Independent · Not affiliated with NHTSA or any automaker MethodologyData sourcesData refreshed Oct 6, 2026

2009 Mitsubishi Outlander: Problems, Recalls and MPG

What this means

NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander, most recently filed May 2020. Owners have filed 46 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the exterior lighting.

Data summary generated from official records. Methodology Data: NHTSA, DOT, EPA · Refreshed Oct 6, 2026
Caution Fewer than 50 complaints filed. With this few reports, patterns may not be meaningful.
Recalls 13campaigns 4 visibility · 2 suspension · 2 engine Source: NHTSA Complaints 46filed Owner reports, 2005–2014 shown Source: NHTSA ODI Fuel economy 22mpg combined $2,969/yr at this week's prices Source: EPA · EIA Specs 2.4 L 4-cyl· CVT 4 engine and transmission configurations Source: NHTSA vPIC
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Recalls (13)

NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns for the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗

Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.

Check on NHTSA ↗
Listed for 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 20V279000 Filed May 18, 2020

Lower Control Arm May Detach Due to Corrosion

Structure · frame and members
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
46.6% repairedof 141,200 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V279000
Listed for 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V069000 Filed Jan 26, 2018

Belt Tensioner may Break Allowing Belt to Detach

Engine and engine cooling · engine · gasoline · belts and associated pulleys
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
38.4% repairedof 141,053 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V069000
Listed for 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 18V071000 Filed Jan 26, 2018

Sun Roof Glass may Detach from Assembly

Visibility · sun/moon roof assembly
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
26.8% repairedof 56,641 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V071000
Listed for 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 17V461000 Filed Jul 20, 2017

Water Intrusion may cause Wiper Motor Failure

Visibility · windshield wiper/washer · motor
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
36% repairedof 100,082 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V461000
Listed for 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V791000 Filed Oct 31, 2016

Water Intrusion may cause Wiper Link Corrosion

Visibility · windshield wiper/washer · linkages
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
36% repairedof 100,082 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V791000
Listed for 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 16V458000 Filed Jun 23, 2016

Lower Control Arm Detachment Due to Corrosion

Suspension · front · control arm · lower arm
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
18.2% repairedof 194,674 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V458000
Listed for 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V232000 Filed Apr 20, 2015

Loss of Lights and/or Windshield Wipers

Electrical system
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to July 6, 2010, 2009-2010 Outlander vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to August 27, 2010, 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to June 8, 2010, and 2010 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to August 4, 2010. The affected vehicles have an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. Due to a manufacturing error, the voltage inside this ECU may be unstable.
Consequence
Unstable voltage could result in intermittent failure of the vehicle's head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. If the headlights and/or windshield wipers fail, the driver could have reduced visibility. If the tail lights fail, the vehicle could be less visible. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected ECU, free of charge. The recall began on June 15 ,2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-002.
54.3% repairedof 53,396 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V232000
Listed for 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 15V233000 Filed Apr 20, 2015

Blower Motor may Fail

Visibility · defroster/defogger/hvac system · fan/motor
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Lancer vehicles manufactured March 16, 2009, to March 30, 2011, 2010-2011 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to December 1, 2010, 2010-2011 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to January 7, 2011, 2009-2011 Outlander vehicles manufactured February 10, 2009, to June 22, 2011, and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to November 19, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the blower motor may fail.
Consequence
Failure of the blower motor may reduce the performance of the windshield defroster, diminishing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-003.
56.3% repairedof 76,958 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 15V233000
Listed for 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 14V562000 Filed Sep 12, 2014

Drive Belt may Detach due to Worn Engine Pulley

Engine and engine cooling · engine · gasoline · belts and associated pulleys
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
46.6% repairedof 165,923 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V562000
Listed for 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 14V564000 Filed Sep 12, 2014

Brake Lamp Switch may not Function

Exterior lighting · brake lights · switch
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
41.2% repairedof 37,145 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V564000
Listed for 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 14V365000 Filed Jun 25, 2014

