2005 Mitsubishi Outlander problems
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.
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Common 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander problems
Based on complaints from owners of the Mitsubishi Outlander 2005, several common problems have been reported:
- Premature Automatic Transmission Failure: The automatic transmission in the 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander has been reported to fail prematurely, leading to issues such as whining noises, deceleration while driving, and potential transmission overheating warnings.
- AC Not Cold Due to Failed Pressure: Another common issue involves the air conditioning system not blowing cold air due to failed pressure, impacting the comfort of the vehicle's interior climate control.
These problems can significantly impact the functionality and comfort of the Mitsubishi Outlander 2005, highlighting the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any emerging issues to ensure the vehicle's optimal performance and longevity.
What is the common problem of Mitsubishi Outlander?
Some of the top Mitsubishi Outlander problems include premature brake wear, automatic transmission failure, and a failed blower motor.
What kind of engine is in the 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander a 4 or 6 cylinder? All trim levels of the 2005 Outlander feature a 4 cylinder engine.
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander a good reliable car?
RepairPal gives the Mitsubishi Outlander a reliability rating of 4 / 5, making it above average among compact SUVs. They also note that the 2022 Outlander has lower-than-average ownership costs, frequency of unscheduled repairs, and severity of repairs, making it “one of the more reliable vehicles on the road.”
Are Mitsubishi Outlanders cheap to fix?
The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Mitsubishi Outlander is $519, compared to an average of $521 for compact SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models.
2005 Mitsubishi Outlander car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mitsubishi Outlander problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Suspension problems
- Structure problems
- Power train problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2005 Mitsubishi Outlander complaints
The NHTSA has received 18 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-03-05
- VIN: ja4lx31f05u
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while his mother owned the vehicle, she received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V458000 (Suspension). She took the vehicle to a dealer and upon inspection of the vehicle, the dealer found no defect with the lower control arm and sprayed an anti-rust agent on the part to prevent corrosion. Recently, the contact stated that while his daughter was at a stoplight, she heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that his daughter and Police Officers attempted to move the vehicle off to the shoulder however, the vehicle failed to move. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence where he discovered that the lower control arm had collapsed due to severe corrosion. The front driver’s side tire had also detached from the vehicle due to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000. Consumer did not have a blow out. Consumer just exited the highway came to a stop and the previously recalled crossmember collapsed.
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-10-26
- VIN: JA4LZ31F35U
- Components: SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30-35 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL LOUD CLUNKING SOUND COMING FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE NEAR THE DRIVER'S FEET. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MOVE THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE LEFT WHEEL HAD SEIZED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE WAS CAMBERED IN AND RESTING ON THE FRONT FENDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE CONTROL ARM DETACHED FROM EXTREME CORROSION. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS ALSO CORRODED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 198,000.*DT*BF*JB THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VHEICLE IS NOW REPAIRED. *AS
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-03
- VIN: JA4LZ31F45U
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ALONG A PAVED RURAL ROAD IN A MODERATE LEFT TURN AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH THE LOWER LEFT REAR CONTROL ARM DETACHED FROM THE REAR CROSS MEMBER. THIS NOTICEABLY AFFECTED THE HANDLING OF THE VEHICLE AND CAUSED THE TIRE TO CONTACT THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE. THE REAR CROSS MEMBER WAS FOUND SEVERELY RUSTED.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-12-02
- VIN: JA4LZ31F85U
