Forward collision avoidance, structural, and faulty airbag issues are among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
Are you experiencing problems with your vehicle’s hood shaking? Find out if you are eligible to join our class action lawsuit.
This is the fourth generation of Mitsubishi’s immensely popular first crossover SUV, launched in 2001. It’s not surprising that customers who want a low-cost SUV with three rows of seats often look to the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander. Even though it costs less, the automaker claims that drivers will “get thunderstruck.” Some are thunderstruck, but others say the problems they are faced with are more like a thunderbolt. These include those with forward collision avoidance issues, airbags not deploying when the SUV crashes, and a multitude of structural defects, primarily a hood that vibrates and bounces, threatening to fly up and crash into the windshield.
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Complaints have been flowing into the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander since June 2021, 2022, shortly after it was released. The first 7 complaints were about the SUV’s hood vibrating, shaking, and fluttering, and there have been many more about this major problem. But there are other problems too, and lots of them. Also, hood shaking issues are listed under other headings including forward collision avoidance.
Since June 21, there have been 102 complaints about the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV and a couple more about the Outlander Sport and PHEV.
It’s probably no surprise that more than half of the complaints relate to the structure of the Outlander, 58 in all. The “fluttering” and “shaking” hood issue isn’t the only structure issue, but almost all of them mention this problem.
Forward collision avoidance is another major problem, with 9 complaints registered on the NHTSA website. Faulty airbags are another common issue, with 5 complaints on file.
The other components and systems mentioned in NHTSA complaints are backover prevention, the electrical system, engine, the fuel/gasoline system, fuel/propulsion system, lane departure, latches/locks/linkages, seat belts, service brakes including hydraulic brakes, steering, suspension, visibility/wiper, and wheels. That adds up to a very wide range of issues.
2022 Outlander Recalls
There have been 5 recalls for the Outlander, 1 for the Outlander Sport, and none for the PHEV. These issues are not common to basic SUV, Sport, or PHEV.
The recall issued for the Sport is due to a possible engine stall resulting from a control unit software error. It affects as many as 76,508 vehicles and increases the risk of a crash.
The recalls for the basic 2022 Outlander relate to:
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Structure:body | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | |
| Electrical System | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Steering | |
| Suspension | |
| Engine | |
| Wheels |
As mentioned above, most of the vehicle structure complaints relate to the hood shaking, fluttering, or vibrating. We know this and have already launched a class action investigation into the problem.
The most recent complaint on the NHTSA website, posted by an owner in Pennsylvania on December 18, 2022, states: “The hood latch is faulty. It’s a known problem for the 2022 Outlander. When the car drives the hood shakes as if it will lift up while driving. It has been almost a year of ownership and Mitsubishi has yet to fix this issue.”
An owner from Oregon states that when “traveling at speeds over 50 mph, or heading into a strong headwind, the hood bounces and looks like it will fly open at any time.” In this case, the owner took it to the dealer who was unable to fix the problem. There are lots of other complaints that say basically the same thing:
People aren’t happy! Some dealers have tried to fix the problem.
An owner from Virginia states that while driving a 2022 Outlander “at speeds exceeding 60 mph, the hood became unsecured and was vibrating and bouncing up and down. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed the contact that the failure was due to the wind blowing under the hood. A weather strip was installed on the vehicle but the failure persisted. No further information was available.” The failure mileage was a minimal 100.
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Today’s advanced safety systems are designed to protect all occupants. One important system is forward collision avoidance, which is causing big problems for an increasing number of 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander owners.
An early NHTSA complaint lodged on November 7, 2021, states that within six months “the car’s software suddenly disabled the Adaptive Cruise Control function and Forward Collision Warning when I (was) driving on the highway. I tried to drive to a safe place, stop the car and restart it, and the warnings disappeared. But after driving for a few dozen miles, the warning suddenly reappeared.” The owner of this Outlander is afraid that if vehicles in front suddenly brake and slow down on the highway, “my car will probably crash directly into them.”.
Even though he hasn’t had an accident yet, the car’s software keeps failing, “which is scary.” Someone in Florida who bought a 2022 Outlander for his daughter says he bought the vehicle “because of safety features.” But, because his daughter “wasn’t paying attention,” she got into a very standard rear-end collision with the airbags going off. The main problem is that the “frontal collision system did not give a warning signal and did not do any emergency braking. The system was not turned off by us.”
