2008 Mitsubishi Outlander Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander carries a Caution verdict, ranked 17th out of 20 model years, with 58 complaints, 12 recall campaigns, and a complaint index of 16. Its verdict was capped due to the high recall count rather than complaint volume alone.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 16/100
- #17 of 20 Outlander years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 58
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 12
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18.5 city / 25 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
Top 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System14 (24%)
- Engine11 (19%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires11 (19%)
- Transmission & Powertrain9 (16%)
- Visibility & Wipers9 (16%)
- Other7 (12%)
- Structure & Body6 (10%)
- Brakes5 (9%)
- Steering3 (5%)
- Airbags2 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report a heated passenger seat catching fire while the vehicle was parked and off.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in a rear-end collision, resulting in occupant injury.
- Some drivers describe the vehicle hesitating when starting from a stop, with dealers unable to diagnose the cause.
- Owners note rear side windows rattling when rolled down, which dealers called normal.
- Paddle shifters mounted near turn signal stalks reportedly caused accidental gear changes.
- Drivers report being unable to shift the gear selector out of park or drive without warning.
2008 Mitsubishi Outlander recalls
12 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V279000May 18, 2020Structure & Body141,200 vehicles
Structure:frame and members
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
Risk: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, 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. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.
- NHTSA 18V071000Jan 26, 2018Visibility & Wipers56,641 vehicles
Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Outlander, 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Evolution, and 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles equipped with sunroofs. The sunroof glass may detach from the sunroof assembly, becoming a road hazard to other vehicles.
Risk: If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-003.
- NHTSA 18V069000Jan 26, 2018Engine141,053 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleys
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.
2008 Mitsubishi Outlander fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18.5 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,100
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other Outlander years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?
- Compared to other Outlander years, 2008 is rated Caution, ranking 17th out of 20 model years tracked. It has 58 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 16, but 12 recall campaigns pushed its verdict down.
- What is the top problem area for the 2008 Outlander?
- Electrical System issues are the most reported, accounting for 14 complaints, or 24% of all complaints for this year, with a median failure mileage of 77,000 miles.
- Does the 2008 Outlander have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2008 Outlander, covering areas including structure and body corrosion, sunroof glass, engine drive belts, brake light switches, and wiper motor water intrusion.
- Was anyone hurt in 2008 Outlander complaints?
- NHTSA data for this year lists 1 crash, 1 fire, and 2 injuries among the reported complaints, with no deaths recorded.
- How does 2008 compare to other Outlander years?
- The 2008 model's complaint index of 16 is lower than 2007 (68), 2016 (95), and 2022 (100), but its 12 recalls are among the highest of any Outlander year, capping its verdict at Caution instead of Good.