2018 Mitsubishi Outlander phev problems

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The Mitsubishi Outlander (Japanese: 三菱・アウトランダー, Hepburn: Mitsubishi Autorandā) is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors since 2001. It was originally known as the Mitsubishi Airtrek (Japanese: 三菱・エアトレック, Hepburn: Mitsubishi Eatorekku) when it was introduced in Japan.

The original Airtrek name was chosen to "describe the vehicle's ability to transport its passengers on adventure-packed journeys in a 'free-as-a-bird' manner", and was "coined from Air and Trek to express the idea of footloose, adventure-filled motoring pleasure." The Outlander nameplate which replaced it evoked a "feeling of journeying to distant, unexplored lands in search of adventure."

The second generation of the vehicle was introduced in 2006 and all markets including Japan adopted the Outlander name, although production of the older version continued in parallel. It was built on the company's GS platform, and used various engines developed by Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, and PSA Peugeot Citroën. PSA's Citroën C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007, which were manufactured by Mitsubishi in Japan, are badge engineered versions of the second generation Outlander. Global sales achieved the 1.5 million unit milestone in October 2016, 15 years after its market launch.

As part of the third generation line-up, Mitsubishi launched in January 2013 a plug-in hybrid model called Outlander PHEV. As of January 2022, global sales totaled about 300,000 units, and according to JATO Dynamics, the Outlander PHEV is the world's all-time best selling plug-in hybrid since December 2018. As of 2019, Europe is the leading market with over 126,000 units sold through January 2019, and the Outlander plug-in hybrid listed as Europe's best-selling plug-in hybrid car for five years running, 2015 to 2019.

The fourth-generation model was released 2021. Following Mitsubishi's entry to Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance, the fourth-generation Outlander is based on the Rogue/X-Trail, which is built on the CMF-CD platform.

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander phev

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Common 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander phev problems

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has been a popular choice among drivers looking for a plug-in hybrid crossover, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems reported by owners. Here are some of the issues to be aware of when considering a used 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV:

  • Damage to the battery from careless off-roading: The Outlander PHEV's battery can be susceptible to damage from off-roading, so it's essential to inspect the underside of the vehicle before purchasing. This check can reveal possible pricey issues caused by careless off-roading.
  • Wonky windshield wipers: Some owners have reported a rare problem with the windshield wipers, which may not work as expected. It's recommended to check the wipers and washer nozzles using all settings to confirm they work correctly.
  • Malfunctioning door latches: The door latching mechanism can malfunction in hot weather on cars built between 6 May 2015 and 14 March 2016, which could allow doors to open while the vehicle is being driven. It's essential to verify if the vehicle is affected and have new latches installed if necessary.
  • Overheating ECU relay: A relay for the ECU might overheat and cause the engine to stall on examples made between 5 December 2014 and 31 March 2016. Any affected Outlander will need to have the relay replaced to fix the issue.
  • Corroded parking brake caliper boot: The parking brake caliper boot could let in water and lead to corrosion and reduced effectiveness of the parking brake on Outlanders made from the start of production until 21 January 2016. Any affected example will need to be inspected by a technician at a dealership.
  • Interrupted braking function in ESP: The braking function used as part of the various driving assistance systems, such as the electronic stability program (ESP), could be interrupted on some examples made between 4 August 2016 and 22 January 2018. A software update will need to be performed to solve the problem.
  • Software problem with automatic emergency braking (AEB): A software problem identified with some examples equipped with AEB and were built between 5 August 2016 and 6 November 2017, but it only requires an update at the dealership to sort it.
  • Corrosion on the airflow sensor: Corrosion on the airflow sensor could wreak havoc with the running of the engine and it affects early Outlanders. It should have been sorted by now, but speak with your Mitsubishi dealer to check this.
  • Fuel leak: There may be a problem with a connection in the fuel system that could allow fuel to leak out of examples constructed from 21 July to 12 September 2015. This will need to be inspected by a technician at a Mitsubishi dealer.

While these issues are common among 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV owners, it's essential to note that many of these problems can be resolved with proper maintenance and timely repairs. When considering a used 2018 Outlander PHEV, it's recommended to check service records, warranty, and have the vehicle inspected by a professional to ensure it's in good condition.

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander phev engine

What is the problem with the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?