Another incident that involves a crash is described by an owner in North Carolina. “My wife was parked and inadvertently put the Outlander in gear while turning around to get something from the back seat. By the time she noticed the Outlander was moving, they ran into the front end of a SUV about 20 feet away. No warning alerts went off nor did the imminent crash braking engage.”
Of the 5 complaints involving airbags, 3 report that the airbags did not deploy when the Outlander crashed.
One complaint states that Mitsubishi refuses to do anything about an issue when the Front Collision Mitigation System, FCM, failed on frontal impact and the airbags did not deploy.
The complaint states that the “vehicle did not activate audible or display emergency warning signals prior to frontal impact.” Also, “No prior warning lights were displayed.” So, they filed a complaint with Mitsubishi Motors. Eventually, they were told that “they would not do anything, and we should contact our insurance.” According to the complaint, Mitsubishi claimed they hadn’t inspected the vehicle, but “never inquired with any intelligent questions as to why the airbags and FCM system failed to operate.”
Another states that a front-end collision destroyed the front quarter panels when the airbags failed to deploy.
The most recent complaint states that a 2022 Outlander “was totaled” when it hit a deer at 70 mph. No airbags were deployed, so it’s thankful that no humans were injured.
Do you think you’ve bought a 2022 Outlander that is a lemon? If so, you have an option that you may not have considered. An experienced lemon law firm like Lemberg Law can assess your case and tackle the manufacturer on your behalf.
The law makes Mitsubishi pay legal fees for lemon law cases. This means that you may be able to get your lemon out of your life. After all, every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of people.
If you need help, feel free to call our Helpline or fill out our contact form. We will assess your problems free of charge and advise you.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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I have never been so disappointed. I bought a brand new 2022 outlander fully loaded. I was driving down the highway and a chrome piece that is attached to the back smaller window flew off. Mitsubishi is refusing to cover this under warranty. This is completely unacceptable. They want to charge me 1400 plus labor to have it replaced. This is a MANUFACTURER DEFECT! They are telling me because I don’t have the chrome piece they can do a proper investigation to claim warranty. Where along the highway would you like me to go and find this missing piece that FLEW off of my vehicle? This is the first time I have ever bought a brand new vehicle and the service that I’ve gotten from Mitsubishi regarding this matter has destroyed any joy I have had from purchasing a brand new vehicle. Do not buy from Mitsubishi. When your vehicle starts to fall apart and believe me it will They will do what ever they possibly can to get out of warranty.
I have a 2023 Outlander; it is nine months old. It has been to the shop three times and is due to go in on Tuesday. I love the style, but unfortunately, with so many issues, I have to say I do not recommend anyone to purchase this vehicle. I had a high engine rev at the start of the car; they say this is normal. I also have a massive crack in my windshield in week one of the purchase. In my opinion, the glass is very cheap. I also brought it to the shop for RPM. It’s getting stuck at three, and the engine is revving like it’s trying to find gear. The tech could not duplicate it. I also have issues with the AC; this is insane, but it has been brought to the shop three times, and going in for the fourth time for the AC blowing cold air on one side and hot on another or blowing cold when it should be hot and vice versa. I was told this was the way the car was designed. It is to read the temperature outside and adjust the cabin air to the temperature outside. When I said, what if I want the AC on and not the heat when it is cold outside? Shouldn’t I be able to do this? The tech replied that he knew it was not what I wanted to hear, but that is how the car is designed. I was in awe to think that he thought I bought his BS. So basically, he tells me I don’t have any say in what temperature I want in my car. He first told me he could not duplicate, then the second visit was too much Freon and did a recharge at no charge. (like, really, I only have 12000 miles) Also, I noticed the flutter in the hood on the interstate, mostly at 70-plus mph. This didn’t concern me other than it has me thinking how cheaply made this car is. I have also had the front collision sensor go off and on several times, mostly when it’s raining, or lots of dew is out, and another time, a bee got smacked on the outside sensor. I recently heard a squeaking noise from the front driver’s tire. I am unsure and have only heard it a few times, once while driving down the road and turning left and right on a huge curve and again in my driveway pulling in, but it is loud and embarrassing, especially in a new car. There was also a recall when I first purchased it for the backup camera, but I never saw the default they discussed. But I did bring it in for the repair. I loved my Outlander till all this. The dealership has been excellent regarding rental when I leave my car, and the manager and sales guy have also been great. I know it is not their fault, but at this point. After three shop visits, no repairs or answers, and going in for a fourth, I contacted an attorney and will move forward with a suit against Mitsubishi Motors. It saddens me that it has come down to this but when purchasing this, I expect to travel with comfort and peace of mind that I am in a safe and reliable vehicle but I am not getting this with this Outlander. Stay far away from this vehicle.
