I own a 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander that I purchased new on December 21, 2024. Since shortly after purchase, the vehicle has experienced ongoing problems involving the brakes, electrical system, and fuel fumes entering the passenger cabin. The most serious issue is the brake system. I have experienced hard braking, inconsistent brake response, brake warning lights, and at least one incident where the brakes suddenly failed and I had to take emergency action to stop the vehicle. The dealership has attempted multiple repairs, including replacing the brake booster, master cylinder, and other brake components, but the problem continues. The vehicle has also had repeated electrical problems, including warning lights, low-voltage issues, radio malfunctions, and steering wheel controls that stopped working. In addition, fuel fumes continue to enter the cabin while driving and when the vehicle is parked. The dealership has already replaced the fuel vapor canister and fuel filler neck, but the fuel odor persists. On June 13, 2026, I went to the emergency room because of symptoms related to inhaling the fuel vapors. I have reported these issues to both the dealership and Mitsubishi Motors North America on multiple occasions since the problems first began. Despite repeated repair attempts and ongoing communication, the defects remain unresolved. Based on the repeated failures, the number of repair visits, and the amount of time the vehicle has been out of service, I believe this vehicle qualifies as a lemon. The vehicle has been in the repair shop numerous times and has been out of service for approximately 45 days. I am filing this complaint because I am concerned that the brake failures and fuel vapor intrusion could put me, my passengers, and other drivers at risk. I am seeking assistance in resolving this issue as soon as possible to prevent further safety and health risks.
Mitsubishi Outlander brake failure problems
12 of the 1,329 owner complaints about the Mitsubishi Outlander describe brake failure, most of them for the 2019 model year.
- owner complaints
- 12
- worst model year
- 2019
- typical mileage
- 27,000
By model year
- 20242
- 20231
- 20201
- 20192
- 20161
- 20151
- 20141
- 20081
- 20071
- 20031
Often reported together
What owners say
The rear braking system failed due to a sticking/seizing brake caliper. An independent inspection confirmed a severe thickness discrepancy: the outer pad was worn down to 3mm, while the inner pad remained at 7mm. This occurred at only 7,343 miles. I have the physical brake pads provided by the dealer; however, I have photographic proof that the dealer provided fraudulent, evenly worn pads upon vehicle pickup to tamper with evidence. Both the fraudulent pads and the original photos of the defective pads are available for inspection. The sticking caliper causes uneven braking force, increased stopping distances, and premature brake failure. This is a severe safety risk that could lead to a loss of vehicle control or a collision, especially under emergency braking conditions. Furthermore, the dealership's attempt to conceal this defect by swapping parts prevents proper safety documentation and potential recall actions. An independent service center (certified technician) confirmed the 3mm/7mm wear delta on March 19, 2026. The dealer (Northstar Mitsubishi) also initially confirmed the defect and processed it as a $0.00 warranty repair (Invoice #6048308) before rescinding the coverage and demanding payment. The vehicle was inspected by the authorized dealer (Northstar Mitsubishi) and an independent repair facility. I am currently requesting a formal inspection by Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) corporate. There were no dashboard warning lamps. The primary symptom was an excessive amount of brake dust accumulating on the rear wheels compared to the front, and a noticeable physical thickness difference between the inner and outer brake pads. These symptoms were first observed around 7,000 miles during a routine inspection. The defect was confirmed by an independent technician's measurement of 3mm (outer) vs 7mm (inner).
The brakes keep giving out, this is the second Mitsubishi and the brakes gave out [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The shifter assembly was replaced by the manufacturer and I do not know if the item is available for inspection as the dealership handled the replacement. Mine and my daughters safety was put in danger on April 10, 2024 when I was turning into a parking space at my doctors office and went to put the car into park the car accelerated on its on over an embankment and into a busy 5 lane highway. When trying to stop the brakes failed several times and the only thing I could do to stop it was push the on off button to kill power to the engine. Upon stopping we looked at the car and saw quite a bit of damage to the car after going over the embankment and through several bushes and small trees. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer and manufacturer. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership at which I bought the vehicle and by my insurance company. The week before the incident when trying to change shifts out of park into drive the car failed to shift and I had to turn the car off using the off on button to stop the power to the car and turn back on to get the car to shift out of park.
