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Mitsubishi Outlander check engine light comes on

47 of the 1,329 owner complaints about the Mitsubishi Outlander describe check engine light, most of them for the 2016 model year.

owner complaints
47
worst model year
2016
typical repair cost reported
$2,000
typical mileage
70,300
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2024
    1
  • 2023
    4
  • 2022
    3
  • 2020
    1
  • 2018
    3
  • 2017
    1
  • 2016
    11
  • 2015
    2
  • 2014
    1
  • 2013
    2
  • 2012
    2
  • 2011
    3
  • 2010
    1
  • 2009
    2
  • 2008
    2
  • 2005
    1
  • 2004
    1
  • 2003
    6

What owners say

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · GA

My 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander has experienced recurring high engine-temperature readings, misfires, and two overheating-related engine shutdowns while driving, creating a risk of unexpected power loss in traffic. The vehicle has been evaluated repeatedly by authorized Mitsubishi dealerships without identifying the underlying cause. Air in the cooling system was documented in September 2025, with the dealership noting it could cause the engine to run hotter than normal. In September 2026, a dealership again reported a significant amount of air in the cooling system. Previous cooling-system service temporarily improved the symptoms, but they returned. The temperature gauge repeatedly approaches H while driving, particularly with the A/C operating, and decreases when I slow down or turn off the A/C. These episodes occur WITHOUT an illuminated Check Engine Light or other warning message. During an earlier incident, the Check Engine Light appeared the following morning but went off before diagnostic codes could be retrieved. At the most recent dealership visit, I provided photographic evidence of the high temperature reading. The dealership's diagnostic equipment reportedly found no issue, but a technician's personal scanner identified a battery-related problem and additional codes. The battery was replaced, yet the temperature problem continued. On October 17, 2026, at approximately 98,395 miles, I again photographed the temperature gauge approaching H without any warning light. Despite multiple inspections, the cause remains UNKNOWN. I am concerned about another engine shutdown and a potential collision. The vehicle is available for inspection.

Filed May 9, 2026 · Engine · TX

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle experienced an apparent engine failure involving the engine cooling system and possible head gasket and/or engine damage. Prior to failure, the vehicle had a strong sweet coolant smell and was later diagnosed by the servicing dealership as having a coolant leak and possible engine-related damage requiring engine replacement. The vehicle is currently located and available for inspection at Don Herring Mitsubishi. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving after leaving the dealership, the vehicle began jerking, hesitating during acceleration, and losing power unexpectedly. A flashing check engine light briefly appeared and disappeared. The sudden loss of normal engine performance created a serious safety hazard because the vehicle could have stalled in traffic, increasing the risk of an accident or collision. I also have eight children, including [XXX] twins, and the loss of transportation has prevented me from reliably getting my children to school, medical appointments, and obtaining necessities. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Don Herring Mitsubishi inspected the vehicle and identified a coolant leak and possible major engine damage. The dealership advised that the engine may need replacement. The warranty company, CNA Extended Warranty, stated the dealership’s submitted notes referenced a blown head gasket and requested further teardown and inspection before approving repairs. The vehicle remains unrepaired while awaiting further action and/or engine replacement. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has been inspected by Don Herring Mitsubishi and reviewed through CNA Extended Warranty as part of the repair claim process. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was also inspected on Marc INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF

Filed May 6, 2026 · FL

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.

Filed Feb 10, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

1. On hot/warm days when I start my vehicle it will run then die and give me the code for Mass air sensor which I replaced but it keeps doing it; the check engine will stay on for a while then turn off until it does it again. 2. When driving and I go over a speed bump the suspension grinds or does a hard squeaking noise. 3. The USB in the center console stops working at times or when move the charging cord it disconnects for a few seconds. 4. Internal lights work when they want to, I thought the bulbs where burnt out and replaced them but they still come on when they want to not everytime a door is opened.

