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2004 Mitsubishi Outlander problems

The most common problem on the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander is suspension, typically around 96,484 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Outlander model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
70/100
Owner complaints
52
Recalls
4
Service bulletins
56
Worst area
Suspension
Fuel economy
20-21mpg

The worst 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Suspension
    20
  • Body
    8
  • Engine
    8
  • Airbags
    7
  • Lights
    6
  • Steering
    5
  • Fuel system
    3
  • Transmission
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Brakes
    2
  • Electrical
    2
  • Seat belts
    2
  • Visibility
    2
  • Tires
    1

Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander

Ball joint 9No deployment 5Headlights 5

Recalls 4

Suspension: front: control arm: lower armReported June 23, 2016 · 194,674 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
Risk
A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1‑888‑648‑7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.

Recall number 16V458000 · Recall details

Equipment: other: labelsReported September 1, 2004 · 100,432 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, 'occupant crash protection.' the bilingual english/spanish removable air bag warning labels affixed to the dash and to the sunvisor do not meet the size requirements of the standard.
Risk
This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
Remedy
Mitsubishi caribbean will mail a customer notification letter containing a written description and a graphic of the bi-lingual dashboard air bag warning label. In addition, all current 2000-2004 nativa owners will also receive replacement air bag alert labels for the sun visors. This recall is expected to begin during march or april 2005. The notification to the nativa owners is expected to begin during april or may 2005. Owners should contact mitsubishi caribbean at 1‑787‑251‑8715.

Recall number 04V428000 · Recall details

Trailer hitchesReported April 26, 2004 · 2,175 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Certain sport utility vehicles may have been equipped with dealer-installed trailer hitch wiring harness and control module. The electronic control module can overheat.
Risk
Overheating of the trailer hitch wiring harness module could result in a fire.
Remedy
Owners are being requested to stop using the harness until a newly designed replacement is provided and can be installed by the dealer. The recall began on may 28, 2004. Owners should contact mitsubishi at 1‑888‑648‑7820.

Recall number 04V197000 · Recall details

Visibility: windshield wiper/washerReported November 3, 2003 · 394 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles located in the caribbean, due to a software programming error in the electronic timing and control system (etacs), while using the intermittent wiper mode, the intermittent wiper sweep time interval may increase as much as 6.8 second between wiper sweeps.
Risk
If this occurs during severe weather and during vehicle's high-speed operation, the driver visibility would be reduced, which could lead to a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the etacs module. Owner notification began november 14, 2003. Owners should contact mitsubishi caribbean at 1‑800‑981‑0452.

Recall number 03V429000 · Recall details

See all 4 recalls for the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander

Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander 56

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 56 bulletins for the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander

2004 Mitsubishi Outlander fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
2.4L 4‑cylFWD192421
2.4L 4‑cyl4WD182320

What 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 25, 2022 · Suspension · 180,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, the front subframe detached. The contact stated that the driver’s side front wheel was pointing outwards. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V458000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Oct 5, 2021 · Suspension · OH

The entire undercarriage is rusted out, it was taken to Ricart near columbus ohio where they simply sprayed an anti rust coating over the existing rust. There is now rusted holes and the vehicle has spun out driving in straight due to control arm issues and whatever else. The vehicle is not believed to be road safe and needs to be addressed.

Filed Oct 29, 2020 · Steering, Suspension · 141,000 miles · IA

The front control arm where it bolts to the k frame rusted away completly resulting in the front drivers tire to come off. Was in a get in go parking lot turning when this happened luckly no one was hurt.

Filed Feb 24, 2020 · Suspension · 135,000 miles · PA

Rear subframe rusted through while moving slowly in driveway causing the driver's side rear wheel to misalign, making the car unable to move. Car was towed to repair shop where rear subframe was replaced.

Filed Nov 23, 2018 · Body · 147,087 miles · IA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mitsubishi outlander. The contact stated that the vehicle's subframe fractured due to rust. The vehicle was taken to des moines mitsubishi (4475 merle hay rd, des moines, ia 50310, (515) 270-8100) for an unknown recall repair that involved either replacing the subframe or applying an anti-corrosion fluid. The contact stated that the subframe was already rusted when the anti-corrosion fluid was applied. The manufacturer was contacted and provided a case number. The district manager was to call the contact back. The manufacturer removed the original recall from the contact's VIN after the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 147,087.

Filed Apr 3, 2018 · Body, Suspension · OH

2004 mitsubishi outlander. Consumer writes in regards to corrosion recall notice instruction issues - dealership applied corrosion spray to front cross member and lower control arm before consulting consumer. *smd

Filed Nov 9, 2017 · Body, Suspension · 170,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mitsubishi outlander. While driving 25-30 MPH, there was an abnormal noise coming from the rear driver's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear suspension was fractured and that the driver's side rear wheel separated from the vehicle. The contact stated that the fracture was due to severe rust. The contact was informed that the subframe showed severe and extreme rust. Walpole mitsubishi (575 boston providence hwy, east walpole, ma 02032, (508) 660-7000) was contacted about the failure on the vehicle. The contact was informed that there was no recall on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

Filed Oct 20, 2017 · Body · 169,214 miles · OH

I received a safety recall regarding the front cross body regarding rust and corrosion. My front cross body failed with total rust through. Mechanic showed me that the rear cross body is also affected and has a rust through hole the size of my fist. Mitsubishi has refused to cover the rear. This is a true safety hazard and needs to be covered by mitsubishi.

Filed May 19, 2017 · Airbags · 280,000 miles · CA · crash

Tl* the contact owned a 2004 mitsubishi outlander. While driving approximately 50 MPH through a roundabout, the driver lost control of the steering wheel. The front passenger pulled the middle emergency brake to stop the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle flipped over four times and landed on its roof. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver and passengers were uninjured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a tow lot. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 280,000.

Filed May 1, 2017 · Engine, Suspension · OH

2004 mitsubishi outlander. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle driver side lower control arm / engine cradle malfunction. Consumer seeks reimbursement for lower control arm corrosion recall notice repairs. *smd the consumer stated the on november 20, 2015 the lower control arm on the driver's side of the vehicle broke away from the engine cradle. The driver's side tire snapped back into the wheel well. The consumer contacted the manufacturer for reimbursement but, the manufacturer had not responded. Updated 05/1/2017

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander before you buy

Compare the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander

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Other model years

20032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020222023202420252026

Questions about the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander

Is the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?

Owners have filed 52 complaints about the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander, close to a typical Outlander model year.

What is the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander year score?

The 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander scores 70 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mitsubishi Outlander: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander?

Suspension, with 20 complaints, typically around 96,484 miles. Next is body (8).

How many recalls does the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander have?

4 recalls, covering suspension, equipment and trailer hitches.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander suspension?

Yes, 1 recall: 16V458000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Mitsubishi Outlander have bad suspension?

The Mitsubishi Outlander model years with the most suspension complaints are 2007 (58 complaints), 2003 (28 complaints) and 2004 (20 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander get?

Official estimates for the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander range from 20 to 21 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 19 city and 24 highway.

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