I purchased my vehicle 11/3/19, traded in my 2016 mitsubishi for 2019 mitsubishi outlander. 3 days later my lights went out and I took the car to victory mitsubishi dealership in the bronx and they said it was a loose fuse. They tighted the fuse and my lights came on. On 11/26/19, I was on the cross bronx high way in traffic and drove but could not stop the car. My brakes failed. I got off the highway and called the police and geico. The police did not come and I had the car towed to juniors automotive center in the bronx. My geico adjuster will inspect the car on 12/4/19. I should not be going through this. I know my car will eventually be repaired but I do not feel safe driving the car.
Tl* the contact rented a 2019 mitsubishi outlander. While driving approximately 20 MPH with the shifter in drive, the vehicle started to go backwards. The contact attempted to brake on a small incline, but the brakes did not work. The vehicle continued to roll backwards towards a truck. When the contact depressed the start button, the vehicle stopped and the brakes engaged. The contact took the vehicle back to enterprise rent-a-car and received another vehicle. The contact did not know if the vehicle was diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 6,500.
Tl* the contact owns a 2016 mitsubishi outlander. On two occasions, while driving approximately 65 MPH, the steering wheel and brakes locked up without warning. The service engine warning indicator illuminated. As a result, the contact crashed into a guardrail and damaged the bumper. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries. A police report was filed. On another occasion, while driving, the engine locked up and the brakes failed to respond. As a result, the vehicle rolled backwards into a telephone pole. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to skyland auto group (255 smokey park highway, asheville, nc 28806 (828) 667-5213), but the failure could not be replicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not offer any assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 27,000. The VIN was unavailable.
There is a problem with these vehicles. The front headlights need to be replaced every 6 months or less. There have also been problems with the computer. I was driving and the rear camera came on while in drive. I pulled into a parking lot. When I started the car I had no brakes and no power steering. I turned off the car and turned it back on and it was fine. I had it towed in for service and the dealership service center said the computer had no codes to indicate any problem and they can not recreate the problem. Also, the battery has been replaced on this vehicle at least 3 times.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 mitsubishi outlander. While driving 30 MPH and attempting to engage the brakes, the brake pedal sank to the floor without warning. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 122,000.
Driver proceeded to stop the vehicle in traffic and the brakes failed and did not engage. The vehicle did not come to a stop and hit the car in front of it. According to an of-duty police officer directly behind my vehicle, the brake lights were lit up as if the brakes were functioning but no slowing of the vehicle occurred.
Related recalls
Parking brake
- What is wrong
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2016 Outlander and Outlander Sport vehicles. The rust prevention coating on the rear brake operating shafts could have been peeled off during the assembly process. As a result, water entering the rear brake caliper boot may cause the parking brake operating shafts to corrode and possibly bind.
- Risk
- If the parking brake operating shafts bind, the parking brakes may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brakes do not engage properly, the vehicle could rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake caliper assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 4, 2021. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1‑888‑648‑7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-005.
Recall number 20V741000 · Recall details
Parking brake
- What is wrong
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Outlander and 2013-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles. Water may enter the rear brake calipers causing the parking brake actuator shafts to corrode and possibly bind.
- Risk
- If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear brake calipers and replace the parking brake boot and lever or the brake caliper body, as necessary. Dealers will also replace the piston assembly of the rear brake caliper. These repairs will be performed 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-18-002.
Recall number 18V070000 · 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
Questions about the Mitsubishi Outlander brake failure
Which Mitsubishi Outlander years have brake failure problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2019 (2 complaints), 2024 (2 complaints) and 2003 (1 complaints).
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