This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers informing them to replace the Power Seat Side Shield and apply felt tape when customers complain the Power Seat Side Shield is coming off while entering/exiting the vehicle.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Mitsubishi Outlander electrical problems
severe 4 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
4
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1fire
What stands out
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Technical Service Bulletin instructs dealers to replace the seat adjuster assembly and power seat harness in affected vehicles with improved countermeasure parts. Due to a change in the reclining motor, the new longer harness and connector are necessary.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Technical Service Bulletin instructs dealers to replace the seat adjuster assembly and power seat harness in affected vehicles with improved countermeasure parts. Due to a change in the reclining motor, the new longer harness and connector are necessary.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a Technical Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin provides dealers with a basic description of the hands-free systems used in Mitsubishi built vehicles. The bulletin covers components and operation, system layouts showing the differences in Japan built and U.S. built vehicles, diagnostic flow charts, a list of commonly used acronyms and terms, and part numbers. The bulletin also provides a comprehensive Hands-free/FUSE Information Sheet to guide the service writer in getting complete and accurate details from the customer. With this information, dealer personnel can answer questions and conduct an efficient diagnosis to resolve customer concerns as quickly as possible.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin updates the Chassis Electrical section of the affected Service Manuals to update diagnostics for ETACS-ECU CAN timeout diagnostics with DTC U0141.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi outlander. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14v562000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer…
Had electrical trouble with your 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander?
It's a meaningful issue. 4 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 4 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 36,900 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Mitsubishi/Outlander.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.