This TSB provides revisions to the Removal and Installation procedures for the rocker cover due to changes in the quantity of mounting bolts for vehicles equipped with 4B1 series engine. (Service Manual Revision)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Mitsubishi Outlander engine problems
moderate 7 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
7
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 7 engine complaints filed for the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA engine 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 engine 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 Information Notice provides additional instructions to dealers when replacing the Valve Cover Gasket due to a customer concern of oil leaking.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Technical Information Notice was sent to dealers informing that a recall campaign was released on July 22, 2020 (SR-20-003) for the Crossmember Corrosion.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Advanced Technical Information Notice was sent to dealers informing them of the upcoming recall being released for the inside and outside surfaces of the front cross members used on certain vehicles, if exposed long term to snow melt water and anti-freezing agents, may corrode due to insufficient performance of the rust protection.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. The bulletin instructs dealers to confirm a list of specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) if vehicle experiences the following symptoms in cold weather: the check engine light illuminating with a limited vehicle speed (failsafe mode), or the engine does not restart after driving a short distance and stopping the engine for a few minutes. Once symptoms and DTCs are confirmed, dealers should replace the following relays with anti- freezing types: ETV, A/T (CVT), injector, and starter. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-13-003, issued December, 2018, to add Eclipse Cross, applicable Canadian models, and countermeasure dates.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
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 contact had not experienced a failure.
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 of the vehicle. *tr
I received a safety recall notice regarding my 2008 Mitsubishi outlander regarding the drive belt and pulley system. I made an appointment with my dealership, jerry's Mitsubishi, in parkville md 21234 and then they cancelled the appointment stating they do not have the parts and have no date when they are to arrive. I tried calling Mitsubishi customer relations 888-648-7820 and their automated…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi outlander. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate and the service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 110,000.
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 7 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 7 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 97,362 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.