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ProblemsByVin File / 2008-MITSUBISHI-OUTLANDER NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2008 · Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Outlander problems

58 owner complaints and 2 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.6 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2008 Outlander?
Generally reliable

Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.

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.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

suspension
9 reports · fails ~121,256 mi · avg $900
moderate
powertrain
8 reports · fails ~61,743 mi · avg $2,500
severe
engine
7 reports · fails ~97,362 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
visibility
7 reports · fails ~1,200 mi · avg $350
moderate
lighting
5 reports · fails ~125,276 mi · avg $250
moderate
electrical
4 reports · fails ~36,900 mi · avg $850
severe
body
3 reports · fails ~137,333 mi · avg $1,500
moderate
cruise control
3 reports · fails ~75,200 mi · avg $600
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2008 Outlander's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2008 Outlander?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

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…
2008 Outlander · engine
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…
12/22/2008 · at 1,600 mi · NHTSA ODI #10252589.0 · see engine pattern →
2008 Outlander · body
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…
12/14/2017 · at 150,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11054742.0 · see body pattern →
2008 Outlander · lighting
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…
11/30/2020 · at 176,104 mi · NHTSA ODI #11377107.0 · see lighting pattern →
View all 58 owner complaints →
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.

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At 80,000 miles
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Active recalls showing 2 of 2

severe NHTSA 08V094000 February 28, 2008

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, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, vermont, virginia, west virginia, wisconsin, and the district of columbia

The connector terminal may corrode and allow current to flow, resulting in the gradual heating and melting of the connector and may result in a fire.

Fix: 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 solution. The recall began on april 7, 2008. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
severe NHTSA 08V680000 December 19, 2008

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 failure of the brake lamps to illuminate when the brakes are applied will not provide warning to following traffic and could result in a crash.

Fix: 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.

Common questions

Is the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 58 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

Should you avoid the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander?

On the NHTSA data, the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

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.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 4 days 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. We are not affiliated with Mitsubishi. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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