Mitsubishi Outlander Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Mitsubishi Outlander model year (2003–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, deaths, and injuries. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Mitsubishi Outlander Years to Avoid
4 recalls · 155 complaints
3 reported injuries
Top issue: STRUCTURE:BODY
Problem score: 173
5 recalls · 103 complaints
7 reported injuries
Top issue: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 132
3 recalls · 87 complaints
9 reported injuries
Top issue: SUSPENSION
Problem score: 114
Best Mitsubishi Outlander Years to Buy
1 recall · 4 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 7
0 recalls · 15 complaints
Main area: SUSPENSION
Problem score: 17
1 recall · 17 complaints
Main area: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Problem score: 20
Found the right year? Verify that specific Outlander with a free VIN report.
Mitsubishi Outlander — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Injuries | Deaths | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 4 | — | — | 7 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 1 | 17 | — | — | 20 | Good |
| 2024 | 0 | 25 | 6 | — | 37 | Good |
| 2023 | 0 | 34 | 3 | — | 40 | Good |
| 2022 | 4 | 155 | 3 | — | 173 | Avoid |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 3 | 27 | 11 | — | 58 | Good |
| 2019 | 4 | 17 | 4 | — | 37 | Good |
| 2018 | 4 | 40 | 4 | — | 60 | Good |
| 2017 | 5 | 51 | 8 | — | 82 | Caution |
| 2016 | 5 | 103 | 7 | — | 132 | Avoid |
| 2015 | 4 | 46 | 2 | — | 62 | Caution |
| 2014 | 3 | 27 | 5 | — | 46 | Good |
| 2013 | 2 | 12 | 15 | — | 48 | Good |
| 2012 | 2 | 19 | — | — | 25 | Good |
| 2011 | 2 | 45 | — | — | 51 | Good |
| 2010 | 3 | 40 | 3 | — | 55 | Good |
| 2009 | 6 | 28 | 2 | — | 50 | Good |
| 2008 | 4 | 33 | — | — | 45 | Good |
| 2007 | 4 | 78 | 3 | — | 96 | Caution |
| 2006 | 0 | 15 | 1 | — | 17 | Excellent |
| 2005 | 0 | 15 | 4 | — | 23 | Good |
| 2004 | 3 | 40 | 4 | — | 57 | Good |
| 2003 | 3 | 87 | 9 | — | 114 | Avoid |
All 24 model years shown. Deaths and injuries from NHTSA complaint filings. Higher problem scores indicate more reported safety issues.
Mitsubishi Outlander Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2021Recent Outlander models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. The 2021 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2014Mid-decade Outlander units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2014 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Outlander models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Outlander should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander if possible. It has 4 recalls, 155 owner complaints. The overall problem score is 173 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Outlander to buy?+
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 7. It has only 1 recall and 4 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Outlander has the fewest problems?+
The 2026, 2006, 2025 model years have the fewest documented problems. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Mitsubishi Outlander Research
Check a Specific Mitsubishi Outlander VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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