YearToAvoid

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Engine Problems

Engine complaints make up 26 of 58 total complaints (45%) for the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander, the highest share of any model year in this dataset. Two engine-related recalls (18V069000 and 14V562000) address belt tensioner and drive belt issues, with median mileage at failure around 36,500 miles.

Engine complaints
26
45% of 58
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
36,500 mi
Related recalls
2

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Check engine warning light illuminates while driving at highway speed, sometimes accompanied by loss of power above 55 mph.
  • Vehicle hesitates or fails to accelerate smoothly from a stop or during turns, without the dealer being able to duplicate the issue.
  • Owners report repeated dealer visits for oil feeder replacements without resolving the recurring check engine light problem.
  • Multiple owners under recall 14V562000 report long waits for replacement drive belts and pulleys due to parts unavailability, even though they had not yet experienced an engine failure.
  • Some owners note the recall repair extended well beyond a reasonable time frame while the vehicle remained in use.

When 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander engine complaints were filed

First complaint May 3, 2011, latest Apr 19, 2026.

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander engine complaints: complaints filed per month3May 2011Oct 2014Jan 2015Jun 2017Dec 2018Jul 2021Jan 2024
26 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2011 to Apr 2026; peak Nov 2014 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander

  1. 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.

  2. NHTSA 14V562000Sep 12, 2014Engine165,923 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleys

    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.

Engine complaints by Outlander model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201021 (35%)
  2. 201126 (45%)
  3. 20123 (14%)
  4. 20135 (19%)
  5. 20144 (9%)
  6. 201515 (29%)
  7. 201629 (20%)
  8. 201710 (20%)
  9. 201814 (25%)
  10. 20194 (14%)
  11. 20202 (6%)
  12. 202219 (9%)
  13. 20237 (15%)
  14. 20245 (19%)
  15. 20253 (20%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander?
NHTSA lists 26 engine complaints out of 58 total complaints for the 2011 Outlander, a 45% share, the highest of any model year for this component.
Is there a recall for the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander engine?
Yes. Recall 18V069000 covers belt tensioner replacement and recall 14V562000 covers drive belt replacement on 2008-2011 Outlander vehicles with 4B11 or 4B12 engines.
At what mileage do engine problems typically appear on the 2011 Outlander?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 36,500 miles.
Did the 2011 Outlander engine recalls cause crashes or fires?
No. NHTSA data for these engine complaints shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.