The Mitsubishi 2023 Outlander PHEV battery allegedly lacks a heating component so it fails to start in cold weather, something the lawsuit claims the company has failed to fix.

What is the most common problem with Mitsubishi Outlander?

The Mitsubishi Outlander is a reliable SUV with a 4.0 out of 5.0 rating from RepairPal. Some of the top Mitsubishi Outlander problems include premature brake wear, automatic transmission failure, and a failed blower motor.

What is the battery problem with the Outlander PHEV?

It has been now confirmed by users around the world that the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV all models' battery is degrading at an unrealistic pace. It is suspected that the Battery Management Unit (BMU) has a faulty firmware which calculates the battery state of health (SOH) incorrectly.

How long will Outlander PHEV battery last?

between 8 to 10 years

When you elect to drive the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Canada's Best-Selling Plug-In Hybrid SUV, or a pre-owned EV vehicle, it is equipped with a rechargeable battery to help make your drive eco-friendly. This battery generally lasts anywhere between 8 to 10 years.

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander phev car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mitsubishi Outlander phev problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Power train problems
  • Vehicle speed control problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Service brakes problems
  • Fuel/propulsion system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander phev vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander phev complaints

The NHTSA has received 15 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander phev.

2020-09-03

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-08-30
  • VIN: JA4J24A56JZ
  • Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE, THE PROPULSION REDUCED WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR WENT FROM 70 MPH TO 10 MPH. I WAS DRIVING UP A GRADE IN THE LATE EVENING. I HAD A FULL TANK OF GAS BUT NO MILES LEFT ON THE ELECTRIC CHARGE INDICATOR. AFTER I PULLED OVER AND WAITED A FEW MINUTES THE LIGHT WENT OFF AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY. THE DEALERSHIP WAS NOT ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM AND INSISTED I COME GET THE CAR. IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE A CAR IF IT REDUCES ITS SPEED/ POWER FOR NO REASON.
2020-08-08

UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-08-06
  • VIN: JA4J24A52JZ
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: CALL VOLUME IS SET FOR 11 AND CAN'T BE HEARD OVER COMMON ROAD NOISE. THIS CAUSES DISTRACTED DRIVING AS THE DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO TURN OFF BLUETOOTH OR WORSE TO TRANSFER THE CALL TO THE PHONE - WHICH IS ILLEGAL IN MOST STATES REQUIRING HANDS FREE CALLS. THIS IS A LONG KNOWN PROBLEM AND WAS SUPPOSED TO BE FIXED IN EARLIER MODELS. IT STILL ISN'T. DEALERS CAN'T DO ANYTHING. YET I CAN'T CRANK THE MUSIC UP VOLUME WITHOUT ISSUE. THIS TYPICALLY OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION ON EITHER STREETS OR HIGHWAY.
2020-06-30

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-09-14
  • VIN: JA4J24A56JZ
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN TO 20 MPH WHEN THE OUTSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE WAS NEAR 95 DEG F AND THE ROAD SLIGHTLY UPHILL. A MESSAGE CAME ON THE DASHBOARD THAT READ LIMITED PROPULSION. IT HAPPENED ON I-15 ON THE WAY TO VEGAS LAST SEPTEMBER. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH BBB AND THE ANSWER I GOT FROM MITSUBISHI WAS THAT IT IS DESIGNED THAT WAY. I HAVE A COPY OF THE MITSUBISHI MANUAL STATING THAT. I WROTE LETTERS WITH NO ACTION. THIS ALREADY HAPPENED TWICE. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR IN HOT WEATHER. SEE THE ATTACHED 5 DETAILED FILES FOR INFO. *TR
2020-02-25

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2020-02-24
  • VIN: JA4J24A58JZ
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT INTO PARK. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO OTHER GEARS HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILURE TO SHIFT INTO PARK PERSISTED. THE CONTACT TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,535.
2019-12-06

