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Mitsubishi · Known Issues

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems: 4 Known Issues

2013 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander has 4 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical. The most serious are 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) and CVT Transmission Premature Failure ($3,000-$7,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $600 to $7,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Outlander Engine1
  • Outlander Suspension1
  • Outlander Transmission1
  • Outlander HVAC1
  • Recalls12
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Engine1
  • Suspension1
  • Transmission1
  • HVAC1
Recalls
12
  • FAQ
  • All 4 Known Issues

    Filter:
    ALL YEARS20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007

    On the 2007-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander 6B31 3.0L V6, 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. Worse, the design changed: early 2007-2009 engines used pistons with valve reliefs and are non-interference, so a snapped belt merely stranded the car, while later 6B31s are interference — a broken belt lets the pistons hit open valves and typically bends valves and damages guides. Mitsubishi enthusiast forum threads are full of owners discovering the belt only after it fails, and of 'belt or chain?' confusion threads. The 2.4L four-cylinder in the same body is chain-driven, which is exactly why the confusion persists.

    Common Symptoms

    • Engine cranks but will not start after a bang or rattle
    • Sudden loss of power while driving
    • Rattling or squealing from the front timing cover
    • Rough running with multiple misfires after a timing event
    • Crank/cam correlation fault stored

    How to Fix

    Verify what your engine has before assuming: if it is the 3.0L V6, it is a belt. Replace the timing belt, tensioner, idler pulleys and water pump as a kit at the specified interval (roughly 105k miles, or on age if the car is old and low-mileage — the belt degrades with time and heat cycles, not just miles). Get the previous owner's records; if there is no documented belt service and the car is near or past the interval, treat it as due. If a belt has already broken on a 2010-or-later V6, do a compression or leak-down test before spending money — bent valves usually mean cylinder head removal, and on a high-mileage car a used engine is often cheaper than the head repair.

    What you need to fix it

    Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

    • Gates PowerGrip 6B31 timing component kit with water pump TCKWP339
      OEMGates TCKWP339

      page explicitly fits 2007-2020 Outlander 3.0L V6 and lists belt, tensioner, hydraulic tensioner, idler, water pump, bracket, bushing, bolt, washer and metal gasket. Confirm VIN/en

      PartsGeek

    As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

    Typical repair cost:$700 - $5,000

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

    On the 2008-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander, 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 progresses, a front lower control arm can pull free of the cross member. NHTSA's stated consequence is blunt: a detached front control arm can cause loss of vehicle control and a crash. Coverage is registration-based rather than sales-based: an Outlander originally sold in, or at any point registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia or Wisconsin is included. The recall covers about 141,200 vehicles campaign-wide across every Mitsubishi model named in it.

    Common Symptoms

    • Sudden loss of control if a front lower control arm separates from the cross member
    • Heavy rust/corrosion visible on the front cross member under the front of the vehicle

    How to Fix

    This is a free dealer repair. Book the Outlander in under recall SR-20-003 and the dealer will inspect the front cross member; light corrosion is treated with a sealing/anti-corrosion agent, while heavier corrosion means the front cross member is replaced with a new one. Owner notification started August 7, 2020. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether the recall is still open on your vehicle, or contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820.

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    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

    On the 2007-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander, 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.

    Common Symptoms

    • Transmission shuddering during acceleration
    • Loss of power at highway speeds
    • Whining noise increasing with speed
    • CVT overheating warning

    How to Fix

    Change CVT fluid every 30,000 miles using Mitsubishi DiaQueen CVTF-J4. Avoid aggressive driving and towing near maximum capacity. If the CVT fails, replacement with a remanufactured unit is more cost-effective than rebuild.

    Typical repair cost:$3,000 - $7,000

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    High Confidence

    On the 2007-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander, 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.

    Common Symptoms

    • AC blowing warm air
    • Clicking or grinding from compressor
    • Intermittent cooling
    • Refrigerant leak detected

    How to Fix

    Replace the AC compressor, receiver/drier, and expansion valve as a complete system. Flush the AC lines to remove debris from the failed compressor. Use the correct PAG oil specification for the replacement unit.

    What you need to fix it

    Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

    • UAC short A/C compressor replacement kit CK5562
      OEMUAC CK 5562 (CO 29091C / EX 529498C / RD 11189C)

      Confirmed-compressor replacement branch for listed 2014-2020 Outlander 2.4L 4J12 applications Fitment/availability: The inspected direct page identifies the QS90 six-groove compressor, drier and expansion-device kit for listed 2014-2020 …

      PartsGeek

    As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

    Typical repair cost:$600 - $1,500

    Research This Issue

    GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
    Community Reported
    High Confidence
    NHTSA Recalls12 recalls

    SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Outlander and 2019 Outlander PHEV vehicles. The seat belt for the right side second-row seat may have been assembled incorrectly.

    Campaign #20V28000018/05/2020

    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.

    Campaign #25V50700007/08/2025

    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.

    Campaign #26V25200020/04/2026

    EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels. The Certification Label lists an incorrect rear wheel rim size. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

    Campaign #18V59100005/09/2018

    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.

    Campaign #20V40300013/07/2020

    + 7 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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    Other Mitsubishi Models

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the most common Mitsubishi Outlander problems?

    According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 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), CVT Transmission Premature Failure. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

    Is the Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?

    The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: 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. 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.

    How much does it cost to fix common Mitsubishi Outlander 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. The most critical issue, 6B31 3.0L V6 Uses a Timing BELT, Not a Chain — Missed Interval Destroys Later Interference Engines, typically costs $700-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

    What is the 2007-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander 6B31 3.0L V6 Uses a Timing BELT, Not a Chain — Missed Interval Destroys Later Interference Engines?

    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.

    What is the 2008-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Salt-Belt Front Cross Member Corrosion — Control Arm Detachment Recall (20V279)?

    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.

    What is the 2007-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander CVT Transmission Premature Failure?

    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.

    What is the 2007-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander AC Compressor Failure?

    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.

    Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.