I have a 22-23 outlander the hood has shook since the beginning and I’ve been given the run around since the first day and still not fixed. The forward collision lights comes on and off all the time. I’ve had the rear differential replaced in the vehicle once so far. The vehicle has eaten through 3 sets of tires in 80,000 miles dealer says they can find nothing wrong why it would do it. First time it was the tire manufacturer, second time was alightment and 3rd they replaced differential. I am disgusted with this suv.
2022 Outlander
They are rubbish cars are rough to drive. Interior is of poor quality and makes lots of noise and rattles travelling down roads.
Lots on wind noise in cabin and tyre noise.
Engine power is weak and traction control is lazy, the wheels spin before locking up.
Any sign of rain will make the forward collision turn off and will make cruise control unavailable.
Cvt is of inferior Nissan cvt, poor quality and reliability.
Mitsubishi used to be good cars, not anymore.
I have a 2022 Outlander and it is great, except for when they pushed a system update my radio started having issues. 1st it was turning off on its own and taking forever to come back on, Next it was while on the phone with anyone the calls would become staticky and then drop, then it was while steaming music from any device the songs would skip as if I was playing a vinyl record. They have tried to reset the system 3 times, then they have replaced the radio twice and I have a ticket in with corporate. I like my vehicle but enough is enough.
I have my Outlander 2022 for about a year and “I used to love her but I had to rethink”
WINDSHIELD: In less than 7 month I had 2 windshields broken while driving. Some may think it can be normal when driving frequently on highways but a friend that has exactly the same model has been facing the same issue with 2 windshields broken too. Would be a defective design that allows debris go easily over the car or defective OEM part?
TRANSMISSION: I have also issues when the transmission is in “R” and I put in “D” but don’t work, without mention the “neutral” is almost impossible if I don’t try for several times.
HOOD: The hood bounces and flutters.
FWD COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM: I also noticed once a warning on fwd collision, I thought there could be some dirt on the outside reader and kept driving, but after seeing the reviews I ended up being really concerned.
2022 Outlander VRX , driving 9000km.
Over the past eight months, I have been compelled to return the vehicle for repairs on four separate occasions.
The issues and their respective dates are as follows:
-The volume button on the steering wheel is stuck and needs to be replaced. It’s happened in fourth month.
-There’s a huge noise from the left rear suspension. The maintenance personnel said it was due to a small stone getting stuck. This issue has been repaired twice. It’s happened in fourth month.
-Noise occurs from the left front brake, especially during left turns. It’s happened in sixth month.
-Noise is also coming from the right front brake and it is due to be replaced. It’s happened in seventh month.
My Company bought a new 2022 Outlander and it is on its 3rd Rear-end. I heard there have been quite a few of these and ordering is a problem getting the Rear Ends in. But I don’t see many Rear-end issues listed
But as I have said I hear of quite a few of them.
2022 Outlander. Passenger seatbelt, and drivers, are extremely slow retracting. This has caused the passenger seat belt to be shut in the door twice. Both times the door would not open. I was out of town and could not go to the dealer. I called and dealer said to get it out and issue would be fixed. Long story cut down, it ripped the door panel leather and scratched the metal. Dealership says their “dealer guy” would not fix it.
Hood has same issues as above. Looks like it will fly open at anytime. My wife is terrified by it. When you get passed by say a semi, it is extremely bad. It really jumps.
My battery has went dead with just the hatch open the last two times I have used it. Along with this, my electronics has been off which started before battery dying. The detection system for how close you are to things (brain fart and can not come up with true terminology) has been having issues. Backup cam not working all the time and radio will just go dead and screen goes blank.
