2008 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
2008 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy
Visual coming soon
Your interest helps us choose what to build next.
Visual Known Issues · Coming soon
$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander has 6 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are Cracked Accessory Belt Tensioner Can Strand the Outlander (Recall 18V069), 6B31 3.0L V6 Uses a Timing BELT, Not a Chain — Missed Interval Destroys Later Interference Engines ($700-$5,000 repair), Salt-Belt Front Cross Member Corrosion — Control Arm Detachment Recall (20V279), CVT Transmission Premature Failure ($3,000-$7,000 repair) and Engine Drive Belt Can Detach, Causing Battery Discharge and Stall (Recall 14V562000). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $600 to $7,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Outlander and 2018-2019 Outlander PHEV vehicles. The second-row center seat belt buckle may interfere with the right-side seat belt buckle when the seat backs are folded down. The interference may cause the right-side seat belt buckle cover to come off, making the buckle latch inoperable and unable to restrain an occupant.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system and 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross vehicles and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system and/or an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) system. The software for the Hydraulic Unit Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may be incorrect, possibly preventing the intervention of a safety system such as automatic emergency braking, Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), or the Brake Auto Hold (BAH) function when any of these systems are in use.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Outlander, 2015-2016 Lancer and Outlander Sport, and 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles. These vehicles may have defective relays that can result in an engine stall, reduced engine power or the engine overheating.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles sold and/or currently registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
+ 7 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Cracked Accessory Belt Tensioner Can Strand the Outlander (Recall 18V069), 6B31 3.0L V6 Uses a Timing BELT, Not a Chain — Missed Interval Destroys Later Interference Engines, Salt-Belt Front Cross Member Corrosion — Control Arm Detachment Recall (20V279). Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 5 issues are rated critical: Cracked Accessory Belt Tensioner Can Strand the Outlander (Recall 18V069) and 6B31 3.0L V6 Uses a Timing BELT, Not a Chain — Missed Interval Destroys Later Interference Engines and Salt-Belt Front Cross Member Corrosion — Control Arm Detachment Recall (20V279) and CVT Transmission Premature Failure and Engine Drive Belt Can Detach, Causing Battery Discharge and Stall (Recall 14V562000). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Mitsubishi Outlander issues range from $600 to $7,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
On 2008-2012 Outlanders fitted with the 4B11 or 4B12 four-cylinder engine, the flange of the automatic drive belt tensioner may crack. A cracked flange lets the accessory drive belt detach from the engine. For the driver, the sequence is what matters: with the belt off, the batte… Severity: high.
A recurring and expensive owner mistake on V6 Outlanders: buyers and even some independent shops assume a modern V6 has a timing chain, so the belt never gets changed. The 6B31 3.0L V6 fitted to the Outlander runs a rubber timing belt with a service interval around 105,000 miles. Repairs typically run $700-$5,000. Severity: high.
If your 2008-2013 Outlander has ever lived in a road-salt state, it is part of Mitsubishi recall 20V279000 (Mitsubishi campaign SR-20-003). Salt water exposure corrodes the front cross member — the structural crossbeam the front lower control arms bolt into. As that corrosion pro… Severity: high.
The Jatco CVT in the Outlander is prone to premature failure, particularly under heavy loads and in hot climates. The CVT belt and pulleys wear prematurely, leading to slipping, shuddering, and eventual complete transmission failure, often between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. Repairs typically run $3,000-$7,000. Severity: high.
If your 2008-2011 Outlander has a 4B1-series engine, it is part of Mitsubishi recall 14V562000. On these engines a single belt-and-pulley arrangement turns the alternator, the cooling fan and — on vehicles so equipped — the power steering pump. Mitsubishi found the pulleys can we… Severity: high.
The AC compressor in the Outlander is prone to premature failure, with the internal clutch bearing seizing or the compressor developing internal leaks. Failure typically occurs between 60,000 and 90,000 miles, leaving the vehicle without air conditioning. Repairs typically run $600-$1,500. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
