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2008 Mitsubishi Outlander problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander is suspension, typically around 138,000 miles. Its complaint count is close to a typical Outlander model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
65/100
Owner complaints
58
Recalls
12
Service bulletins
104
Worst area
Suspension
Fuel economy
20-22mpg

The worst 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander problems

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

  • Suspension
    10
  • Engine
    9
  • Transmission
    9
  • Visibility
    9
  • Lights
    8

Problems by type

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

  • Suspension
    10
  • Engine
    9
  • Transmission
    9
  • Visibility
    9
  • Lights
    8
  • Electrical
    7
  • Body
    5
  • Brakes
    5
  • Acceleration
    3
  • Steering
    3
  • Airbags
    2
  • Seats
    1
  • Tires
    1

Recalls 12

Structure: frame and membersReported May 18, 2020 · 141,200 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever 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, and Wisconsin. 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 a loss of vehicle control, 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. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1‑888‑648‑7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.

Recall number 20V279000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleysReported January 26, 2018 · 141,053 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive belt to detach.
Risk
If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1‑888‑648‑7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-001.

Recall number 18V069000 · Recall details

Visibility: sun/moon roof assemblyReported January 26, 2018 · 56,641 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Outlander, 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Evolution, and 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles equipped with sunroofs. The sunroof glass may detach from the sunroof assembly, becoming a road hazard to other vehicles.
Risk
If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1‑888‑648‑7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-003.

Recall number 18V071000 · Recall details

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motorReported July 20, 2017 · 100,082 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles. In the affected vehicles, water may drop between the hood and the windshield and leak into the wiper motor breathing hole. The water may cause internal corrosion of the windshield wiper motor and the possible failure of the motor.
Risk
Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1‑888‑648‑7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-003.

Recall number 17V461000 · Recall details

Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkagesReported October 31, 2016 · 100,082 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles manufactured September 8, 2006, to March 29, 2013. In the affected vehicles, water may enter between the hood and windshield and cause the front wiper link ball joint to corrode, possibly resulting in the wiper link separating and the wipers becoming inoperative.
Risk
Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rubber boot on the ball joint to prevent water intrusion. Additionally, they will inspect the wiper motor crank arm for excessive play, replacing it as necessary. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1‑888‑648‑7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-009.

Recall number 16V791000 · Recall details

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

Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleysReported September 12, 2014 · 165,923 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4B1 engines, have an engine pulley and belt arrangement for turning the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (if equipped). These pulleys may experience unusual wear and allow for belt detachment.
Risk
If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1‑888‑648‑7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-009.

Recall number 14V562000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported September 12, 2014 · 37,145 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Outlander vehicles manufactured December 15, 2006, to October 31, 2007, and April 16, 2008, to August 22, 2009. In the affected vehicles, the brake light switch may malfunction causing the brake lights to not illuminate during brake application.
Risk
Brake lights that are inoperative would not warn other drivers that the vehicle is stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch with a new one, free of charge. The recall began in mid-October 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1‑888‑648‑7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-010. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 08V‑680 and does not include any vehicles that were previously recalled.

Recall number 14V564000 · Recall details

Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connectionsReported June 25, 2014 · 203 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, Mitusbishi is recalling certain 2007-2012 Outlander vehicles that received replacement 6-speed automatic transmissions during servicing. The transmissions in these vehicles have insufficient clearance between the power steering pressure tube and the converter housing of the automatic transmission. As a result of the contact, the power steering pressure tube may develop a hole and leak power steering fluid.
Risk
A power steering fluid leak could result in a loss of steering assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pressure tube and return tube, free of charge. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1‑888‑648‑7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-006.

Recall number 14V366000 · Recall details

Service brakes, air: supply: check valveReported March 10, 2009 · 39,711 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mitsubishi is recalling 39,711 my 2008-2009 outlander and lacer vehicles. Incorrect material composition of the brake booster check valve may cause the check valve to stick closed when the engine is shut off. When the vehicle is re-started and put into motion, under certain driving conditions (very slow vehicle maneuvers), there may be insufficient initial braking assist.
Risk
This may temporarily increase the stopping distance of the vehicle and therefore increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the brake booster check valve free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during april 2009. Owners may contact mitsubishi at 1‑800‑222‑0037.

Recall number 09V077000 · Recall details

Exterior lighting: brake lights: switchReported December 19, 2008 · 21,493 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mitsubishi is recalling 21,493 my 2007-2008 outlander vehicles equipped with LED type stop lamps and distributed in the united states and puerto rico. The brake lamp switch may malfunction and cause the stop lamps to not illuminate during brake application.
Risk
The failure of the brake lamps to illuminate when the brakes are applied will not provide warning to following traffic and could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the stop lamp switch. The recall is expected to begin during february 2009. Owners may contact mitsubishi at 1‑800‑222‑0037.

