YearToAvoid

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 23 Electrical System complaints for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander, 16% of all complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 44,500 miles. A related recall (17V609000) covers defective relays on 2015-2017 Outlander models.

Electrical System complaints
23
16% of 145
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
2
Median mileage
44,500 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

  • Low-beam headlights repeatedly burn out, sometimes in pairs, with owners replacing bulbs multiple times over a short period.
  • Warning indicators such as the airbag maintenance light illuminate intermittently, in one case linked to using both front charging outlets at once.
  • The heater loses power and shuts off briefly while driving, then the engine and heat return on their own.
  • Doors fail to lock automatically while driving, letting a stranger open a door at a stop.
  • An under-hood fire started in the battery/engine area after a jump-start attempt on a low-mileage, rarely driven vehicle.
  • Owners who received recall notice 17V609000 reported the replacement relay parts were unavailable, delaying the repair beyond a reasonable time.

When 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 3, 2017, latest Jul 23, 2026.

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander electrical system complaints: complaints filed per month2Jan 2017May 2018Mar 2019Dec 2019Mar 2020Mar 2021Aug 2023
23 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2017 to Jul 2026; peak Oct 2019 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander

  1. NHTSA 17V609000Sep 29, 2017Electrical System132,552 vehicles

    Electrical system:starter assembly:relay

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Outlander, 2015-2016 Lancer and Outlander Sport, and 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles. These vehicles may have defective relays that can result in an engine stall, reduced engine power or the engine overheating.

    Risk: If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected relays, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-005.

Electrical System complaints by Outlander model year

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

  1. 20052 (11%)
  2. 20069 (43%)
  3. 200722 (18%)
  4. 200814 (24%)
  5. 20098 (17%)
  6. 20107 (12%)
  7. 201110 (17%)
  8. 20123 (14%)
  9. 20135 (19%)
  10. 20144 (9%)
  11. 20157 (13%)
  12. 201623 (16%)
  13. 201710 (20%)
  14. 201814 (25%)
  15. 20198 (28%)
  16. 202013 (42%)
  17. 202225 (12%)
  18. 202311 (23%)
  19. 20247 (27%)
  20. 20253 (20%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical complaints does NHTSA have for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander?
NHTSA lists 23 Electrical System complaints for the 2016 Outlander, making up 16% of the 145 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2016 Outlander's electrical system?
Yes. Recall 17V609000 covers 2015-2017 Outlander (plus related Lancer and Outlander Sport models) for defective relays. Dealers replace the affected relays free of charge, and the recall began October 24, 2017.
What is the most common electrical complaint on the 2016 Outlander?
The most frequently described issue is repeated headlight bulb failure, with several owners reporting they replaced low-beam bulbs multiple times.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2016 Outlander?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 44,500 miles at the time of failure for Electrical System complaints on the 2016 Outlander.
Did any electrical complaints involve fire or injury?
Yes. Among the 23 Electrical System complaints, NHTSA records 1 fire and 2 injuries, along with 2 crashes.

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.