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-10-16
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JA4J24A55JZ
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
  • Summary: STARTED UP THE CAR AND STARTED BACKING UP OUT OF MY GARAGE. WHEN I PUT MY CAR INTO REVERSE I SAW MY CHARGING PORT DOOR OPEN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR AT THIS POINT MY CARS BACK END WAS PARTIALLY STICKING OUT OF THE GARAGE I PUT THE CAR INTO PARK BY PUSHING THE PARK BUTTON, I OPENED THE DOOR GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND LEFT THE DOOR OPEN AND STARTED TO WALK DOWN THE DRIVER SIDE TOWARDS THE BACK END OF THE CAR I GOT OUTSIDE THE GARAGE RIGHT NEXT TO THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TAIL LIGHT, AND THE CAR WENT INTO REVERSE AND DROVE OUT OF THE GARAGE IT TOOK THE DOOR AND BENT IT BACK TO THE DRIVER SIDE FRONT FENDER AND KEPT GOING ALMOST RAN ME OVER I HAD TO RUN AND JUMP IN THE CAR AND SLAM ON THE BRAKES. I CALLED MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND THEY HAD A TOW TRUCK PICK IT UP THE NEXT DAY AND BRING IT UP TO THE DEALERSHIP MY FRIEND PICKED ME UP AND BROUGHT ME TO THE DEALERSHIP SO I COULD TELL THEM WHAT HAPPENED AND THEY TOLD ME THAT'S NOT POSSIBLE AND TO CALL MITSUBISHI CORPORATE SO I DID. THE DEALERSHIP HAD MY VEHICLE FOR A TOTAL OF 46 DAYS BETWEEN THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND HAVING THE BODY REPAIRED WHICH MY INSURANCE PAID FOR AND I HAD TO PAY THE DEDUCTIBLE MITSUBISHI WOULD NOT PAY TO HAVE THE CAR FIXED AND BLAMED THE ENTIRE EVENT ON ME. I EVEN WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD THE SERVICE GUY GET INTO THE CAR AND GAVE HIM A FULL DEMONSTRATION ON WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND HE AGREED THAT IT'S NOT POSSIBLE TO GET OUT OF THIS CAR IF IT WAS IN REVERSE. I HAVE A DOCUMENTED BAD BACK AND CAN'T GET OUT OF A CAR ALL THAT WELL IT TAKES ME A MIN AND I WAS AT THE BACK OF THE CAR OUTSIDE THE GARAGE BEFORE THE CAR STARTED MOVING AND PROVED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS OF THIS EVENT AND THEY STILL SAID CALL GHOST BUSTERS AFTER I PICKED UP CAR IT DID IT AGAIN THIS TIME I HAVE VIDEO PROOF AND THEY STILL WON'T DO ANYTHING AND EVEN CALLED THE POLICE ON ME BECAUSE I HAD THEIR LOANER WHILE THEY HAD MY CAR SEE NEXT POST.
2019-12-06

EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-05-01
  • VIN: JA4J24A55JZ
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: I BOUGHT MY CAR IN MARCH OF 2019 AND AFTER MY FIRST CAR WASH I REALIZED THERE WAS A PAINT DEFECTS LITTLE DIVOTS DOWN TO THE PRIMER ALL OVER ON THE HOOD AND OTHER PLACES ON THE VEHICLE THE DEALERSHIP ATTEMPTED TO REPAINT VEHICLE PAINT DUE TO FACTORY DEFECT THREE TIMES TO A NON-MITSUBISHI BODY SHOP AND DEALERSHIP DID NOT INFORM MITSUBISHI CORPORATE ABOUT THIS MATTER INFORMED THE DEALERSHIP IN MAY I WAS NOT GOING TO EXCEPT THIS CAR BACK AND WOULD LIKE A NEW CAR BECAUSE I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO HAVE MY BRAND NEW CAR PAINTED BY SOMEONE AFTER A MONTH OR TWO OF OWNING THE VEHICLE AND ESPECIALLY THREE TIMES AND STILL NOTHING THEY SAID THEY WOULD TRADE IT OUT AND THEY WILL FIND SOMETHING COMPARABLE FOR ME I CHECKED IN IF NOT EVERY DAY IT WAS EVERY OTHER DAY FROM APRIL/MAY TO OCTOBER AND NO WORD BACK VERY DISAPPOINTED ABOUT THIS MATTER ALSO LOOKING OVER THE PAPERWORK WITH ANOTHER MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP YESTERDAY AND LOOKING AT THE WAY THEY DID THE PAPERWORK AT THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE FROM CHARGED ME 20,000 DOLLARS MORE FOR THE CAR THEN WHAT I WAS SUPPOSED TO PAY FOR IT TOTAL AMOUNT THEY CHARGED ME FOR IT WAS 52,299.00 FROM WHAT WE UNDERSTAND FROM THE PAPERWORK AND IT SAYS I PUT DOWN 3816.75 AND NEVER PUT ANYTHING DOWN. THE OTHER DEALERSHIP I WENT TO TOLD ME THAT I'M 17,000 DOLLARS IN NEGATIVE EQUITY ON THE VEHICLE SO IT'S GOING TO BE HARD TO TRADE IT IN AND NOBODY WITH HELP ME WITH THIS ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT IT FROM TOLD ME IN THIS SALE THAT I WOULD HAVE POSITIVE EQUITY IN THE VEHICLE BECAUSE OF ALL OF THE REBATES BECAUSE IT WAS A 18 ROLLOVER AND MILITARY DISCOUNTS AND ETC. AND ALSO THE EQUITY IN THE TWO VEHICLES I TRADED IN WERE POSITIVE EQUITY. ON THE INVOICES THE ONLY TWO THEY WOULD GIVE ME SAY 2 HOODS AND BODY WORK NOTHING AT ALL ABOUT PAINT SEE ATTACHED INVOICES & DOCUMENTS
2019-12-06

