At the shop, Mitsubishi lighting issues have a recognizable signature. 52 documented complaints across 9 year-model entries from 2006 to 2018 is consistent with what we see come in. 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander tops the list, but the pattern repeats across years. Multiple generations are affected. 2 crash reports on file. Not a high count, but the failure mode has put owners in the position to file. Repair cost runs around $250 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Check the headlight assemblies in daylight for moisture or hazing. Sealed-beam swaps are cheap; matrix LED replacements run four figures.
ProblemsByVin MITSUBISHI / LIGHTING
9 model-year entries · 2006–2018
Mitsubishi lighting problems
52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Mitsubishi vehicles for lighting issues. 2 active recall campaigns. See lighting across all makes →
Complaints
52
Recalls
2
Year-models
9
Avg fix
$250
2crashes
1injury
Worst-affected Mitsubishi model-years for lighting Top 9 by complaint volume
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
11 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer
9 complaints · ~$250 severe
2007 Mitsubishi Outlander
7 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander
5 complaints · ~$250 severe
2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
5 complaints · 1 recall · ~$250 moderate
2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
5 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
4 complaints · 1 recall · ~$250 moderate
2015 Mitsubishi Outlander
3 complaints · ~$250 moderate
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer
3 complaints · ~$250 moderate
Active recalls — Mitsubishi lighting 4 on file
Mitsubishi is recalling 21,493 my 2007-2008 outlander vehicles equipped with LED type stop lamps and distributed in the united states and puerto rico
The failure of the brake lamps to illuminate when the brakes are applied will not provide warning to following traffic and could result in a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch. The recall is expected to begin during february 2009. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc
Without the horizontal adjustment locking clip being secured, the headlight can be adjusted to either reduce the driver's visibility or blind oncoming vehicles. Both conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will secure the horizontal locking clips as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on September 3, 2016. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-008.
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.
Mitsubishi is recalling certain model year 2012 outlander sport vehicles, manufactured from november 9, 2011, through december 16, 2011
The turn signal may continue to signal an intended directional change after a point when the auto-cancel function, if operating properly, would have terminated the signal. A following or oncoming driver may receive inaccurate indications of the vehicle operator's intended maneuvers, thereby increasing the risk of a crash between vehicles due to improper vehicle signaling.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the turn signal lever and replace it with a new one free of charge. No vehicles have been retailed to customers with this potential condition, no recall bulletin or owner letters will be prepared. You may contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.
Common questions
How many Mitsubishi lighting complaints are on file with NHTSA?
52 complaints across 9 model-year entries from 2006 to 2018. 2 active recall campaigns cover lighting issues across the Mitsubishi lineup.
Which Mitsubishi model has the most lighting complaints?
The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander leads with 11 complaints in this category. Next: 2009 Lancer (9) and 2007 Outlander (7).
What does it cost to fix Mitsubishi lighting problems?
Independent shops average $250 for lighting 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 lighting recalls?
Yes — 4 active recall campaigns cover lighting 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.