At the shop, Mitsubishi engine issues have a recognizable signature. 190 documented complaints across 22 year-model entries from 2005 to 2023 is consistent with what we see come in. Complaint volume is spread across the lineup rather than parked on one bad year. That's the signature of a platform or supplier issue, not a single-year flub. 1 crash report on file. Not a high count, but the failure mode has put owners in the position to file. Repair exposure averages $3,100, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Budget for a real pre-purchase inspection — compression and leakdown test, not just a code scan. Both are cheap and tell you what is left in the engine.
ProblemsByVin MITSUBISHI / ENGINE
22 model-year entries · 2005–2023
Mitsubishi engine problems
190 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Mitsubishi vehicles for engine issues. 1 active recall campaign. See engine across all makes →
Complaints
190
Recalls
1
Year-models
22
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
4fires
Worst-affected Mitsubishi model-years for engine Top 22 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
2011 Mitsubishi Outlander
22 complaints · 1 recall · ~$3,100 moderate
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
22 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
21 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2010 Mitsubishi Outlander
18 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer
15 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2015 Mitsubishi Outlander
12 complaints · ~$3,100 severe
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
12 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
7 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
6 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2011 Mitsubishi Lancer
6 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
6 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
5 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
5 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2022 Mitsubishi Outlander
4 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
4 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander
4 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2007 Mitsubishi Galant
4 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2006 Mitsubishi Raider
4 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2005 Mitsubishi Endeavor
4 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander
3 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander
3 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse
3 complaints · ~$3,100 moderate
Active recalls — Mitsubishi engine 4 on file
On certain passenger vehicles, the turbo charger coolant hose was incorrectly manufactured, and may allow coolant leakage
If a leak occurs, during vehicle operation when the manifold is hot, coolant may ignite and cause a vehicle fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the turbo charger coolant hose free of charge. The recall began on august 15, 2005. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 888-648-7820.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc
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.
Mitsubishi is recalling certain model year 2010 galant vehicles
Atf in the presence of an ignition source may result in a potential fire hazard.
Fix: Dealers will have the aft oil cooler pipe assembly inspected. If insufficient plating is found during inspection, the dealer will replace the aft oil cooler pipe assembly with new parts containing appropriate anti-corrosion plating. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during march 2010. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc
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.
Common questions
How many Mitsubishi engine complaints are on file with NHTSA?
190 complaints across 22 model-year entries from 2005 to 2023. 1 active recall campaigns cover engine issues across the Mitsubishi lineup.
Which Mitsubishi model has the most engine complaints?
The 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander leads with 22 complaints in this category. Next: 2010 Lancer (22) and 2009 Lancer (21).
What does it cost to fix Mitsubishi engine problems?
Independent shops average $3,100 for engine repairs across the Mitsubishi lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Mitsubishi engine recalls?
Yes — 4 active recall campaigns cover engine on Mitsubishi vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Shop Foreman, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Mitsubishi.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.