Filed Jan 2, 2026 · Engine · LA

At about 52,000 miles August 26, 2025- September 2, 2025 for rpm going low and high in idle and check engine light came on replaced engine coil #4 Sept 4, 2025- October 9, 2025 Coolant in engine Failed 2 compression test Needs head gasket repair Instructed to take head off Send head to machine shop to have valves checked Never sent valves to machine shop Replacing engine December 26, 2025 Engine sounds like a jet plane and after calling Mitsubishi it will need to be towed 2 hours away because they shut my local dealership down. I have tried for goodwill assist, buyback, etc but I’m treated horribly. I just found another person that it happened to at 50,000 miles also

Filed Oct 8, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · AK

My Mitsubishi vehicle has an open recall related to a drive belt issue. Mitsubishi confirmed the recall, but the company have not completed the repair or scheduled an appointment, even after several attempts to contact them. The vehicle has stalled multiple times while driving, including on city roads. When it stalls, the check engine light comes on, and the car loses all power. I have to restart it to keep driving. This is a serious safety risk because it happens suddenly and could lead to an accident. The alternator and battery were both tested and are in good condition, so the problem appears related to the recalled belt or electrical system. The issue was confirmed by an independent mechanic, but Mitsubishi has not provided a repair or timeline. The problem continues and makes the vehicle unsafe to drive, especially in cold or highway conditions.

Filed Sep 23, 2025 · Acceleration, Transmission · CA

On the freeway TRANSMISSION FAILURE SERVICE light came on and the cars acceleration geared, had to immediately pull over on the side of the freeway, restarted the car with emergency lights to get out of the freeway. Vehicle would not accelerate much and the rpm was switching fast up and down. Check engine light came on the next day and the diagnosis read catalytic converter needs replacement. Car does not accelerate on hills, its shifts and tugs on a regular road.

Filed Jul 9, 2025 · Electrical · NM

Check engine light is on. My car is still under 5 year bumper to bumper warranty. My local mitsubishi dealership closed and the nearest one is hours away. I also have a recall. I have called mitsubishi customer service several times only to be put on hold without the ability to talk to someone to get these problems solved.

Filed Apr 8, 2025 · Body, Fuel system · GA

The car has severe rust on the frame to the point of the rust corroding a hole in the frame making it unsafe to drive. Black paint has been applied to conceal the extent of the rust, demonstrating clear intent to mislead and a disregard for human safety. The catalytic converter has been aftermarket welded into place and failing emissions. Other repairs needed cannot be done because the rust damage is to bad for mechanics to risk removing the bolts. Yes, the car is available for inspection. This dealership endangered my life, the lives of my loved ones and other drivers on the road with us by allowing us to drive a car with a damaged frame with could have caused a major accident. I took the car to my mechanic and the dealership's mechanic of choice and both said the car is unsafe to drive. The car was inspected by the Peachtree Mitsubishi Service Center and for whatever their reason may be, they told us the car was in great condition. After driving the car for a couple of weeks, we noticed the fumes and a knocking noise under the car. Also, the check engine light was on and the Peachtree Mitsubishi Service Center said it was the tire pressure. Despite my attempts to resolve this matter with the dealership directly, they have refused to take responsibility for their actions. I believe their practices violate consumer protection laws and pose a significant risk to public safety.

Filed Jan 26, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · IL

1) 12/20/2024: Took the car to a Mitsubishi dealer as the 'Check Engine Light' was ON for a few days. They erased the code but could not diagnose the cause. Returned home and could NOT charge the car using the same standard outlet (level 1) I used since I bought the car. The instrument cluster displayed the following (Please see Pic 1): a) Error message 'PHEV System Fault, Service Required'. b) Check engine light. c) Forward Collision Mitigation System [FCM] OFF warning light. d) Rear Automatic Emergency Braking [Rear AEB] system OFF warning light. e) Plug-in hybrid EV system warning light. Since 12/20/2024, I have been driving the car with these serious safety issues. 2) 1/2/2025: 'On-board charger' was replaced by the dealer. But the same error continued. Per dealer invoice, they "performed drive cycle pattern 3 and the code returned". Obviously under certain conditions, the erased code returned. 3) Since mid-November, 2024, I have been noticing two different EV range mileage. Please see Pic 2. My phone app showed (on 1/26/2025) a 51 mile EV range whereas the instrument cluster showed only a 39 mile range. All the errors still remain as of 1/26/2025. 4) Opened a case with Mitsubishi but they are refusing to respond with updates. With so many safety issues due to 'PHEV System Fault', I am afraid of taking the car out.

Related recalls

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

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

Questions about the Mitsubishi Outlander check engine light

Why does the check engine light come on in the Mitsubishi Outlander?

Owners who report it most often also describe engine stalls while driving, complete transmission failure and hesitation when accelerating, and the codes they mention most are P0403.

Which Mitsubishi Outlander years have check engine light problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2016 (11 complaints), 2003 (6 complaints) and 2023 (4 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix check engine light on the Mitsubishi Outlander?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $2,000 (median of 5 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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