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Mitsubishi · Known Issues

2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems: 6 Known Issues

2021 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 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander has 6 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are Tailgate Gas Spring Cylinder Corrodes Internally and Can Rupture or Drop the Liftgate (Recalls 25V507 / 26V252) ($0-$400 repair) and PHEV Regenerative Brake System (RBS) Fault Drops the Car into Limp Mode Mid-Descent ($150-$3,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $5,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Outlander Body/Panels2
  • Outlander Brakes1
  • Outlander Electrical2
  • Outlander Suspension1
  • Recalls8
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Body/Panels2
  • Brakes1
  • Electrical2
  • Suspension1
  • Recalls8

All 6 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007

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 91,697 vehicles in 28 salt-belt states plus DC in 2025 (25V507 / SR-25-002), then expanded the campaign nationwide in April 2026 to 108,046 vehicles after finding corrosion outside the salt belt.

Common Symptoms

  • Liftgate slowly drifts down or will not stay open
  • Liftgate falls quickly when released
  • Hissing from the strut when opening the tailgate
  • Visible rust streaks or a swollen resin sleeve on the strut cylinder
  • Loud bang from the rear hatch area

How to Fix

Free recall repair: the dealer replaces both left and right tailgate gas springs with revised units whose steel cylinders carry an anti-corrosion coating. Do not substitute cheap aftermarket struts on a recall-eligible car — the recall part is the corrected design. Until it is done, prop the liftgate manually rather than trusting it, and re-check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls since the covered population was expanded.

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Typical repair cost:$0 - $400

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

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.

Common Symptoms

  • Water dripping from the headliner or overhead console
  • Soaked front or rear carpet after rain or a car wash
  • Brown water stains spreading on the headliner
  • Musty smell and fogged interior glass
  • Water in the footwell near electrical modules

How to Fix

Do not chase it with sealant around the glass — the glass is supposed to leak. Open the roof, pour a cup of water into each tray corner and see which corner backs up. Clear the blocked hose with low-pressure compressed air or a soft weed-trimmer line fed gently from the top (never a stiff wire — the hose nipples on the tray crack). Front hoses are reached by dropping the front inner fender liner; rear hoses by pulling the cargo-area side trim. Then dry the carpet and jute padding completely, or you get mould and corroded connectors. Cleaning the drains annually is the actual prevention.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $600

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

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 and the motor controllers. If any of those inputs disagrees — most commonly a failing rear wheel speed sensor, but also a dragging caliper that makes actual deceleration exceed what the system commanded — the RBS unit faults out. 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.

Common Symptoms

  • RBS warning light and brake system message
  • Vehicle drops into safe/limp mode with no acceleration
  • Warning appears on long downhill descents
  • ABS and stability control lights on simultaneously
  • Grabby or inconsistent brake pedal feel

How to Fix

Scan for stored chassis codes before replacing anything: an RBS complaint very often traces to one wheel speed sensor or a corroded tone ring rather than the RBS unit itself. Check for a sticking caliper on the same corner, and inspect the rear sensor harness where it flexes at the trailing arm. Replacing the offending wheel speed sensor clears the RBS fault in most reported cases. If codes point at the brake actuator or RBS ECU itself, that assembly is a dealer-level replacement and is expensive. Do not simply clear the code and drive — the fault repeats under the same conditions.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $3,000

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

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.

Common Symptoms

  • 'EV system service required' warning immediately after DC fast charging
  • CHAdeMO session aborts or never starts
  • Charging station shows 'failure to communicate with vehicle'
  • AC charging still works normally
  • Reduced EV range or turtle/limp mode

How to Fix

Read the code with a PHEV-capable tool — a generic OBD reader will not return P101C. Mitsubishi issued a service bulletin covering fast-charge abnormal-current detection, and in a number of cases a software update to the EV/charging control resolves the fault, so ask the dealer for the current calibration first. If the contactor is physically welded, the quick-charge contactor assembly has to be replaced by a high-voltage-qualified technician. Interim workaround owners use: charge on AC only and avoid the fast charger that triggered it.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $2,500

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2018-2026 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4L PHEV, the Outlander PHEV can experience accelerated battery capacity degradation and intermittent charging failures. The battery management system occasionally refuses to initiate charging or terminates sessions prematurely, particularly in extreme temperatures.

Common Symptoms

  • Electric range decreasing over time
  • Charging session failing to start
  • Battery temperature warning
  • Reduced EV mode availability in cold weather

How to Fix

Avoid frequent DC fast charging to preserve battery health. Keep the battery between 20-80% state of charge for daily use. Update the BMS software at the dealer. Have the 12V auxiliary battery tested, as a weak 12V battery can cause charging failures.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $5,000

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
Medium Confidence

On the 2014-2026 Mitsubishi Outlander, the Outlander develops front suspension clunking and knocking noises over bumps and rough roads. Worn front stabilizer bar end links and strut mount bearings are the primary culprits, with noise appearing as early as 30,000 miles.

