I was driving home from work and I came upon a red light as I was slowing down the car started jilting as I went to take off I started jilting again but then smoothed out. The check engine light, ABS brake light and speed traction off light came on.They just all popped on. At the next light it did the same thing , it started to shutter and loss of power on taking off. It was sputtery at the same time which could have caused an accident! I finally make it home in about an hour later I had to run out to the store to get a couple things. I put it in reverse and it started to jitter again so I put it in park I checked all the fluids everything was fine Don't know why the lights were on. Again I put it in reverse Go to pull out of my driveway it starts to jitter. I put it in drive very slow getting up to movement. I slowed to stop at a light and it stalls out right in the middle of the intersection I try to start it back up , it does but now it just will not go anywhere!! there was no warning no loud bangs, pops, or squeals, no loud anything it just stopped. It will engage in each gear but refuses to go anywhere. it feels like it wants to go but it's just not going. This is very dangerous I could have gotten in a serious accident being in the middle of the intersection like that. this problem needs to be fixed upon looking on many forums and internet sites this seems to be a very common issue with the CVT or the 2009 or any outlander for that matter. My car was made in Japan I guess because the VIN starts with J I'm not sure of how to get any recalls from there or if that matters. I'm not sure the history on my vehicle neither or where it was registered last. I wish I knew when and where the repairs have been done for the recalls that my vehicle may have had. My car is doing exactly what the recalls were for; MMNS's number SR-15-002 in June 15th 2015 and also mmna's number SR-18-001 I did change both CVT filters and fluid also the oil and oil filter. Still nothing.
The worst 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Visibility8
- Engine7
- Lights5
- Suspension5
- Transmission5
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Visibility8
- Engine7
- Lights5
- Suspension5
- Transmission5
- Wheels4
- Airbags3
- Brakes3
- Electrical3
- Seat belts3
- Steering3
- Body2
- Acceleration1
- Driver assistance1
- Fuel system1
- Tires1
Recalls 13
Structure: frame and members
- 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 pulleys
- 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 assembly
- 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: motor
- 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: linkages
- 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 arm
- 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
Electrical system
- What is wrong
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to July 6, 2010, 2009-2010 Outlander vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to August 27, 2010, 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to June 8, 2010, and 2010 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to August 4, 2010. The affected vehicles have an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. Due to a manufacturing error, the voltage inside this ECU may be unstable.
- Risk
- Unstable voltage could result in intermittent failure of the vehicle's head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. If the headlights and/or windshield wipers fail, the driver could have reduced visibility. If the tail lights fail, the vehicle could be less visible. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected ECU, free of charge. The recall began on June 15 ,2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1‑888‑648‑7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-002.
Recall number 15V232000 · Recall details
Visibility: defroster/defogger/HVAC system: fan/motor
- What is wrong
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Lancer vehicles manufactured March 16, 2009, to March 30, 2011, 2010-2011 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to December 1, 2010, 2010-2011 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to January 7, 2011, 2009-2011 Outlander vehicles manufactured February 10, 2009, to June 22, 2011, and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to November 19, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the blower motor may fail.
- Risk
- Failure of the blower motor may reduce the performance of the windshield defroster, diminishing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1‑888‑648‑7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-003.
Recall number 15V233000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys
- 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: switch
- 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
Power train: transfer case (4-wheel drive)
- What is wrong
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2007 and 2009 Outlander vehicles. During servicing, the affected vehicles were repaired with replacement transfer case assemblies whose oil seal may come out of position.
- Risk
- If the oil seal dislodges, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) may enter the transfer case assembly, reducing the ATF pressure in the transmission, resulting in poor transmission shifting or the inability of the vehicle to be driven, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transfer assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1‑888‑648‑7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-005.
Recall number 14V365000 · Recall details
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
- 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 valve
- 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
Technical service bulletins for the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander 106
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers
- Service Manual Revision
- Service Manual Revision
- This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd...
- This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load...
- This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of...
- This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd...
- This is a Technical Information Notice informing dealers and parts managers about possible causes after a
- This Technical Service Bulletin contains technical information and troubleshooting for the accessory...
- This Technical Service Bulletin instructs dealers to replace the seat adjuster assembly and power seat...
2009 Mitsubishi Outlander fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | FWD | 20 | 25 | 22 |
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 20 | 25 | 22 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | FWD | 17 | 24 | 20 |
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 17 | 23 | 19 |
What 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The MMCS system has a known bug. As of October 2023 the date and time of the system has defaulted back to 2004. The defect has disabled features such as maintenance records that are logged since new. The defect has been reported to the dealer and they have acknowledged there is currently no fix. The dealer also noted that replacing the GPS receiver does not correct the problem and it is likely a head unit firmware issue. There are hundreds of complaints via Internet forums that Mitsubishi equipped MMCS models from approximately 2007 through 2014 are affected. The only way to retrieve any data in the system is to disconnect the GPS receiver and manually input the current date. That fix disables the navigation system in lieu of having all the data the system has stored since new which could be a safety issue for some owners. This is an unacceptable problem for most owners.
Exact problems as a recall issued on select 09 outlander on 6/25/14 for power train: automatic transmission but my VIN does not match as a vehicle affected by this recall. Is there a possibility my select vehicle should have been included in this recall? I have seen many many similar complaints stating the same.
Front cradle frame assembly is rusted to the point you can see thru the large holes. Technicians recommendation frame rusted beyond repair, needs to be replaced. At a cost of $2,000
Mitsubishi outlander se front subframe crossmember cradle has corroded and will not pass inspection. The cradle is where the steering attaches and raises a safety concern should the cradle break due to the corrosion. There are many mitsubishi vehicles that have a recall on this condition, but for some reason this vehicle is not included.
Corrosion and major rust on the frame and suspension especially on the driver's side front wheel. Parts of frame and suspension just started falling off. Very similar to the problems seen on the outlander of the same year but different size engine
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 mitsubishi outlander. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle vibrated violently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 171,240.
I received a recall on my son's 2009 mitsubishi outlander for drive belt auto tensioner and sunroof glass. I have made 6 calls to their service department of brandon, fl mitsubishi and always get told a service advisor will call me back and I have not recieved a call back. I also made 1 call to the service manager. I left voicemail with the information and to call me back. I have recieved no callback. Brandon mitsubishi 9915 e adamo dr brandon, fl 33619 813‑285‑7783
The heater fan stopped working there's heat but blowers don't work first there's a weird winding noise then nothing no warning just stopped working
The front cross member rusted so badly that it broke off during normal driving. The frame failed at the lower a-frame on the driver's side resulting in the entire wheel/suspension assembly to fail and the vehicle crashed down to the frame and skidded along the road to stop. This is a 10 year old car that has always been kept in a garage, always parked on pavement or concrete, and has typical mileage. The vehicle was being driven normally in city traffic at the time of the failure, speed was about 30 MPH.
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Other model years
20032004200520062007200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020222023202420252026
Questions about the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
Is the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?
Owners have filed 46 complaints about the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander, close to a typical Outlander model year.
What is the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander year score?
The 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander scores 72 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 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Windows, wipers and visibility, with 8 complaints. Next is engine (7).
How many recalls does the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
13 recalls, covering structure, engine and engine cooling and visibility.
Was there a recall on the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander visibility?
Yes, 4 recalls: 18V071000, 17V461000, 16V791000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Mitsubishi Outlander have the most visibility problems?
The Mitsubishi Outlander model years with the most visibility complaints are 2007 (22 complaints) and 2003 (11 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander get?
Official estimates for the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander range from 19 to 22 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 20 city and 25 highway.
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