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ProblemsByVinFile / 2009-MITSUBISHI-OUTLANDERNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Mitsubishi
2009 Mitsubishi Outlander problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 46 owner complaints and 13 active recall campaigns. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander has 46 NHTSA owner complaints and 13 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 6 complaints, typically surfacing around 7,252 miles (~$3,100 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
13
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2009 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
13 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 2009 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
engine — 6 owner reports
· tends to show around 7,252 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
visibility — 5 owner reports
· tends to show around 28,422 mi · ~$350 to fix
lighting — 4 owner reports
· tends to show around 124,000 mi · ~$250 to fix
powertrain — 4 owner reports
· tends to show around 159,413 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: airbags is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 87,667 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 13 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
2009 Outlander· seatbelts
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Mitsubishi outlander. While driving 50 MPH, the driver side seat belt unlatched. The contact did not notify the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 106,000.
Exact problems as a recall issued on select 09 outlander on 6/25/14 for power train: automatic transmission but my VIN does not match as a vehicle affected by this recall. Is there a possibility my select vehicle should have been included in this recall? I have seen many many…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Mitsubishi outlander. While driving at 35 MPH, the defroster on the vehicle became inoperable without warning. The contact also stated that a grinding noise was heard. The failure was persistent. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where…
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Mitsubishi outlander. While driving 45 MPH and attempting to engage the brakes, the brake system failed to engage causing the driver to crash into another vehicle. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. However,…
Had a problem with your 2009 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 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 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 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander?
The 2009 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; 13 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 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 6 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 7,252 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 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 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander a good used car to buy?
It scores 5.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 46 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 7,252 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 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 6 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 7,252 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 7,252 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 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 46 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, 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/2009/Mitsubishi/Outlander.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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