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Mitsubishi Outlander knocking problems

14 of the 1,329 owner complaints about the Mitsubishi Outlander describe engine knocking or ticking, most of them for the 2004 model year.

owner complaints
14
worst model year
2004
typical mileage
5,500
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2023
    1
  • 2022
    2
  • 2020
    1
  • 2016
    1
  • 2015
    1
  • 2014
    1
  • 2011
    1
  • 2008
    2
  • 2007
    1
  • 2004
    2
  • 2003
    1

What owners say

Filed Oct 29, 2026 · Engine · TX

1. Engine Motor Mount. Yes, it is available for inspection. 2. Malfunctions to engine due to the unstable enforcement of engine. 3. Unknown if a reproduced issue. I've owned several vehicles and have never had to replace the motor mounts. In additon this vehicle is a 2022 (4 Years). 4. Yes, it has been inspected by a reputable automotive establishment. I've been provided an estimate for repairs. 5. Yes, I started hearing a knock sound January 8, 2026. I presumed it was shock wear related. But determined to be the motor mount.

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 Jul 5, 2024 · Suspension · OH

At 15,000 miles the car began to exhibit a loud “knocking” and / or “clunking” sounds upon turning the steering wheel. Three dealerships later I’ve learned it is called a “strut bearing”, and that it’s covered under a “special coverage”. Which special coverage means that this is a widely known issue after the cars have be sold. This should be a total recall. They dealer a fixing it. Had to order parts. Of course no loaner car. Won’t be using the selling dealer any longer.

Filed Jun 30, 2022 · Body, Steering · IL

there is a hood flutter , weather stripping is cheaply made which is letting in water , leather is coming up seat belt doesn’t retract back in place knocking noise by left driver side wheel seat pockets are poorly made

Filed Jan 26, 2021 · Transmission · 5,500 miles · PA

My car is 4 months old with 5500 miles on it. Driving at 70mph with cruise control on, car started to knock and buck. I reduced speed. The service transmission light came on and the d for gear selection started to blink. I pulled over and shut the car off. I restarted and the light went off. I drove home at a reduced speed. I took it back to the dealer and they said I need a new transmission. 5500 miles!

Filed Mar 28, 2019 · Engine · 50,000 miles · ME

My engine has gotten louder and vibrates at lights. Was taken to the dealer they claim no codes but it is louder and ticking and has lost more power to the engine than before. The car hesitates and smells hot like a part is hot

Filed Nov 5, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 14,800 miles · SC

Hear stick pops out of fear with slightest touch while driving. Transmission drops to lower fear while driving. Have to pull over and restart car to get it to work properly. Engine has 15,693 miles, mechanic says a rod is knocking and shouldn't be running the fan to cool as much as it does. All this has multiple occurances. Mitsubishi has had the car twice but found nothing wrong.

Filed Mar 19, 2015 · Airbags, Driver assistance · 1,000 miles · TX

Received airbag warnings was advised if I wrecked with warning on airbags maynot deploy had to replace passenger seat the car fell to read the key a lot of the time even when its in the slot this has been ongoing sincei got the car with 400 miles dealer says they cant get it to duplicate the error so I do not know also the steering and control is terrible it sound like it always needs an oilchange makes a ticking noise seat sticks from time to time also it dent and scratch to easily the tires and brakes feel terrible at 24000 miles I have had to have the cd player replace.

Filed Aug 23, 2013 · Transmission · 49,000 miles · MN · 1 injury

July 3, at approximately 10:30 pm we came home and parked the car in the driveway which is at a slight incline. I got out of the vehicle to unload items from the back, and as I came around on the passenger side the car made a loud pop sound and the car began to roll backwards and was making an audible clicking noise. In an instant I was worried that the vehicle was going to run over one of my kids who were outside as I unloaded the vehicle so I managed to climb in and as I reached over to turn off the ignition, the car bumped over where the driveway and street meet knocking me off balance. As I fell from the car, my right leg got jammed in the passenger door, my head whacked the bottom frame of the door, and right before the car rolled to a stop, the front passenger tire started to run over my left leg as I tried to keep the leg out of the path of the wheel. I sustained multiple injuries including a head injury, concussion, sprained knee, cuts and bruises.

Filed Dec 22, 2008 · Engine · 1,600 miles · PR

I have noticed a bad noise like a knock at the muffler area six weeks after the vehicle was acquire. This noise can be heard shortly after the engine is turned on. I reported the problem at the mitsubishi dealer service, but the replied back that this sound is a normal condition of the vehicle.

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 knocking

Which Mitsubishi Outlander years have engine knocking or ticking problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2004 (2 complaints), 2008 (2 complaints) and 2022 (2 complaints).

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