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE STEERING MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT TURN. AFTER STOPPING TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE TWO FRONT WHEELS WERE POSITIONED IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT CROSS MEMBER HAD FRACTURED DUE TO RUSTING. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000. *TT *TR
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-07
- VIN: JA4LZ81F15U
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: MY FRONT CROSSMEMBER AND CONTROL ARMS WERE RUSTED OUT I PAY CASH TO GET IT FIXED NOW IT'S UNDER A RECALL NOW MY REAR CROSS MEMBER IN CONTROL ARMS ARE RUSTED IN MITSUBISHI WON'T FIX THE CAR I TRIED TOO PAY CASH AND THEY TURN ME DOWN THE FRONT CROSSMEMBER WAS UNDER A RECALL SO THE REAR CROSSMEMBER SHOULD BE UNDER A RECALL AS WELL THE REAR IS RUSTY JUST LIKE HOW THE FRONT WAS RUSTY
STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-06-21
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA4LZ41F35U
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: MY CAR IS PART OF A SAFETY RECALL DUE TO CORROSION OF THE CROSS MEMBERS OF MY VEHICLE. PRIOR TO THE RECALL MY VEHICLE FAILED DUE TO THE CROSS MEMBERS FAILING. AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE I WAS GOING 65 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE FRAME SNAPPED IN 2. THERE WAS A LOT OF DAMAGE TO MY VEHICLE DUE TO THE IMPACT OF THE FRAME SPLITTING AND MANY OTHER PARTS OF THE VEHICLE WERE AFFECTED. NOW MITSUBISHI IS EXPECTING ME TO PAY FOR SOME OF THE ALTERNATIVE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THIS ACCIDENT. THEY ARE ASKING ME TO PAY FOR DAMAGE THAT WAS DONE TO THE POWER STEERING PUMP AND HOSE FOR A TOTAL OF $1,700. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CORPORATE OFFICE AND LOCAL DEALER WITH NO SUCCESS. THE CAR WAS IN PERFECTLY FINE WORKING CONDITION PRIOR TO THE FAILURE AND I AM JUST ASKING FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE FIXED AND RETURNED TO ME IN THE SAME CONDITION IT WAS BEFORE THE FAILURE. I HAVE NOT HAD THE CAR FOR 6 MONTHS WHILE WAITING FOR THEM TO FINISH THE REPAIRS. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED WITH THEM. I AM HOPING YOU CAN HELP.
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-11-22
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA4LX31F65U
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND CRASHED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A SCRAP YARD. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V458000 (SUSPENSION). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-09-09
- VIN: JA4LX31F25U
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE CONTROL KNOB FOR THE A/C TO HEAT FREEZES SO THAT IT CANNOT BE TURNED. REPAIRS COST AROUND $900.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-09-10
- VIN: JA4LX31F25U
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TAIL LIGHTS WORK SPORADICALLY. SOMETIMES THEY WORK, SOMETIMES THEY DON'T. THE MOTOR FAN IS ON ALL THE TIME. PROBLEM IS A AN ELECTRICAL SWITCH BOARD. THEY HAD A RECALL ON IT IN AUSTRALIA.
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-11
- VIN: JA4LZ41FX5U
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE COMPUTER WAS REPROGRAMMED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-05-15
- VIN: JA4LX31F75U
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF, THE RADIATOR FAN ASSEMBLY REMAINED ACTIVATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-09-15
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO USE THE WINDOW DEFROSTER OR ADJUST THE TEMPERATURE SETTING FROM HOT TO COOL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-07-08
- VIN: JA4LX31F25U
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,500.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-08-11
- VIN: JA4LZ31FX5U
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 15 MPH. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE AT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL POSITION SENSOR. THE LOCAL MECHANIC INSTALLED A MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE SENSOR TO THE ENGINE HOWEVER THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE ACCELERATION FAILURE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-11-20
- VIN: JA4LX31FX5U
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED OUTSIDE IN RAINY WEATHER, UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE, MODERATE AMOUNTS OF RAINWATER WAS PRESENT IN THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE FLOORBOARD. THE DOORS OR WINDOWS WERE NOT OPEN PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE LEAK ORIGINATED FROM THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR WATER BARRIER TRIM. THE DEALER RESEALED THE WATER BARRIER TRIM ALONG THE LEFT FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR. AFTERWARDS, THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-10-10
- VIN: JA4LZ81F85U
