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2008 Mitsubishi Outlander lighting problems

moderate 5 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250 · see lighting across all vehicles →

Complaints
5
Recalls
1
Avg fix
$250

When does it fail?

Of the 5 lighting complaints filed for the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 150,000+ mi.

0-25k
0 (0%)
25-50k
0 (0%)
50-75k
0 (0%)
75-100k
0 (0%)
100-125k
0 (0%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
2 (100%)

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 lighting complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.

Related recalls

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.

Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins

The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering lighting 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.

Service Bulletin TSB-22-54-003 Apr 2022

This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a defective/broken part.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin TT218 Aug 2015

This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin TSB-12-35-003 Dec 2012

This TSB clarifies the stop light switch installation and adjustment procedure in the affected service manuals.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.

What owners are reporting 2 most recent

lighting · 176,104 mi · filed 11/30/2020

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 looked at, the whole light assembly replaced, the fuse replaced and yet nothing worked.

lighting · 200,000 mi · filed 08/30/2018

Low beam headlamps have been going completely out. This happened when in motion on a highway . It is difficult to navigate and be seen when this happened. I have taken the vehicle to a Mitsubishi dealer for repair but the problem has recurred 4 times. I have been told a relay was burnt out three times and had been replaced. Another time I was told there was an internal short. Usually the repair…

Had lighting 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 lighting problem on the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 5 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $250 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?

Based on the 5 complaints filed, lighting issues most often appear around 125,276 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 $250 for lighting 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 lighting?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover lighting issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.

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.
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