Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

Outlander PHEV recalls in NHTSA records are shared with the gasoline Outlander. Second-generation 2023–2026 models are covered by rearview camera software recalls; first-generation 2018–2022 models have liftgate gas spring, rear seat belt and 2018 brake-software campaigns. We found no recall for the plug-in battery or electric motors.

CarWhere lists 6 documented Outlander PHEV issues, including 6 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

Outlander PHEV generations at a glance

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
Second generation2023–presentRearview camera image may freeze or not display (recalls 25V-369, 23V-345) · Rearview camera may not display (recall 26V-549)
First generation2018–2022Liftgate gas springs may corrode and rupture (recalls 26V-252, 25V-507) · Second-row right seat belt buckle may become inoperable (recall 20V-403) · Second-row right seat belt may be assembled incorrectly (recall 20V-280) · Brake and collision-avoidance software errors (recalls 18V-621, 18V-620)

Second generation Outlander PHEV problems (2023–present)

Rearview camera image may freeze or not display (recalls 25V-369, 23V-345) (2023–2025)

Safety recall
Generation:
Second generation (2023–present) – 2023–2025
Years:
2023–2025
Powertrain:
All

A software error in the A-IVI infotainment system may freeze the backup camera image or keep it from appearing. Recall 25V-369 covers 2023–2025 Outlander PHEV and 2022–2024 Outlander models, about 198,940 vehicles across those models, and replaces and expands 23V-345 (89,907 vehicles). Dealers update the software.

Symptoms

  • Black, frozen or missing camera image in reverse

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 25V369000 (2025-06) · 198,940 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1][2][3]

Rearview camera may not display (recall 26V-549) (2026)

Safety recall
Generation:
Second generation (2023–present) – 2026
Years:
2026
Powertrain:
All

Improper A-IVI software may keep the rearview image from displaying on 2026 Outlander PHEV and 2025–2026 Outlander models, about 67,146 vehicles across those models. Dealers update the software.

Symptoms

  • No camera image in reverse

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 26V549000 (2026-08) · 67,146 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [4][3]

First generation Outlander PHEV problems (2018–2022)

Liftgate gas springs may corrode and rupture (recalls 26V-252, 25V-507) (2018–2022)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2018–2022) – 2018–2022
Years:
2018–2022
Powertrain:
All

The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, so a spring may rupture or the liftgate may fall. The campaigns cover 2018–2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014–2020 Outlander models: 121,529 vehicles across those models in road-salt states under 25V-507, expanded to 108,046 under 26V-252. Dealers replace both springs.

Symptoms

  • Liftgate will not stay open
  • Loud pop or hiss from a strut

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 26V252000 (2026-04) · 108,046 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [5][6][3]

Second-row right seat belt buckle may become inoperable (recall 20V-403) (2018–2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2018–2022) – 2018–2019
Years:
2018–2019
Powertrain:
All

With the seatbacks folded, the second-row center buckle can knock the cover off the right-side buckle so it cannot latch. The campaign covers 2018–2019 Outlander PHEV and 2014–2019 Outlander models, about 177,000 vehicles across those models.

Symptoms

  • Right-rear buckle cover missing or belt will not latch

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 20V403000 (2020-07) · 177,000 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [7][3]

Second-row right seat belt may be assembled incorrectly (recall 20V-280) (2019)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2018–2022) – 2019
Years:
2019
Powertrain:
All

The right-side second-row seat belt may have been assembled incorrectly on 2019 Outlander PHEV and 2019–2020 Outlander models, about 3,241 vehicles across those models. Dealers inspect and replace it as needed.

Symptoms

  • Seat belt that does not retract or lock normally

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 20V280000 (2020-05) · 3,241 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [8][3]

Brake and collision-avoidance software errors (recalls 18V-621, 18V-620) (2018)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2018–2022) – 2018
Years:
2018
Powertrain:
All

Hydraulic unit software on 2018 Outlander PHEVs with adaptive cruise or the electric parking brake may keep automatic emergency braking, ABS or stability control from intervening (18V-621, 58,916 vehicles across models). A second campaign fixes pedestrian-detection braking that may last too long (18V-620, 9,166 vehicles).

Symptoms

  • Unexpected or prolonged automatic braking

Check before buying

  • Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask the seller for the dealer repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 18V621000 (2018-09) · 58,916 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [9][10][3]

Related Outlander PHEV research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how an Outlander PHEV was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Mitsubishi build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Mitsubishi build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

Has the Outlander PHEV battery been recalled?

We found no NHTSA recall for the Outlander PHEV drive battery or motors in the DOT recall dataset. The recalls cover the camera software, liftgate struts, seat belts and brake software.

What are common 2023 Outlander PHEV problems?

The documented issue for 2023 is the rearview camera software recall (23V-345, replaced and expanded by 25V-369). Dealers fix it with a software update.

What warranty covers the Outlander PHEV battery?

For the 2022 model, Mitsubishi listed a fully transferable 10-year/100,000-mile warranty on PHEV components and the main drive lithium-ion battery. Check the warranty booklet that came with other model years.

Do Outlander PHEV recalls cost anything?

No. Safety recall repairs are free at Mitsubishi dealers, regardless of owner or mileage.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 25V-369 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  2. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 23V-345 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  3. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset (6axg-epim) full-text query: Outlander PHEV — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  4. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 26V-549 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  5. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 26V-252 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  6. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 25V-507 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  7. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 20V-403 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  8. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 20V-280 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  9. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 18V-621 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)
  10. DOT/NHTSA recall dataset record 18V-620 — U.S. Department of Transportation / NHTSA (data.transportation.gov)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Mitsubishi Motors North America or Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. Mitsubishi, Outlander, Eclipse Cross, Mirage, Lancer Evolution, S-AWC and the model names are trademarks of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.