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-11-20
  • VIN: JA4J24A55JZ
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: I PICKED UP THE CAR FROM THE BODY SHOP CODE ON DASHBOARD EV SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED NO GAS OR BATTERY SO WENT TO GAS STATION AND VEHICLE WOULDN'T GO INTO PARK WENT HOME CALLED MY WIFE AND HAD HER COME OUTSIDE SHE HAD TO PUT GAS IN. THEN DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP I HAD MY WIFE GET OUT AND GO GET HELP SHE CAME OUT WITH A SALESMAN. HE SAW WHAT WAS GOING ON SO HE CALLED THE MANAGER AND ASKED HIM WHAT TO DO. HE TOLD HIM TO TAKE THE CAR AND GIVE ME A LOANER. THE ONLY WAY TO SWITCH WAS EMERGENCY BRAKE. WOULDN'T GO INTO PARK/NEUTRAL. WENT INSIDE ASKED MANAGER COME OUTSIDE AND SEE THE CAR AND HE SAID THAT DOESN'T MATTER TO ME, WHAT THE F*** DO I CARE ABOUT THAT IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH ME! SO I WENT BACK OUTSIDE THE SALESMAN DROVE INTO SERVICE GIVE LOANER. THE NEXT DAY THE SALESMAN TOLD ME NOTHING'S WRONG WITH THE CAR PICK IT UP. I HAVE VIDEOS OF THIS EVENT HAPPENING AND CORPORATE CLOSED MY CLAIM AND TOLD THE DEALERSHIP THERE IS NOTHING FOR THEM TO DO BECAUSE ITS FINE AND THE VIDEO FOOTAGE WAS NOT ENOUGH PROOF AND NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR. I REOPENED THE CLAIM, I WANTED TO TALK TO A HIGHER UP MEMBER OF MANAGEMENT, I ASKED CORPORATE IF I COULD KEEP THE LOANER UNTIL RESOLUTION AND THEY SAID YES. SO SERVICE SAID I HAVE TO HAVE THAT LOANER BACK THAT NIGHT I TOLD HIM WHAT THE LADY AT CORPORATE TOLD ME. HE SAID NO THEY DIDN'T I TOLD HIM TO CALL AND ASK TO PULL THE RECORDED CALL. THE NEXT MORNING I HAD A VA APPOINTMENT AT 10AM AND WAS SITTING IN THE WAITING ROOM AND GOT CALLED BY SERVICE I NEED THE CAR BY 12PM I TOLD HIM I WAS AT A DR. APPT. AN HOUR AWAY ED HIM NO WAY POSSIBLE I CAN GET IT TO HIM BY NOON ED HIM WHEN I GOT BACK WE CAN GET IT SQUARED AWAY HE SAID NOPE TELL ME THE ADDRESS YOU'RE AT AND I'LL COME GET IT I SAID ABSOLUTELY NOT I WILL BRING IT TO YOU WHEN I'M DONE WITH MY APPOINTMENT. THEY CALLED THE POLICE AND TOLD THEM I STOLE THE CAR RETURNED LOANER WAITING ON RESOLUTION.
2019-09-16

