The 2008 Outlander is plagued by catastrophic engine failures on the 2.4L I4 and premature CVT transmission issues, making it one of Mitsubishi's most problematic platforms from this era. The combination of engine rebuild frequency and transmission cooler failures creates significant ownership risk.
Symptoms: Loud knocking or rattling from engine bay, especially on cold starts, Metal shavings in oil during changes, Sudden loss of oil pressure and engine seizure, Check engine light with misfire codes before total failure
Fix: Complete engine rebuild or replacement required. Piston slap and bearing wear lead to rod knock, then catastrophic failure. Short block replacement takes 18-24 labor hours; used engine swap 12-16 hours. This is a known defect tied to inadequate piston skirt design and bearing clearances.
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
CVT Transmission Oil Cooler Failure and Contamination
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission slipping or shuddering during acceleration, Burnt transmission fluid smell, Metallic debris in transmission pan, Coolant mixing with transmission fluid (milky fluid), Overheating transmission with limp mode activation
Fix: External CVT oil cooler fails, allowing coolant contamination into transmission. Requires cooler replacement, complete transmission fluid flush (multiple cycles), often new CVT if contamination severe. Cooler replacement alone 3-4 hours; full CVT R&R 10-14 hours. ALWAYS replace cooler proactively if buying used.
Rear Differential Fluid Leak and Bearing Noise (AWD models)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Whining or growling noise from rear on turns, Fluid spots under rear center of vehicle, Vibration at highway speeds, Binding sensation in tight turns
Fix: Rear diff pinion seal leaks, leading to low fluid and bearing damage. Seal replacement 2-3 hours if caught early; bearing damage requires diff overhaul or replacement at 6-8 hours. Many shops replace the entire unit with junkyard assembly to save time.
Front Lower Control Arm Bushing and Ball Joint Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front suspension, Steering wander and poor alignment retention, Uneven tire wear on inside edges, Excessive play in steering wheel
Fix: Lower control arm bushings deteriorate rapidly; ball joints also wear prematurely. Mitsubishi issued recall for some VINs but not all affected. Replace entire control arms (bushings not serviceable separately on most aftermarket parts). 2.5-3.5 hours per side, alignment required.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000 (both sides with alignment)
Sunroof Drain Tube Clogs and Water Intrusion
Occasional · low severity
Symptoms: Water pooling in footwells, especially front passenger, Musty smell and mold in cabin, Headliner staining near A-pillars, Electrical gremlins (window switches, door locks) from water damage
Fix: Sunroof drain tubes clog with debris, causing water to overflow into cabin. Tubes route through A-pillars and exit at rocker panels. Cleaning drains 1-2 hours; repairing water-damaged wiring/modules adds significantly to cost. Recall issued for some production dates but poorly executed fix.
Symptoms: Power steering fluid leaking under vehicle, Whining noise when turning wheel, Heavy steering effort, especially when cold, Burning smell from fluid on exhaust
Fix: High-pressure power steering hose develops pinhole leaks; pump fails from running dry. Recall issued for hose routing but doesn't cover all failures. Hose replacement 1.5-2 hours; pump replacement 2.5-3 hours. Always replace both if pump has run dry.
Estimated cost: $350-550 (hose); $600-900 (pump and hose)
Owner tips
2.4L I4 engines: Change oil every 3,000-4,000 miles with quality synthetic to延长 engine life; listen for ANY knocking and investigate immediately
CVT models: Replace external transmission cooler proactively at 60k miles ($800 insurance vs. $5k gamble); change CVT fluid every 30k miles despite 'lifetime' claim
AWD models: Service rear differential every 30k miles; check for leaks during every oil change
Sunroof-equipped: Flush drain tubes annually with compressed air and water; verify exit points at rocker panels are clear
Check VIN for open recalls, especially lower control arm and power steering hose — many not completed by previous owners
Avoid unless you find a 3.0L V6 conventional automatic with documented CVT cooler replacement and spotless maintenance records — even then, budget $2,000-3,000 for immediate preventive work or likely repairs within first year of ownership.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Be the first to unlock repairs for the 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander
Procedures haven't been generated for this vehicle yet. Become the founding sponsor and we'll generate expert-grade, step-by-step repair walkthroughs for every common job on it — free for every mechanic and DIYer who looks it up after, forever.
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.
Consequence: 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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS · 18V069000
2018-01-26
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.
Consequence: 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.
