlander· engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi outlander. The contact received notification for NHTSA campaign id number: 14v562000 (engine and engine cooling) and stated that the part needed was unavailable. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The VIN was not available. The…
I have noticed a bad noise like a knock at the muffler area six weeks after the vehicle was acquire. This noise can be heard shortly after the engine is turned on. I reported the problem at the Mitsubishi dealer service, but the replied back that this sound is a normal condition…
Took car in for safety recall found out that my engine cross member has been rusting there is a safety recall on this issue but was not notified dealership told me that it would be 970.00 to replace this is not my responsibility it's Mitsubishi s should have been recalled before…
While braking, the driver side brake light is only working when the headlights are not turned on. I read up on Mitsubishi recalling brake lights on outlanders and when I look up my VIN for a recall there is not one on there for that. This is an extreme issue. Last year we had it…
Had a problem with your 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.
If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-001.
If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 5.6 out of 10 based on 58 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander?
The 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 5.6/10 — around the segment average; 12 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Inspect the suspension first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 9 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 121,256 miles. Average repair cost runs about $900 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander a good used car to buy?
It scores 5.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 58 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is suspension. Typical failure occurs around 121,256 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is suspension, with 9 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 121,256 miles. Average repair cost runs about $900 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The suspension is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $900 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 121,256 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Mitsubishi Outlander has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 58 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $900, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Mitsubishi/Outlander.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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