This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers informing them of updates to the Stoplight Switch Check section, in the Service Brakes portion of the affected Service Manuals.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Mitsubishi Outlander lighting problems
severe 5 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $250 · see lighting across all vehicles →
Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$250
1crash
What stands out
Among the 7 model years of Mitsubishi Outlander in our records for lighting problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
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.
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 ↗This Technical Information Notice supersedes TIN-20-54-001, issued May, 2020, to clarify when voltage measurements should be obtained.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Technical Information Notice was sent to dealers requesting assitance measuring voltage from the 12V battery terminals and again at the low beam halogen headlight bulbs for repair validation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin updates the Circuit Diagrams section of the affected Service Manuals for the following areas: Taillight, Position Light, Rear Side Marker Light, License Plate Light, Light Monitor/Light Reminder Tone Alarm, Glove Box Light, Floor Console Box Light and Heated Seat.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
2018 Mitishichi Headlights, left, then right stop working. Dealer replaced first one within 6 months. So far I have replaced one or the other 4 or 5 Times. I did complain to NHTSA . These lights have been out more than they have worked. Google indicates a large number of these issues but no recall from NHTSA.
'takata recall' I got into a three collision accident on a city highway. When I was braking to avoid the accident it kept on moving like it ways delayed. I believe that the accident could of been preventable if my brakes was aware that my feet was on it. It's like the car was doing it's own thing. There could be more things unknown going on with the car. I just brought this car 2 months ago.
Had lighting trouble with your 2018 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 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander?
It's a meaningful issue. 5 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $250.
At what mileage does the lighting typically fail?
Based on the 5 complaints filed, lighting issues most often appear around 32,167 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?
No active recalls currently cover lighting 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/2018/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.