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-01-01
  • VIN: JA4J24A5XJZ
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
  • Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER PHEV. WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE FRONT PARKING SENSORS ERRONEOUSLY ACTIVATED AND A BEEPING SOUND WAS HEARD ALTHOUGH NO OBJECTS WERE PRESENT IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CORNER STONE MITSUBISHI (580 MAIN ST, WILMINGTON, MA) WHERE THE FRONT PARKING SENSOR WAS REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS WERE VERY LOOSE AND MOVED WHEN BRAKING AND ACCELERATING. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000.
2019-06-06

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-06-05
  • VIN: JA4J24A58JZ
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: THE FORWARD COLLISION MITIGATION SYSTEM ACTIVATED BRAKING WHEN A MOTORCYCLIST PASSED BETWEEN LANES ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS TRAVELING ABOUT 45 MPH IN MEDIUM TRAFFIC. THE MOTORCYCLIST PASSED ON MY LEFT AND BRAKES WERE APPLIED BY THE CAR WHEN THE MOTORCYCLIST WAS APPROXIMATELY 20-25FT IN FRONT OF ME.
2019-04-24

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-04-13
  • VIN: JA4J24A51JZ
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,VISIBILITY/WIPER
  • Summary: PUT CAR IN DRIVE TOOK OFF ON IT'S OWN WENT UP TO 40 MPH AND STAYED THERE SHOUT IT DOWN AND RESTARTED RAN OK REST OF THE DAY. NEXT MORNING DID SAME THING. I DID THE SOMETHING I DID THE DAY BEFOR. CALLED SERVICE AND MITSUBISHI USA BOTH SAID BRING IT TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SO I STARTED UP THE ROAD AND ON THE INTERSTATE I PUT IT IN CRUISE CONTROL. THERE WASN'T ANYONE IN FRONT OF ME AND THE BRAKES SLAMMED ON. GOOD THING NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME .SO I TOOK IT OUT OF CRUISE CONTROL DROVE ON UP THE ROAD AND THE WIPERS CAME ON IT WASNT RAINING. JUST GOT IT BACK AND THEY DIDN'T DO ANYTHING TO IT. SAID COULDN'T GET IT TO DUPLICATE WHAT I SAID IT DID. SO GUESS I'M THERE TEST DUMMY FOR THIS CAR
2019-04-17

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-04-13
  • VIN: JA4J24A56JZ
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
  • Summary: STARTED VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY GOT MULTIPLE WARNINGS INCLUDING THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT. WHEN I TRIED TO DRIVE THE CAR, IT HAD ALMOST NO ACCELERATION. IT WOULD NOT START THE GAS ENGINE AND THE REGENERATIVE BRAKING WAS DISABLED. THE RBS AND ACC WARNINGS WERE DUE TO THE SYSTEMS BEING DISABLED BECAUSE THE HYBRID SYSTEM WAS NON FUNCTIONAL. IT WAS ALL ON ELECTRIC BUT AT A SEVERELY REDUCED POWER LEVEL. I TRIED TO TURN OFF AND TURN ON THE CAR A FEW TIMES BUT THERE WAS NO CHANGE. I DECIDED TO TRY TO PLUG THE CAR INTO THE CHARGER FOR A MINUTE TO SEE IF THAT WOULD RESET IT, AND IT SEEMED TO HELP. THE CAR OPERATED NORMALLY BUT THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT STAYED ON. I PULLED CODES AND GOT P0AA9 WHICH POINTS TO A FAILURE OF THE BATTERY VOLTAGE ISOLATION SENSOR INSIDE THE BATTERY CONTROL MODULE. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR AND THEY TOWED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP (150 MILES AWAY.) THEY HAD TO REFLASH THE COMPUTER ANYHOW DUE TO 2 RECALLS AND THEY SAID THAT WAS WHAT TRIGGERED THE FAULT. THEY NEVER DID FIND A CAUSE BUT I DID NOTICE SOMEONE ELSE POSTED HERE THAT THEY WERE TOLD "THAT USUALLY DOESN'T HAPPEN THAT EARLY." MY CAR IS 8 MONTHS OLD WITH 3500 MILES ON IT.
2019-01-09

POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2019-01-02
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JA4J24A55JZ
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: THE CHARGER SUPPLIED BY MITSUBISHI MELTED DURING NORMAL CHARGING. MITSUBISHI HAS STATED THAT THE CORD IS NOT DEFECTIVE AND WILL NOT COVER THE COST OF REPLACEMENT NOR ARE THEY INTERESTED ON THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ELECTRICAL FIRE CAUSED BY THE LOOSE PLUG TERMINAL AND HOT SPOT.
2018-10-26

POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-10-21
  • VIN: JA4J24A56JZ
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
  • Summary: PARKED ON A 25% GRADED POINTING DOWN HILL, WHEN I TRIED TO START THE OUTLANDER, THE SCREEN PRODUCED A RBS ERROR. THE GAS BASED ENGINE WOULD NOT START. THE EV MOTORS SEEMED TO COME ON WITH VERY LITTLE POWER. WHEN I CALLED MITSUBISI TO TOW THE CAR THEY SAID, OUOTE"THAT DOESN'T NORMALLY START THIS SOON" , THIS TELLS ME THEY KNOW THERE IS A PROBLEM. MY PHEV HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP SINCE MONDAY, I'M BEING TOLD THEY RESET THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ERROR AND THEY DON'T SEE A PROBLEM. THIS IS NOT A FIX. I TOOK PICTURES AFTER I RESTARTED IT THE THIRD TIME. THE ONE THING THAT REMAINED WAS THE DRIVING RANGE FOR BOTH GAS AND EV ONLY HAD DASHES, THEY SHOULD SHOW HOW MANY MILES ARE AVALIABLE FOR EV AND GAS.
2018-10-16

SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-10-16
  • VIN: JA4J24A54JZ
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS I HAVE RECEIVED A BRAKE ALERT WHEN NOTHING WAS IN MY WAY. TODAY, WHEN DRIVING DOWN A SIDE STREET AT ABOUT 20 MILES PER HOUR, I WAS GIVEN A BRAKE WARNING AND THEN THE AUTOMATIC BRAKES TURNED ON AND MY CAR SKIDDED TO A STOP. I WAS FORTUNATE NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME OR WE WOULD HAVE BEEN REAR-ENDED.
2018-10-04

VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2018-09-28
  • VIN: JA4J24A52JZ
  • Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
  • Summary: DRIVER'S SIDE GLASS SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING DOWN ROAD WITH NO ROCK STRIKE. DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 70 MPH WITH SUN ON DRIVER SIDE WINDOW AND AC ON. CAR ONLY ONE MONTH OLD.

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander phev recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander phev.

2020-07-13
  • Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
  • Components: SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
  • Summary: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Outlander and 2018-2019 Outlander PHEV vehicles. The second-row center seat belt buckle may interfere with the right-side seat belt buckle when the seat backs are folded down. The interference may cause the right-side seat belt buckle cover to come off, making the buckle latch inoperable and unable to restrain an occupant.
  • Consequence: An unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
  • Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will modify the second-row center seat belt buckle cover, install a new warning label to the second-row seat support base, and provide a new warning label insert for the owner's manual, free of charge. The recall began September 1, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-20-004.
2018-09-14
  • Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
  • Summary: Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Outlander Sport, 2018-2019 Eclipse Cross, and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system that detects pedestrians. Due to incorrect software, the FCM-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) may apply braking for longer than needed, even after a pedestrian is no longer detected.
  • Consequence: If the FCM-ECU software activates the brake for longer than necessary, the driver may react by applying additional braking. The resulting rapid deceleration of the vehicle can increase the risk of a rear-end collision.
  • Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the FCM-ECU software with updated software, free of charge. The recall is began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-007.
2018-09-14
  • Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
  • Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
  • Summary: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system and 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross vehicles and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system and/or an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) system. The software for the Hydraulic Unit Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may be incorrect, possibly preventing the intervention of a safety system such as automatic emergency braking, Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), or the Brake Auto Hold (BAH) function when any of these systems are in use.
  • Consequence: If the safety systems do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the Hydraulic Unit-ECU software, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-008.

