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ProblemsByVin File / 2009-MITSUBISHI-OUTLANDER NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2009 · Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Outlander problems

Light NHTSA footprint — 46 owner complaints and 3 active recall campaigns. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.6 / 10

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

0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2009 Outlander?
Acceptable — with caveats

Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.

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

engine
6 reports · fails ~7,252 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
visibility
5 reports · fails ~28,422 mi · avg $350
moderate
lighting
4 reports · fails ~124,000 mi · avg $250
moderate
powertrain
4 reports · fails ~159,413 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
suspension
4 reports · fails ~117,467 mi · avg $900
moderate
airbags
3 reports · fails ~87,667 mi · avg $1,100
severe
seatbelts
3 reports · fails ~95,500 mi · avg $500
moderate
steering
3 reports · fails ~129,500 mi · avg $700
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2009 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 2009 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

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.
12/30/2016 · at 106,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10938759.0 · see seatbelts pattern →
2009 Outlander · powertrain
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…
12/07/2019 · at 195,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11287676.0 · see powertrain pattern →
2009 Outlander · visibility
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…
12/02/2015 · at 35,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10807992.0 · see visibility pattern →
2009 Outlander · brakes Crash
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,…
11/25/2014 · at 35,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10660801.0
View all 46 owner complaints →
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.

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Active recalls showing 3 of 3

severe NHTSA 14V365000 June 25, 2014

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc

If the oil seal dislodges, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) may enter the transfer case assembly, reducing the ATF pressure in the transmission, resulting in poor transmission shifting or the inability of the vehicle to be driven, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transfer assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-005.
severe NHTSA 14V564000 September 12, 2014

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc

Brake lights that are inoperative would not warn other drivers that the vehicle is stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch with a new one, free of charge. The recall began in mid-October 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-010. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 08V-680 and does not include any vehicles that were previously recalled.
severe NHTSA 09V077000 March 10, 2009

Mitsubishi is recalling 39,711 my 2008-2009 outlander and lacer vehicles

This may temporarily increase the stopping distance of the vehicle and therefore increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the brake booster check valve free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during april 2009. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.

Common questions

Is the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 46 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2009 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 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 7.6/10 — above the segment average; 3 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 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.

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/2009/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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