2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems: 4 Known Issues

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems: 4 Known Issues | Au7o

NHTSA Recalls12 recalls

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels. The Certification Label lists an incorrect rear wheel rim size. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Campaign #18V59100005/09/2018

SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY

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.

Campaign #20V40300013/07/2020

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Outlander and 2019 Outlander PHEV vehicles. The seat belt for the right side second-row seat may have been assembled incorrectly.

Campaign #20V28000018/05/2020

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles sold and/or currently registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.

Campaign #25V50700007/08/2025

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.

Campaign #26V25200020/04/2026

+ 7 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mitsubishi Outlander problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Salt-Belt Front Cross Member Corrosion — Control Arm Detachment Recall (20V279), CVT Transmission Premature Failure, 6B31 3.0L V6 Uses a Timing BELT, Not a Chain — Missed Interval Destroys Later Interference Engines. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?

The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 3 issues are rated critical: Salt-Belt Front Cross Member Corrosion — Control Arm Detachment Recall (20V279) and CVT Transmission Premature Failure and 6B31 3.0L V6 Uses a Timing BELT, Not a Chain — Missed Interval Destroys Later Interference Engines. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Mitsubishi Outlander problems?

Repair costs for known Mitsubishi Outlander issues range from $600 to $7,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2008-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Salt-Belt Front Cross Member Corrosion — Control Arm Detachment Recall (20V279)?

If your 2008-2013 Outlander has ever lived in a road-salt state, it is part of Mitsubishi recall 20V279000 (Mitsubishi campaign SR-20-003). Salt water exposure corrodes the front cross member — the structural crossbeam the front lower control arms bolt into. As that corrosion pro… Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander CVT Transmission Premature Failure?

The Jatco CVT in the Outlander is prone to premature failure, particularly under heavy loads and in hot climates. The CVT belt and pulleys wear prematurely, leading to slipping, shuddering, and eventual complete transmission failure, often between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. Repairs typically run $3,000-$7,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander 6B31 3.0L V6 Uses a Timing BELT, Not a Chain — Missed Interval Destroys Later Interference Engines?

A recurring and expensive owner mistake on V6 Outlanders: buyers and even some independent shops assume a modern V6 has a timing chain, so the belt never gets changed. The 6B31 3.0L V6 fitted to the Outlander runs a rubber timing belt with a service interval around 105,000 miles. Repairs typically run $700-$5,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander AC Compressor Failure?

The AC compressor in the Outlander is prone to premature failure, with the internal clutch bearing seizing or the compressor developing internal leaks. Failure typically occurs between 60,000 and 90,000 miles, leaving the vehicle without air conditioning. Repairs typically run $600-$1,500. Severity: medium.

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems: 4 Known Issues

All 4 Known Issues

2008-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander: Salt-Belt Front Cross Member Corrosion — Control Arm Detachment Recall (20V279)#

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2007-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander: CVT Transmission Premature Failure#

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2007-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander: 6B31 3.0L V6 Uses a Timing BELT, Not a Chain — Missed Interval Destroys Later Interference Engines#

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How to Fix

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2007-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander: AC Compressor Failure#

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How to Fix

What you need to fix it

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Other Mitsubishi Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mitsubishi Outlander problems?

Is the Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Mitsubishi Outlander problems?

What is the 2008-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Salt-Belt Front Cross Member Corrosion — Control Arm Detachment Recall (20V279)?

What is the 2007-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander CVT Transmission Premature Failure?

What is the 2007-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander 6B31 3.0L V6 Uses a Timing BELT, Not a Chain — Missed Interval Destroys Later Interference Engines?

What is the 2007-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander AC Compressor Failure?