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE VEHICLE IS A MITSTUBISHI OUTLANDER LTD, 2005. THERE IS AN APPARENT LACK OF OR FAILURE OF THE BODY WELDS IN THE DRIVER-SIDE PILLAR. DEALERSHIP INDICATES THERE MAY BE OTHER VEHICLES WITH THIS PROBLEM. LACK OF OR FAILURE RESULTS IN RUBBING OF THE BODY PANELS PRODUCING A HIGH PITCHED METALLIC SOUND. THE EFFECT OF THIS FRICTION AND LACK OF OR FAILED WELDS IS UNCLEAR RELATIVE TO THE CRASH-WORTHINESS OF THE VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY FROM A SIDE IMPACT. *JB
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-12-15
- VIN: JA4LX31F05U
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: DT: THE CONTACT COMPLAINED ABOUT FRONT SUSPENSION PROBLEMS SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. . THERE WAS A STRONG NOISE IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION BESIDES THE ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER 8 TIMES. AT FIRST THEY IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM AS THE SPRING COIL FRONT IMPROPER ADJUSTMENT. BUT THE NOISE PERSISTED. THEN , THEY RELOCATED THE SPRING FRONT COIL STRUT AND CORRECTED THE IMPROPER FRONT TOE ADJUSTMENT. THE NOISE CONTINUED AT A DIFFERENT LEVEL, ESPECIALLY WHEN MAKING TURNS ON A BUMPY ROADS AT ANY SPEED.*AK
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2005-10-30
- Number Of Injuries: 4
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA4LX81F15U
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *NM
2005 Mitsubishi Outlander recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander.
- Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
- Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
- Summary: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
- Consequence: A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.
Positive 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander problems:
2005 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems and Complaints - 5 Issues
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Long story short, the fuel was dirty as hell due to a rusted out filler neck. Went to check fuel pressure and the fuel that came out of the fuel ...
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Apr 20, 2022 ... Build quality is average but there are some minor issues. Such as excessive, creaking like wind noise coming from the side mirror if you go ...
Other years of Mitsubishi Outlander
Are you having problems with your 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Hilario Sawayn 2025-02-20
I'm so glad to have found a small SUV that can climb a paved hill without needing the V6! This little gem is a powerhouse that is a blast to drive, looks great, and is very nicely engineered. I love the Sportronic automatic transmission - with just a flick of the wrist, you can down and upshift manually. The engine is a marvel - packing over 160 horses into just 4 cylinders, it has plenty of power to spare and play with. It's also roomy and comfy. Did I mention it's a great deal of fun?
Zachariah Rice 2025-02-17
I bought this car when it was 2 years old and had 26K miles on it. Now, 7 years later and with 82K miles, I can say that I have had only one problem with the steering column, which was taken care of through the 5-year/60k miles warranty. I always do regular maintenance according to the manual. Although the LS model has a very basic interior, it handles well. I replaced its standard radio/CD player with an all-in-one player, which was a great upgrade. It's perfect for a small family of 2-3 people or a couple with dogs, but it doesn't have enough power for 4 adults. Mine has a gas mileage of 22 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Overall, I am very happy with it and plan to drive it for many more years and miles to come.
Pedro Denesik 2025-02-08
Hi there! It's great to hear that your Outlander 2005 has been serving you well! With over 132,000 miles, it's impressive that you've only had to do the usual wear and tear maintenance. It's understandable that you had to change the water pump 8 months ago, especially with the rough roads where you live. It's fantastic that your Outlander has held up so well and is still going strong! Plus, the spacious cargo and good leg room in the back seat are definitely a plus. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!
Eriberto Dickens 2025-01-28
I really like this SUV, although I would prefer it to have better mileage. However, I must say that the service is excellent and the SUV is perfect for long trips.
Dayne Daugherty 2025-01-17
I bought this car used a week ago and I absolutely love it! It handles just the way I like, hugging the curves with almost no body lean and holding the road perfectly. It's my first SUV and I'm so happy with it - there's plenty of room for my big dog in the back and lots of cargo cubbyholes. I also have the Sun & Sound package and the Infinity sound system is amazing. Plus, it gets great gas mileage for an SUV!