Transmission Fluid may Leak into Transfer Case

Power train · automatic transmission
Official NHTSA text
Summary
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2007 and 2009 Outlander vehicles. During servicing, the affected vehicles were repaired with replacement transfer case assemblies whose oil seal may come out of position.
Consequence
If the oil seal dislodges, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) may enter the transfer case assembly, reducing the ATF pressure in the transmission, resulting in poor transmission shifting or the inability of the vehicle to be driven, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transfer assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-005.
80% repairedof 5 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V365000
Listed for 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 14V366000 Filed Jun 25, 2014

Power Steering Pressure Tube may Leak

Steering · hydraulic power assist · hose, piping, and connections
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
75.8% repairedof 203 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V366000
Listed for 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. Not checked against your VIN.
Recall 09V077000 Filed Mar 10, 2009

BRAKE BOOSTER CHECK VALVE

Service brakes, air · supply · check valve
Official NHTSA text
Summary
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.
Repair progress not yet reported39,711 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA or ask a dealer to check campaign 09V077000

PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.

Which Outlander years had the most recalls?Best & worst years →Every recall for the Mitsubishi OutlanderAll model years →Where is the VIN on my car?VIN location guide →

Owner complaints (46)

46 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The exterior lighting is mentioned most often.

5involved a crash
0involved a fire
3injuries reported
0deaths reported

As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.

Most-reported components

Complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander, by component (top 10). One complaint can list several components, so these add up to more than 46.Source: NHTSA ODI owner complaints · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 · Report a data error

How 2009 compares with other Outlander years

Best and worst Outlander years →
19 21 125 58 46 60 58 22 26 45
2005200620072008200920102011201220132014
This year (2009)Other yearsStill collecting reports

Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.

Fuel economy: up to 22 mpg combined

22
mpg combined
20
city
25
highway
EPA annual fuel cost
$3,050
CO₂ tailpipe
404 g/mi
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle -

What it costs you to run

$2,969per year
$247per month
682gallons a year

Miles ÷ 22 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.

EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.

Specs by configuration

2009 Mitsubishi Outlander configurations with EPA data
Engine · transmissionDriveCity / Hwy / CombEPA $/yrCO₂ g/mi
2.4 L 4-cyl · CVTFront-Wheel Drive20 / 25 / 22$3,050404
2.4 L 4-cyl · CVT4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive20 / 25 / 22$3,050404
3 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automaticFront-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20$3,350444
3 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19$3,550468

Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.

Used blue SUV on a sunny dealer lot with its hood open and a clipboard on the fender

Looking at a 2009 Outlander for sale?

Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.

All Outlander years

Where to next

Which Outlander years drew the fewest complaints?Best & worst years →2010 Mitsubishi Outlander report60 complaints · 10 campaigns →2008 Mitsubishi Outlander report58 complaints · 12 campaigns →Have a VIN? Decode itVIN decoder →

2009 Mitsubishi Outlander FAQ

How many recalls does the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander have?

NHTSA lists 13 recall campaigns: 20V279000 (suspension), 18V069000 (engine), 18V071000 (visibility), 17V461000 (visibility), 16V791000 (visibility), 16V458000 (suspension), 15V232000 (electrical), 15V233000 (visibility), 14V562000 (engine), 14V564000 (brake), 14V365000 (wheel), 14V366000 (steering), 09V077000 (brake). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.

What are the most common 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander problems?

Owners filed 46 complaints with NHTSA. Exterior lighting (5), Power train (5), Suspension (5) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.

What mpg does the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander get?

EPA rates the 2.4 L 4-cyl · CVT version at 20 city, 25 highway and 22 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.

How does the 2009 Outlander compare with other years?

Among the 2005–2014 Mitsubishi Outlander model years at least five years old, the 2005 drew the fewest complaints (19) and the 2007 the most (125). The 2009 drew 46. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.

How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes

Processing

  • Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
  • Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.

Limitations

  • Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
  • Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
  • Recent model years are still collecting reports.

Review

Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.

Changelog

  • 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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