Recall number 08V680000 · Recall details

SeatsReported February 28, 2008 · 5,400 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mitsubishi is recalling 5,400 my 2007-2008 outlander passenger vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of 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. For vehicles without an electric power seat, the floor harness connector for the power seat is placed directly on the floorboard underneath the carpeting (vehicles with power seats already have the harness elevated). If a vehicle occupant enters the vehicle with a sufficient amount of snow on their feet containing road salt, it is possible for the melted snow mixture to soak the carpet and allow the salt-water solution to come into contact with the unused power seat harness connector.
Risk
The connector terminal may corrode and allow current to flow, resulting in the gradual heating and melting of the connector and may result in a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will relocate the floor harness from beneath both the passenger and driver seats to above the carpet and away from the bottom of the floorboard to prevent contact with any future melt solution. The recall began on april 7, 2008. Owners may contact mitsubishi at 1‑800‑222‑0037.

Recall number 08V094000 · Recall details

See all 12 recalls for the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander 104

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

See all 104 bulletins for the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander

2008 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‑cylFWD202522
2.4L 4‑cyl4WD202522
3.0L 6‑cylFWD172520
3.0L 6‑cyl4WD172420

What 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 28, 2026 · Brakes, Steering · IN

My abs light and traction light on

Filed Oct 9, 2024 · Brakes · MA

Rusted suspension crossbody unsafe to drive. The brakes and calibers seem to always seize as well making this vehicle a death trap no matter how many times I get it fixed.

Filed Jun 10, 2021 · Suspension · 138,000 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, she heard an abnormal coming from the rear of the vehicle. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to her residence. The contact took the vehicle to independent mechanic and was informed that the rear driver’s side sub-frame cross member was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

Filed Apr 29, 2021 · Suspension · 134,000 miles · FL

Mitsubishi has a limited recall for rusted crossmembers on 2008+ outlander sports from certain states that used salt to treat snow. My daughter's 2008 outlander has always been registered in satellite beach, fl, a very salty atmosphere. The front wheels wobble on acceleration and rapid deceleration because the crossmember is severely rusted - caused by the beachside salty location. It's unsafe to drive as the suspension components may break loose at any time. The federal safety agency campaign no. 20v280000 should include salty, beachside locations like satellite beach. It is obviously a safety issue very similar to what the federal safety agency already acted on.

Filed Apr 19, 2021 · Suspension, Transmission · 42,000 miles · NY

The car is a mitsubishi outlander e.s 2008 with 42000 miles on it ,and the transmission is not shifting. I contacted mitsubishi motors but since 10 years passed nothing could be done.I had been surfing internet and there are too many issues related to this type vehicles.

Filed Mar 12, 2021 · Tires · 150,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mitsubishi outlander equipped with general tires, tire line: grabber hts60, tire size: 215/70/r16, dot number: vybahmfe. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the tire loss half of the air pressure. The contact stated that the tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where no failure was diagnosed. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact to have the tires examined at the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Mar 9, 2021 · Suspension · 160,504 miles · WI

I received a recall notice from mitsubishi related to a cross member of the frame. There was a problem with the vehicle and I took it in for service and they discovered a corrosion issue which I had they service garage fix and I paid for the repair. Mitsubishi is denying the claim because they say that there was no deflection of the cross member. There was no deflection of the cross member because I had it repaired before mitsubishi's recall notice. I would like to be reimbursed for $358.51 the cost of the repair per the recall notice. The repair notice is and the repair invoice are attached.

Filed Nov 30, 2020 · Lights · 176,104 miles · VA

While braking, the driver side brake light is only working when the headlights are not turned on. I read up on mitsubishi recalling brake lights on outlanders and when I look up my VIN for a recall there is not one on there for that. This is an extreme issue. Last year we had it looked at, the whole light assembly replaced, the fuse replaced and yet nothing worked.

Filed Sep 9, 2020 · Suspension · 151,787 miles · IL

Cross member rusted through - unsafe to drive - had it fixed in march 2019 and mitsubishi will not reimburse me for the out of pocket costs before the recall was issued july 2020

Filed Jul 14, 2020 · Suspension · 148,500 miles · IL

While having exhaust work done on my 2008 mitsubishi outlander in march of 2020, it was discovered that the front crossmember is rusted completely through. This vehicle has the 2.4l 4-cylinder engine. There was apparently a recall involving v6 outlanders for this issue, but none for the 4-cylinder model for what appears to be exactly the same problem.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander before you buy

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Other model years

20032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020222023202420252026

Questions about the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander

Is the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?

Owners have filed 58 complaints about the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander, close to a typical Outlander model year.

What is the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander year score?

The 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander scores 65 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 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander?

Suspension, with 10 complaints, typically around 138,000 miles. Next is engine (9).

How many recalls does the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander have?

12 recalls, covering structure, engine and engine cooling and visibility.

Was there a recall on the 2008 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 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander get?

Official estimates for the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander range from 20 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 20 city and 25 highway.

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