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.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Mitsubishi Outlander engine problems
severe 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 12 engine complaints filed for the 2015 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
Among the 10 model years of Mitsubishi Outlander in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 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 Service Bulletin contains technical information and troubleshooting for the accessory Remote Engine Start system for affected vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Technical Service Bulletin was sent informing dealers a rattle noise may be heard from the Heat Protector of the Exhaust Manifold and instructs dealers to replace the Heat Protector Assembly with a new part.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This TSB instructs dealers how to install a new radiator and add an EPDM sponge which covers the exposed radiator core.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This TSB updates the Fuel section of the affected Service Manuals, to correct the DTC P2101: Throttle Actuator Control Motor Magneto Malfunction diagnosis procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a pattern of serious engine failures on 2015 Outlanders. Several experienced sudden, catastrophic engine seizure or stalling without warning—one at 110,000 miles with a hole developing in the block, another at 35,000 miles with excessive oil burning and smoke, and a third at 140,000 miles with low compression requiring full engine replacement. One owner's engine failed on a dark highway Christmas Eve; the dealer found no explanation but offered no diagnosis of root cause.
Compression-related failures appear repeatedly. An owner at 79,300 miles had violent engine shaking; the mechanic performed a compression test showing cylinder one critically low. Another owner's Service Engine light flashed rapidly, the dealer diagnosed a bad compressor, and quoted over $5,000 for a rebuild.
Hesitation and jerking plague many vehicles. A new owner with under 100 miles experienced violent jerking at 15–20 mph from day one—the dealer attributed it to the CVT transmission but couldn't fix it. Owners report hesitation starting from traffic lights or slow turns, where the engine seems to lose power then jerk abruptly. One owner's power loss persists even after the manufacturer's recall service.
A timing code (P0017) affected one vehicle; despite multiple dealer repair attempts and Mitsubishi's initial warranty approval, the manufacturer later refused coverage. Hard starting and strong fuel smell at startup were reported but dismissed by a dealer as normal. One owner experienced an overheat message and stalling at highway speed. None of these issues have manufacturer-supplied fixes documented in these complaints.
Failure modes owners describe
Camshaft/crankshaft timing code (P0017)
Persistent or intermittent P0017 diagnostic trouble code indicating timing mismatch between camshaft and crankshaft position sensors.
When: February 2017, vehicle age ~2 years
Symptoms owners cite: P0017 code displayed; code persisted despite multiple repair attempts
Codes mentioned: P0017
Repairs/costs cited: Mitsubishi tech line and dealer recommended warranty repair; parts were special-ordered but manufacturer later refused coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Initial warranty coverage promised by dealer service manager, then withdrawn by Mitsubishi on April 26, 2017. Federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act breach alleged.
Sudden engine failure with catastrophic damage
Engine developed a hole, seized, and failed without warning during highway driving. Owner reported good maintenance history. Unconfirmed speculation of third-piston defect.
When: ~110,000 miles, vehicle age ~3 years
Symptoms owners cite: sudden knock heard while driving; vehicle shuddered and died; oil leaking from engine; hole discovered in engine block
Repairs/costs cited: Healey Bros Mitsubishi confirmed hole in engine, full engine replacement required. No explanation given for sudden failure.
Jerking and shuddering at low speeds (15–20 mph)
New vehicle exhibited jerking and shuddering behavior at low speeds immediately after purchase. Dealer attributed it to CVT transmission indecision at slow speeds.
When: Less than 100 miles, within days of August 14, 2015 purchase
Symptoms owners cite: jerking and shuddering at 15–20 mph; issue worsens in school zones where speed cannot increase
Repairs/costs cited: None documented. Dealer suggested accelerating to stop the behavior, which is unsafe in low-speed zones.
Violent engine shaking with low cylinder compression
Engine shook violently, causing entire vehicle to shake. Cylinder one diagnosed with extremely low compression at 79,300 miles. Multiple fuel injector replacements failed to resolve the underlying compression issue.