Common Symptoms

  • Clunking over bumps
  • Knocking noise during turns
  • Rattling from front suspension
  • Noise worse on rough roads

How to Fix

Replace the front stabilizer bar end links and strut mounts. Inspect the lower control arm bushings while the suspension is apart. OEM replacement parts are recommended as some aftermarket components have fitment issues.

What you need to fix it

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

  • Moog front stabilizer-bar end link K750385
    OEMMoog K750385

    Confirmed loose/noisy front end-link branch for 2014-2020 Outlander Fitment/availability: The inspected direct page explicitly fits 2007-2020 Outlander and identifies front Moog K750385. Apply to the card's 2014-2020 years only after iso…

    PartsGeek
  • KYB front strut mount and bearing kit SM5988
    OEMKYB SM5988

    Confirmed front upper-strut mount/bearing noise branch for 2014-2020 Outlander Fitment/availability: The inspected direct page explicitly fits 2014-2020 Outlander and includes the front mount and bearing. Confirm the noisy side, strut/sp…

    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:$200 - $600

Research This Issue

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Community Reported
High Confidence
NHTSA Recalls8 recalls

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Outlander and 2026 Outlander PHEV vehicles. Due to improper software programming, the Alliance In-Vehicle Infotainment (A-IVI) system may fail to display the rearview camera image when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Campaign #26V54900025/08/2026

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Outlander and 2023-2025 Outlander PHEV vehicles. Due to a software error in the in-vehicle infotainment system (A-IVI), the rearview camera image may freeze, or not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Campaign #25V36900002/06/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Outlander and 2023 Outlander PHEV vehicles. Due to a software error in the in-vehicle infotainment system (A-IVI), the backup camera rearview image may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

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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 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Tailgate Gas Spring Cylinder Corrodes Internally and Can Rupture or Drop the Liftgate (Recalls 25V507 / 26V252), PHEV Regenerative Brake System (RBS) Fault Drops the Car into Limp Mode Mid-Descent, PHEV Quick-Charge (CHAdeMO) Contactor Welds Shut — DC Fast Charging Fails with P101C. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?

The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander has 6 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Tailgate Gas Spring Cylinder Corrodes Internally and Can Rupture or Drop the Liftgate (Recalls 25V507 / 26V252) and PHEV Regenerative Brake System (RBS) Fault Drops the Car into Limp Mode Mid-Descent. 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 $0 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Tailgate Gas Spring Cylinder Corrodes Internally and Can Rupture or Drop the Liftgate (Recalls 25V507 / 26V252), typically costs $0-$400 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2014-2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Tailgate Gas Spring Cylinder Corrodes Internally and Can Rupture or Drop the Liftgate (Recalls 25V507 / 26V252)?

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… Repairs typically run $0-$400. Severity: high.

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.

FAQ
Campaign #23V34500006/06/2023

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2022 Outlander vehicles. The commutator and wires inside the fuel pump may be fused incorrectly, potentially causing the fuel pump to fail.

Campaign #22V02700024/01/2022

SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2022 Outlander vehicles. The front and second-row passenger seat belt automatic locking retractors may deactivate early, which can prevent the child restraint system from securing properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Campaign #21V59600002/08/2021

+ 3 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2014-2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Regenerative Brake System (RBS) Fault Drops the Car into Limp Mode Mid-Descent?

The PHEV blends friction braking with motor regeneration through the RBS control unit, which cross-checks wheel speed sensors, the brake stroke sensor and the motor controllers. If any of those inputs disagrees — most commonly a failing rear wheel speed sensor, but also a draggin… Repairs typically run $150-$3,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2014-2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Quick-Charge (CHAdeMO) Contactor Welds Shut — DC Fast Charging Fails with P101C?

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 cont… Repairs typically run $150-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2018-2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Battery Degradation and Charging Issues?

The Outlander PHEV can experience accelerated battery capacity degradation and intermittent charging failures. The battery management system occasionally refuses to initiate charging or terminates sessions prematurely, particularly in extreme temperatures. Repairs typically run $0-$5,000. Severity: medium.

What is the 2014-2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Blocked Sunroof Drain Tubes Flood the Headliner, A-Pillar and Front Footwells?

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,… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2014-2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Front Suspension Clunking and Noise?

The Outlander develops front suspension clunking and knocking noises over bumps and rough roads. Worn front stabilizer bar end links and strut mount bearings are the primary culprits, with noise appearing as early as 30,000 miles. Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: low.