The 2019 Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid with a 2.0L I4 and dual electric motors. While innovative, this generation suffers from catastrophic engine failures and hybrid system quirks that make it a higher-risk used buy than conventional crossovers.
Catastrophic Engine Failure (Connecting Rod Bearing Failure)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-90,000 mi
Symptoms: Knocking or rattling noise from engine bay, especially on cold starts, Metal shavings in oil during changes, Sudden loss of power or complete engine seizure, Check engine light with misfire codes or oil pressure warnings
Fix: Complete engine rebuild or replacement required. Connecting rod bearings fail prematurely, often taking out pistons, crankshaft, and cylinder walls. Short block replacement is minimum 18-24 labor hours, full rebuild 25-35 hours. Some owners report Mitsubishi goodwill assistance case-by-case.
Estimated cost: $8,000-15,000
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 50,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid leaking from front of vehicle, Overheating warnings on dashboard during highway driving, Whining or grinding noise from CVT-like transmission, Reduced EV range due to thermal management issues
Fix: Oil cooler leaks internally or externally, contaminating coolant or leaking ATF. Requires cooler replacement and full fluid flush. 4-6 labor hours. Often triggers other transmission issues if not caught early.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000
Hybrid Battery Thermal Management Failure
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Significantly reduced EV range (under 10 miles on full charge), Battery warning lights and limp mode activation, Loud cooling fan operation even in normal conditions, Vehicle defaults to gas-only operation
Fix: Battery pack cooling system fails (fans, temperature sensors, or coolant lines). Diagnostics require PHEV-specific scan tools. Battery pack replacement is worst case at 12-16 hours, individual cell or cooling component replacement 6-10 hours. Out-of-warranty battery packs are dealer-only parts.
Estimated cost: $3,500-8,500
Engine Mount and Transmission Mount Failures
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 40,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive vibration during transitions between EV and gas modes, Clunking noise when accelerating or braking, Visible sagging of engine when opening hood, Harsh engagement when shifting into drive or reverse
Fix: Hydraulic mounts collapse prematurely due to hybrid powertrain stop-start cycles. Replace all three engine mounts simultaneously to prevent recurring issues. 3-5 labor hours depending on which mounts are done.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Fuel System Contamination and Fuel Filter Clogging
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Rough running or hesitation when gas engine kicks in, Check engine light with fuel trim codes, Hard starting after sitting unused for weeks, Reduced fuel economy in hybrid mode
Fix: PHEVs run gas engines infrequently, leading to stale fuel and varnish buildup. Fuel filter clogs more often than conventional vehicles. Filter replacement is 1.5-2 hours; may require fuel system cleaning and injector service if neglected. Recommend fuel stabilizer if vehicle sits.
Estimated cost: $300-800
Liftgate Strut Failure (Recall-Related)
Common · low severity
Symptoms: Rear hatch falls unexpectedly or won't stay open, Struts hissing or leaking oil, Difficulty opening or closing power liftgate
Fix: Two recalls issued for liftgate struts. Check if recall work was completed; if not, dealer will replace free. If post-recall failure, aftermarket struts are 1 hour labor.
Estimated cost: $0-350
Owner tips
Run the gas engine at least once every two weeks even if driving EV-only to prevent fuel system varnish and keep seals lubricated
Monitor oil consumption closely between changes—early warning sign of bearing wear is burning a quart every 2,000 miles
Service transmission fluid every 30,000 miles regardless of 'lifetime' claims to extend cooler and bearing life
Confirm hybrid battery warranty coverage before purchase—original 10yr/100k often doesn't transfer to second owners in all states
Avoid unless you find one with documented engine replacement under warranty and verified recall completion—the engine failure risk alone makes this a gamble at any price.
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.
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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.
Consequence: A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2026. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-26-001. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov June 3, 2026. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V507.
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.
Consequence: A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2025. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-25-002
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.
Consequence: An unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will modify the second-row center seat belt buckle cover, install a new warning label to the second-row seat support base, and provide a new warning label insert for the owner's manual, free of charge. The recall began September 1, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-20-004.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER · 20V280000
2020-05-18
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.
Consequence: An incorrectly assembled seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right side second-row seat belt and replace it as necessary, free of charge. This recall began June 17, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-002.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 18V591000
2018-09-05
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."
Consequence: The incorrect rim size information on the label can cause the operator to replace the rim with an incorrect rim size, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners and send them a corrected certification label, free of charge. Owners can also choose to have the label replaced by a dealer, free of charge. The recall began September 26, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-006.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
25mpg
Highway
26mpg
Combined
25mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2.0L I4 PHEV and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.