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.
Mitsubishi Outlander loss of power problems
24 of the 1,329 owner complaints about the Mitsubishi Outlander describe sudden loss of power, most of them for the 2023 model year.
- owner complaints
- 24
- worst model year
- 2023
- typical mileage
- 86,000
By model year
- 20261
- 20252
- 20236
- 20224
- 20164
- 20152
- 20131
- 20112
- 20091
- 20041
Often reported together
Overheating 4Hesitation 4Stalling 3Check engine light 3Warning lights 2Jerking 2Fuel smell 2
Trouble codes mentioned
P084A 1P0404 1
What owners say
This vehicle exhibits a severe and dangerous acceleration hesitation, accompanied by a sudden, momentary loss of engine torque when pulling out from stops or trying to merge onto highways. This unexpected loss of power leaves the vehicle stranded briefly in oncoming traffic, creating an immediate crash hazard. This failure matches the exact physical defect and symptoms detailed in the federal safety agency Recall 16V563000 (Mitsubishi Campaign SR-16-006). The dangerous safety defect is actively persisting whether the remedy was already completed or not (Mitsubishi states that my vehicle is not included in the recall—this is not true—which will be explained in more detail at the end of this description. In a good-faith effort to resolve this dangerous hesitation, the transmission valve body was recently replaced out-of-pocket, but the identical recall symptoms remain entirely unchanged. This proves that the initial software recall remedy was structurally inadequate to permanently secure the mechanical safety of the vehicle. Mitsubishi corporate customer relations was formally notified of this failed recall remedy, but they have refused to provide assistance or resolve the issue. When asked to provide information where and when was a remedy completed on the aforementioned recall, Mitsubishi also stated via email that, “Your vehicle VIN [XXX] is not included in Recall 16V563000 (Mitsubishi Campaign SR-16-006),” which is not true. The communication with Mitsubishi can be seen in attached documents and one can confirm that my vehicle is actually included in Recall 16V563000 (Mitsubishi Campaign SR-16-006) when searching into recalls on the federal safety agency website and reviewing documents (both the federal safety agency and Mitsubishi related documents). Thank you very much for your time and help. It is much appreciated as my family and I are currently desperate while being scared to drive this vehicle with our newborn and [XXX] toddler and Mitsubishi is not being willing to help via email or phone. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),
This is the issue I’m having with this vehicle since I purchased it July3,2026 car shuts off in middle of road and car also loss of power in middle of road while still trying to press gas then jerks backfire issue was reported to dealership. Brand new vehicle but keep having issues that’s not being reported
When driving with the adaptive cruise control on, the cruise will shut off without notice at random times. The forward collision warning light then comes on. After driving for some time the light will go out and the adaptive cruise will work again. This repeats many times on a trip randomly. This also leaves the vehicle without forward collision protection and automatic emergency braking. This is very dangerous at highway speed when you lose power driving with traffic. When reported to the dealer, they said it was a known issue without a solution and to not use the adaptive cruise and drive carefully without the forward collision protection active. This has been an issue since the car was new in November of 2024.
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
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.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection? The engine experienced catastrophic internal failure. A connecting rod broke and punctured the engine block, rendering the vehicle completely inoperable. This failure is consistent with overheating and internal engine damage. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure occurred suddenly while driving, without warning. The vehicle lost power immediately, which could have resulted in loss of control, inability to accelerate, and exposure to traffic hazards. This created a serious safety risk to myself and others on the road. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? An independent mobile mechanic inspected the vehicle and confirmed catastrophic engine failure. Based on the condition of the engine and damage observed, the failure is consistent with severe overheating and internal mechanical breakdown. Full written diagnosis may be pending. Dealer inspection: UNKNOWN”) Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer. Insurance has been notified and may conduct an inspection. The MD state trooper deemed the car inoperable and tagged it. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the failure? There were no warning lights, messages, or indications of an issue prior to the failure. The incident occurred suddenly and without warning the same day the vehicle was purchased. At the time of failure, the vehicle had an open and unremedied safety recall (SR-18-001 – Drive Belt Auto Tensioner, the federal safety agency Campaign #18V069). This defect can cause the drive belt to detach, disabling the water pump and leading to rapid engine overheating. The failure I experienced is consistent with this defect. . The incident occurred day of pur
I am reporting a safety defect involving my 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport (VIN [XXX] ). On five separate occasions between December 2025 and February 2026, my vehicle ran completely out of fuel despite the dashboard displaying between 18 and 48 miles of remaining driving range. Four of these events occurred on active highways, resulting in sudden loss of engine power and creating immediate collision risk. The dealership diagnosed and replaced the fuel tank gauge unit, fuel level sensor, and sub sensor under warranty. Service documentation references Technical Information Notice TIN #XXX, indicating this is a known issue. This defect caused unexpected highway shutdowns and serious safety exposure. I am concerned other drivers may experience similar failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
During operation in wet and rainy conditions, a warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. Shortly thereafter, the vehicle encountered a roadway pothole, at which point the airbags deployed unexpectedly. Simultaneously, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power, resulting in contact with a curb and minor damage to the wheel rim. The malfunction has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. To date, the vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. The affected components remain available for inspection upon request. No advance warning symptoms were observed other than the dashboard indicator that illuminated immediately prior to the incident. It is noted that the selling dealership did not disclose prior repairs performed on the vehicle, which may be relevant to the cause of this failure.
My tire went flat, went to pull over and when my tire went blow , the driver seat airbag came out that’s not right because it’s no wreck no accident no nothing. I just don’t understand what could’ve went wrong with just a tire going flat on the passenger sideand then the driver seat airbag went off no collision no damage no nothing to vehicle my screen go out in the car I lose power when driving it’ll just lose power and now you have to pull over and turn the car off and start it back up. I have taken it in one time before they changed the battery since the battery is not the battery is something electrical.
Related recalls
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
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
Questions about the Mitsubishi Outlander loss of power
Which Mitsubishi Outlander years have sudden loss of power problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2023 (6 complaints), 2016 (4 complaints) and 2022 (4 complaints).
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