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY · 18V071000
2018-01-26
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.
Consequence: 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.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles. In the affected vehicles, water may drop between the hood and the windshield and leak into the wiper motor breathing hole. The water may cause internal corrosion of the windshield wiper motor and the possible failure of the motor.
Consequence: Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-003.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles manufactured September 8, 2006, to March 29, 2013. In the affected vehicles, water may enter between the hood and windshield and cause the front wiper link ball joint to corrode, possibly resulting in the wiper link separating and the wipers becoming inoperative.
Consequence: Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rubber boot on the ball joint to prevent water intrusion. Additionally, they will inspect the wiper motor crank arm for excessive play, replacing it as necessary. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-009.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM · 16V458000
2016-06-23
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS · 14V562000
2014-09-12
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.
Consequence: 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH · 14V564000
2014-09-12
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Outlander vehicles manufactured December 15, 2006, to October 31, 2007, and April 16, 2008, to August 22, 2009. In the affected vehicles, the brake light switch may malfunction causing the brake lights to not illuminate during brake application.
Consequence: Brake lights that are inoperative would not warn other drivers that the vehicle is stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch with a new one, free of charge. The recall began in mid-October 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-010. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 08V-680 and does not include any vehicles that were previously recalled.
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS · 14V366000
2014-06-25
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, Mitusbishi is recalling certain 2007-2012 Outlander vehicles that received replacement 6-speed automatic transmissions during servicing. The transmissions in these vehicles have insufficient clearance between the power steering pressure tube and the converter housing of the automatic transmission. As a result of the contact, the power steering pressure tube may develop a hole and leak power steering fluid.
Consequence: A power steering fluid leak could result in a loss of steering assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pressure tube and return tube, free of charge. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-006.
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:CHECK VALVE · 09V077000
2009-03-10
MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 39,711 MY 2008-2009 OUTLANDER AND LACER VEHICLES. INCORRECT MATERIAL COMPOSITION OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE MAY CAUSE THE CHECK VALVE TO STICK CLOSED WHEN THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS RE-STARTED AND PUT INTO MOTION, UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS (VERY SLOW VEHICLE MANEUVERS), THERE MAY BE INSUFFICIENT INITIAL BRAKING ASSIST.
Consequence: THIS MAY TEMPORARILY INCREASE THE STOPPING DISTANCE OF THE VEHICLE AND THEREFORE INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH · 08V680000
2008-12-19
MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 21,493 MY 2007-2008 OUTLANDER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH LED TYPE STOP LAMPS AND DISTRIBUTED IN THE UNITED STATES AND PUERTO RICO. THE BRAKE LAMP SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION AND CAUSE THE STOP LAMPS TO NOT ILLUMINATE DURING BRAKE APPLICATION.
Consequence: THE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE LAMPS TO ILLUMINATE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED WILL NOT PROVIDE WARNING TO FOLLOWING TRAFFIC AND COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STOP LAMP SWITCH. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
SEATS · 08V094000
2008-02-28
MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING 5,400 MY 2007-2008 OUTLANDER PASSENGER VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF 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. FOR VEHICLES WITHOUT AN ELECTRIC POWER SEAT, THE FLOOR HARNESS CONNECTOR FOR THE POWER SEAT IS PLACED DIRECTLY ON THE FLOORBOARD UNDERNEATH THE CARPETING (VEHICLES WITH POWER SEATS ALREADY HAVE THE HARNESS ELEVATED). IF A VEHICLE OCCUPANT ENTERS THE VEHICLE WITH A SUFFICIENT AMOUNT OF SNOW ON THEIR FEET CONTAINING ROAD SALT, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE MELTED SNOW MIXTURE TO SOAK THE CARPET AND ALLOW THE SALT-WATER SOLUTION TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH THE UNUSED POWER SEAT HARNESS CONNECTOR.
Consequence: THE CONNECTOR TERMINAL MAY CORRODE AND ALLOW CURRENT TO FLOW, RESULTING IN THE GRADUAL HEATING AND MELTING OF THE CONNECTOR AND MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL RELOCATE THE FLOOR HARNESS FROM BENEATH BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SEATS TO ABOVE THE CARPET AND AWAY FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE FLOORBOARD TO PREVENT CONTACT WITH ANY FUTURE MELT SOLUTION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 7, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
Building an app?
Free API access to all this data — 50 requests/day, no card required.