Very frustrated owner.
I have 2016 Outlander and its great. Recently a strange fault appeared which no one knows what it is! Sometimes on the motorway between 50-70 mpg, it shakes and does not brake properly (only sometimes). I checked the wheels/ brake pad/tires but they all fine. Has anyone had same experience?
I have the 2023 Outlander, its been 6 months already had to replace the front brakes and rotors, for some reason the front right side rotors was getting grooved and it was feeling like it was braking itself, 2 weeks past after the replacement its doing it again (with sudden a squeak) I have scheduled a service again. Lets see what they say this time. Everything else is great in the car but only time will tell.
I have a 2022 Outlander. Took it to Mitsubishi dealership for a oil change but the dealer wanted to update my software. It took them 3 hours and they could not fix it but they messed up my software and now my car is not drivable and they are not willing to fix it
The seat belt gets stuck between the door it has happened 3 times so far in this year 2023. Costing me time and money to get it fix and it’s just March. Hood has been corrected among other recalls. Do not buy Mitsubishi, will not recommend to any one.
Why are all the lights on the dashboard on my 2015 Mitsubishi outlander
Our 2022 Outlander is under 10,000 miles. For about two months I started to listen to a knock on the suspension on the right side. I have been told there is a recall on that but I couldn’t find any information about that. I will take the SUV next Thursday for regular maintenance and see what the dealer will say about the problem. I’m crossing my fingers.
I have a 22 outlander and its great, stop complaining you lemon heads
I bought a 2022 Out landed in November2021. Great car except for the hood. For the past 4 months, nothing but problems. Malfunctions, engine revving, no I am no in M. Undercarriage knocking, can’t stop at light. You slam on your brakes, the car stops- mine doesn’t. Dealership hemming & hawing, can’t get car into shop for at least two weeks. My only vehicle but can’t get a loner. I have to rent a car. Under 6000 miles. Service manager told me to call Mitsubishi Motors if I wasn’t happy. I do not want this car. My experience is when a new car starts having problems it will always have problems. MM says I can’t get a buy back if it hasn’t been seen at the dealership which is an hour away. I can’t afford to miss a full day of work or a rental. I have been in a car accident before and I do not feel safe in the car. I don’t know what to do. But I will tell anyone- do not buy a Mitsubishi.
Legal concern: My 2022 Outlander has multiple problems. First, the hood flutters violently at 45 mph and above. Next, the interior leather is peeling off the center console. Lastly, the over window handle has broken and needs replaced or fixed.
My local dealership was contacted and new parts are ordered for the handle. They tried to re-glue the leather without success. The dealership agreed that I have a hood issue. A new hood was ordered and my car will need to go to the body shop for paint work.
My Outlander has a little over 5000 miles on it. Starting to wonder what’s next!
The new release Outlander PHEV 2022 has a major fail in the Regen braking system. The settings B1 to B5 are available via the steering wheel paddles, BUT, if the battery is above 55% charge, the system STARTS THE PETROL ENGINE to provide braking force rather than returning power to the battery.
Brilliant Regenerative Braking. NOT.
What halfwit thought that was a good idea. MAJOR FAIL MITSUBISHI. How to ruin a good car.
Buyer beware. Stick to the old 2021 model until Mitsubishi fix this major failure.
We bought a 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander new and from the beginning have been trying to get the hood fixed! It’s worrisome driving the car feeling like the hood is going to fly up at anytime! Now the cvt at times will shudder and rev up and not go! We have almost been hit due to that. Took to dealership today and of course it did not duplicate the issue so they can’t fix it! Now there’s a recall on the fuel pump! This car is definitely a LEMON! It now has 25,000 miles on it due to being out only vehicle for many months! Does it qualify? It was new and the hood was reported right after we got it many months ago but hasn’t been fixed yet. It causes my anxiety to go up every time I drive it!
I have a 2015 Mitsubishi outlander , the transmission went out at 117000 miles I can’t drive my car because I was told that the transmission is slipping,, I still owe Bruce Walters car dealership close to 12,000 dollars I’m low income , and I don’t have a choice but to pay for the car , please help with info , I believe there’s a class action lawsuits on these vehicles.