When: 79,300 miles
Symptoms owners cite: violent engine shake; whole vehicle shaking; poor idle quality
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic replaced fuel injectors in all cylinders, performed compression test showing cylinder one far below spec. Motor replacement needed but not performed.
Hard starting and fuel smell at startup
Vehicle cranks slowly and refuses to start on first attempt; owner must wait and retry. Strong gasoline odor during startup. Dealer inspection found no fault.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: slow or barely turning over on first start attempt; strong gasoline fumes at startup; requires restart after waiting 1–2 minutes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership inspected and claimed nothing wrong; issues remain unresolved.
Transmission overheat, hesitation, and stalling at highway speed
Vehicle displayed transmission overheat warning at 55 mph, owner pulled over, then vehicle hesitated and stalled when attempting to resume driving. Engine also revved unexpectedly while idling.
When: 95,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: transmission overheat message displayed; hesitation on restart; unintended engine rev-up while idling; stalling after pulling over
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealer; diagnosis status unknown.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified but provided no additional assistance.
Service engine light with rapid flashing and loss of power
Service Engine Soon light began flashing rapidly without prior warning. Vehicle lost power and would barely move. Dealer diagnosed faulty engine compressor requiring full engine rebuild.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Service Engine Soon light flashing rapidly; sudden loss of engine power; engine would barely run
Repairs/costs cited: Engine compressor failure; dealer quoted over $5,000 for rebuilt engine. Owner abandoned vehicle and bought a new car.
Smoke and unexpected stalling with premature oil consumption
Engine stalled without warning, with smoke observed. Vehicle experienced multiple stalling incidents. Excessive oil consumption was identified as root cause. Engine replacement diagnosed at 35,000 miles.
When: 35,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: smoke coming from engine; unintended stalling without warning; multiple stalling incidents over time; premature oil consumption
Repairs/costs cited: Jeff D'Ambrosio Mitsubishi diagnosed engine replacement needed due to oil-burning condition. Vehicle was not repaired.
Engine hesitation during low-speed maneuvers
Hesitation and jerking from a dead stop at traffic lights and during slow turns. Motor refuses to move smoothly, then jerks into motion abruptly.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: hesitation starting from traffic light; motor would not move then jerked into gear; hesitation during slow-speed turns
Repairs/costs cited: Owner planned to take vehicle in for diagnosis but is concerned given frequency of similar complaints.
Independent deceleration at highway speed with low cylinder compression
Vehicle autonomously decelerated while driving at 75 mph. Check engine light illuminated. Independent mechanic identified low cylinder compression as cause requiring engine replacement.
When: 140,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle decelerated on its own at highway speed; check engine light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed low compression in one cylinder, engine replacement required. Vehicle was not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified of failure.
Power loss and hesitation persisting after recall
Even after recall service, vehicle continues to lose power, hesitates on acceleration from stops and highway merges. Owner reports unsafe acceleration characteristics and fear of serious accident.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: power loss after recall completion; hesitation taking off from traffic lights; slow takeoff entering freeway; acceleration hesitation
Repairs/costs cited: Recall performed but issue unresolved. Owner also notes unrelated fuel gauge malfunction with false readings.
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I received a letter explaining there is a deficiency which can shut down my motor while in use, and to visit a dealer to have it fixed. Spoke with reps by phone and was told it must be done at a dealer - no exceptions. I am medically restricted in my activities, I advised them. No exceptions. Closest dealer to my home (edwards, ms) is in alexandria, louisiana, I'm sorry to say I learned, and I…
My vehicle is still losing power even after the recall problem still exist hesitate when I take off also upon entering the freeway very slow take off and from red lights im afraid of a seroius accident also my gas gauge is not working false readings please please help
Had engine trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander?
It's a meaningful issue. 12 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 12 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 70,903 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/2015/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.