Of the 22 engine complaints filed for the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander,
here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
0 (0%)
25-50k
0 (0%)
50-75k
1 (100%)
75-100k
0 (0%)
100-125k
0 (0%)
125-150k
0 (0%)
150k+
0 (0%)
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
Of the 10 model years of Mitsubishi Outlander we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 22.
Engine accounts for 25% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 8 categories tracked.
If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-009.
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.
Service BulletinTSB-24-11-002Jun 2024
Service Manual Revision - This Technical Service Bulletin provides additions to the description of special tools used for removal of the drive belt within the Engine Mechanical (3.0L Engine) section of the applicable Service Manuals.
This is a Technical Information Notice informing dealers and parts managers about possible causes after a customer complains that the engine will not start while using the remote start system.
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)
This Technical Information Notice provides additional instructions to dealers when replacing the Valve Cover Gasket due to a customer concern of oil leaking.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report catastrophic engine failures in the 2011 Outlander that render vehicles completely inoperable with little or no warning. Several describe connecting rod breakage punching through the block, engine seizure, and loss of power while driving—hazards that could have caused traffic accidents. One owner at 112,846 miles found no replacement engines available anywhere in the country because Mitsubishi discontinued the model in 2013 but didn't issue a safety recall until 2018, five years later. Another experienced timing belt failure at just 60,489 miles while the vehicle sat parked—unusual since belts typically fail in use. Owners also report recurring check engine lights, acceleration limiting below 55 mph, and stalling with no warning, sometimes requiring the mechanic to replace oil feeders multiple times without fixing the problem.
Multiple owners received recall notices for Campaign 14V562000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) but dealers had no parts available for months or couldn't give a timeline for parts arrival. One owner waited 1.5 months and counting to have a safety-critical drive belt replaced per recall instructions. This parts shortage left vehicles with known safety defects on the road longer than necessary, creating ongoing risk to occupants and other drivers.
Same Mitsubishi Outlander engine reports on nearby years: 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Catastrophic Internal Engine Failure (Connecting Rod Failure)
Connecting rod broke and punctured the engine block, causing sudden loss of power and complete engine failure without warning. Owners report the failure is consistent with severe overheating and internal mechanical breakdown.
When: At various mileages; one case occurred the day of purchase. One case at 112,846 miles after 7 years of ownership. One case at 60,489 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power while driving; Engine seized or became inoperable; No warning lights prior to failure; In some cases, vehicle stalled and would not restart
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required ($10,000+ reported); new engines unavailable in some cases due to model discontinuation. Some owners stranded with loan debt on worthless vehicles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall SR-18-001 issued in 2018 for Drive Belt Auto Tensioner (Campaign 18V069) - addresses drive belt detachment that disables water pump and causes rapid overheating. Mitsubishi discontinued this Outlander model in 2013 but did not issue recall until 2018. Related recall Campaign 14V562000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) - replacement parts were frequently unavailable, delaying repairs for months.
Timing Belt/Compression Loss
Timing belt failure or severe compression loss in cylinders, rendering engine unable to run properly. One owner reported timing belt failure at only 60,489 miles while vehicle was parked, unusual for belt failure timing.
When: 60,489 miles; owner reported failure unusual as timing belts typically fail while driving, not while parked
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalled after sitting for one week; Very low compression readings across cylinders (highest reading 41 out of four cylinders); Engine would not start reliably
Repairs/costs cited: Owner was 489 miles over manufacturer warranty. Owner had already had drive belt replaced due to recall.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under NHTSA Campaign 14V562000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) for some owners, though parts availability was a problem.
Check Engine Light with Acceleration Limiting
Check engine warning light illuminated multiple times while driving, causing vehicle to limit acceleration to below 55 mph. Dealer unable to locate failure codes despite multiple visits.
When: Early in vehicle life at 600 miles; occurred several times through 1,300 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light illumination; Vehicle would not accelerate over 55 mph; Failure occurred multiple times
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer performed diagnostic but found no failure codes; no parts replaced.
Check Engine Light with Engine Oil Feeder Issue
Check engine warning light illuminated during highway driving. Both engine oil feeders were replaced at dealer, but failure persisted across six repair visits.
When: Around 9,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning indicator illuminated while driving at 70 mph; Light would turn off when engine was turned off; Repeated failure after parts replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Both engine oil feeders replaced at authorized dealer; repair unsuccessful after six visits.
Engine Stalling While Driving
Engine shutting off unexpectedly while in traffic and at red lights with no warning lights. Vehicle required shifting to park and restarting to operate again.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shutting off while driving in traffic; Engine shutting off while stopped at red light; No warning lights reported; Required manual restart by shifting to park and restarting
Stalling with Multiple Warning Lights (Control Arm/Serpentine Belt Issue)
Vehicle stalled while driving at 25–30 mph with no prior warning lights. Upon inspection by independent mechanic, multiple warning lights illuminated (check engine, 4-WD, ABS, traction control, oil pressure). Mechanic identified failures in control arm, engine cradle, oil seal, tie rod, starter, and serpentine belt.
When: 133,025 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalled while driving 25–30 mph; No warning lights illuminated prior to stall; Check engine, 4-WD, ABS, traction control, and oil pressure lights illuminated after stall; Loud noise from vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple component failures identified by independent mechanic: control arm, engine cradle, oil seal, tie rod, starter, and serpentine belt.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer contacted but vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Manufacturer was contacted.
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting
8 most recent
engine
· filed 12/30/2014
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi outlander. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v562000 (engine and engine cooling) and stated that the part was not available. The dealer did not give a specific date for when the part would become available. The manufacturer was notified of the delay. The contact had not experienced a failure. Updated 2/10/15*cn updated…
engine
· filed 12/30/2014
I have been waiting for 1.5 months and counting for a local Mitsubishi dealer to replace my drive belt per instructions in the "important safety recall" notice. I have called every local dealer with the promise of returning my call when they receive the parts. I would like to know what vehicle manufacturers and the NHTSA consider to be "prompt" considering these are safety risks that put myself,…
engine · 60,489 mi
· filed 12/08/2014
I went on vacation for seven days and when I returned I started the vehicle to make sure it would and it started just fine. The next morning as I was getting ready to leave for work, the vehicle stalled. I contacted roadside assistance and it was not the battery. I then towed the vehicle to a mechanic to have it looked at. They stated the engine may be done for because the compression levels were…
engine
· filed 11/17/2014
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi outlander. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14v562000 (engine). However, the part needed to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
engine
· filed 11/13/2014
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi outlander sport. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v562000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact stated that the part needed to remedy the vehicle was unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
engine
· filed 11/04/2014
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi outlander sport. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14v562000 (engine). The contact stated that the part needed to remedy the vehicle was unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experience a failure.
engine
· filed 11/03/2014
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi outlander. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA campaign number: 14v562000 (engine). The contact stated that the part needed to remedy the vehicle was unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
engine
· filed 11/03/2014
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi outlander. The contact received NHTSA campaign number: 14v562000 (engine) however the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact did not experience a failure.
Had engine trouble with your 2011 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 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 22 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 22 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 81,879 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?
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover engine 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.
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/2011/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.