Negative 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander phev car reviews

  1. Leo Walter 2024-10-06

    If you are in the market for a new vehicle, I would recommend considering other options besides the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. While I was initially drawn to this car for its innovative green technology and the promise of high mpg/gallon and a federal tax incentive, I have found that the 100% electronic controls can be frustrating to navigate. However, with some time and patience, you can adapt to the new driving experience. I did have a concerning incident where the car began to reverse without a driver due to a misunderstanding with the charger, which resulted in some damage to my property. While Mitsubishi was not as helpful as I would have liked, I was able to file a claim with my insurance company for the damages. Additionally, I experienced a fuel system malfunction that required a software upgrade, which was inconvenient but ultimately resolved. Overall, I believe that the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has some room for improvement before it is ready for widespread sales, but I appreciate the company's efforts to innovate in the green technology space.Let me tell you about the gas mileage. The car can get anywhere from 14-100mpg, with 50-100mpg on the freeway during a long road trip. However, the gas tank is small, so you'll need to fill up frequently. This car may not be the best choice for long commutes or road trips. Additionally, the gasoline engine is not very efficient. If you're considering purchasing a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, keep in mind that it may be an overpriced and poorly tested software package. It's important to live close to a dealership, as not many people know how to work on the car.

  2. Lincoln Mayert 2024-09-06

    Pros: The vehicle boasts quality materials and an enormous cargo space, all at a good price point after incentives. However, it's worth noting that the acceleration may feel sluggish and there may not be enough front leg room for taller individuals. Additionally, the battery range is quite limited.

  3. Harvey Johnston 2024-06-16

    I was really excited about the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. It had all the safety features I wanted, including surround cameras and accident avoidance features. I was ready to sign on the dotted line. However, I was disappointed to learn that it didn't have an integrated navigation system. I've had integrated navigation in all my cars since it was first introduced. I tried to convince myself that I could live with navigation through the vehicle from my phone, but then I found out that when you're using a navigation app on your phone, you can't use any other app features in the vehicle. I think it would be great if Mitsubishi offered integrated Navigation as an option, even if it was at an additional cost. Overall, I'm still a fan of the Outlander PHEV, but I hope they consider adding this feature in the future.

Positive 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander phev car reviews

  1. Conrad Halvorson 2024-11-19

    Hey there! Have you considered getting a second one?

  2. Bertrand Kemmer 2024-11-06

    There are certainly some quirks and limitations, but considering the value for money, including tax credits and potential state rebates, it's hard to find a better option. Personally, I really like the car, despite its shortcomings. It's a great choice for the price.

  3. Derrick Cole 2024-10-26

    I'm glad to hear that you were happy with your MDX, but I must say that the Outlander rides even smoother and is much more efficient. Although it may not have as many gadgets and features as some other vehicles, everything it does, it does very well. Overall, I'm very happy with this SUV.

  4. Hilario Daniel 2024-10-12

    I usually cover a distance of 500 to 700 miles on 9 to 10 gallons of gas, while charging several times a week. The car is comfortable, has great visibility, and although it's not a luxury car, the interior is decent. Considering the price, it's hard to find a better deal.

  5. Royal O'Connell 2024-08-07

    I compared all the Hybrid & electric SUVs available in 2018 models and found the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT to be the best choice financially and in terms of performance. After careful consideration of all the factors, including price, performance, interior & exterior looks and amenities, and car reviews, buying this SUV was a no brainer. I have owned this vehicle for 8 months and I haven’t regretted my decision. I’m so pleased with it and I get a lot of compliments from strangers on it. I live in Hawaii where Toyota & Honda dominate the market, but I love all the perks that come with owning this car, such as free EV parking, driving solely in electric mode, tax rebates, etc. I bought the ruby black pearl color and it shimmers in the sunshine. All my family and friends love the exterior, interior, and driving performance as much as I do. I’ve owned BMWs, Toyotas, Fords, Saturns, and Hondas in the past and I must say, this vehicle comes in 1st place for me. The only downside is I wish it had better electric driving range, but given everything else it does have, I still love it. I hope this review helps you make an informed decision on your next car purchase!

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Other years of Mitsubishi Outlander phev

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Outlander phev 2019
Mitsubishi

21

2

16

  • 5
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mitsubishi outlander phev 2022 photo
Outlander phev 2022
Mitsubishi

1

0

19

  • 5
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  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mitsubishi outlander phev 2018 photo
Outlander phev 2018
Mitsubishi

15

3

11

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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