2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems: 7 Known Issues

On the 2014-2016 Mitsubishi Outlander, mitsubishi recalled 2014-2016 Outlander models because water can get into the rear brake calipers. Once inside, the parking brake actuator shaft corrodes and can bind. On an Outlander with a bound actuator shaft, the parking brake may not engage or release fully — so a vehicle parked on a slope can roll away unexpectedly, which is why NHTSA treats this as a crash risk. The campaign (NHTSA ID 18V070000, Mitsubishi's own number SR-18-002) covers 170,354 vehicles in total across every model and year included in the recall.

On the 2014-2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, the PHEV blends friction braking with motor regeneration through the RBS control unit, which cross-checks wheel speed sensors, the brake stroke sensor, the motor controllers and the traction battery's ability to accept regenerated charge. In owner reports the fault most often appears during heavy regeneration and has traced to the traction battery (high cell-voltage codes such as P1A31, or a water-damaged pack replaced by the dealer); a failing wheel speed sensor or dragging caliper is also suggested. Owners on the PHEV forum describe the RBS warning appearing on a long descent, followed immediately by 'safe mode' with no acceleration available, sometimes accompanied by an 'EV system service required' message after running on the engine. The car still stops (friction brakes remain), but the sudden loss of drive on a grade or in traffic is the safety concern.

On the 2014-2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, the steel cylinder of each tailgate gas spring is protected only by a heat-shrink resin sleeve. Salt water works its way under the spring's dust cap, sits against the bare cylinder wall and corrodes it. Because the cylinder holds high-pressure gas, a corroded wall can either lose pressure — so the liftgate no longer holds itself up and falls on whoever is loading the cargo area — or rupture outright. Mitsubishi first recalled 121,529 vehicles sold or registered in 27 salt-belt states plus DC in 2025 (25V507 / SR-25-002), then in April 2026 extended the recall to the rest of the US with a second campaign (26V252 / SR-26-001) covering another 108,046 vehicles after finding corrosion outside the salt belt. The recalls cover 2014-2020 Outlanders and 2018-2022 Outlander PHEVs.

On the 2014-2021 Mitsubishi Outlander, the panoramic/power sunroof tray is not sealed — it is designed to catch water and route it out through four drain hoses, two down the A-pillars and two down the rear quarter panels. The front hoses exit behind the front inner fender liners, where road spray packs them with grit, and the tray corners collect pollen and tree debris. Once a hose blocks, the tray overflows at the corner and the water goes where it wants: down the A-pillar trim onto the front carpet, out through the headliner leaving brown stains, or into the B-pillar. Owners frequently discover it after a touch-free car wash or the first heavy rain. Because the water lands on floor-mounted electrical connectors and modules, a neglected drain turns into a much larger electrical bill.

On the 2014-2019 Mitsubishi Outlander, recall 20V403000 (SR-20-004) covers certain 2014–2019 Outlanders and 2018–2019 Outlander PHEVs. If the owner's manual folding sequence is not followed, the center buckle can contact the right-side buckle when the seat backs are folded. The right-side buckle cover may come off, preventing engagement with the belt tongue and reducing occupant restraint in a crash.

On the 2014-2021 Mitsubishi Outlander, the PHEV isolates its CHAdeMO fast-charge port from the traction pack with quick-charge contactors. An abnormal-current event during a DC fast charge session — a station that drops or spikes current, or a handshake that aborts mid-session — can weld the negative quick-charge contactor closed. Once welded, the EV-ECU can no longer prove the fast-charge circuit is isolated, so it sets P101C and throws 'EV system service required'; owners on the PHEV forum report the fault appearing immediately after a fast charge, sometimes with the charging station itself reporting 'failure to communicate with vehicle'. AC (Type 1/Type 2) charging often still works, which is what makes people mis-blame the charge point rather than the car.

On the 2014-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander, water containing anti-icing agents may splash onto the exhaust manifold heat protector and corrode it, which can create a rattling noise. Applies to: third-generation Outlander (model code GF0W, 2014-2020 in the US), including the 2018 Outlander PHEV.