The Lemon IndexAll carsMitsubishiOutlander2006
2005
20071st generation
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 11,493 in the U.S. in 2006 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 2 complaints in its first 3 years.
2 owner complaints, first 3 years 20–22 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2006 Toyota RAV4 1452006 Honda CR-V 332006 Ford Escape 95
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recall 16V458000 (suspension) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Does it accelerate and hold speed smoothly, with no surging or stalling?
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Mitsubishi sent dealers 35 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This Technical Service Bulletin was sent informing dealers an abnormal rubbing noise is heard…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Mitsubishi's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 2 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
In owners' words
Dt*: the contact stated that the gas pedal only had a one inch clearance from the middle of the vehicle. The manufacturer was consulted, who confirmed that this was the design of the vehicle.
2006 Mitsubishi Outlander owner · NHTSA complaint 10163515
Problems Mitsubishi told dealers about
Mitsubishi sent dealers 35 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This Technical Service Bulletin was sent informing dealers an abnormal rubbing noise is heard…
- This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers informing them a shock absorber oil leak…
- This Technical Service Bulletin instructs dealers to apply Nonwoven Fabric Tape between the…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 1
- Suspension · recall issued 2016
In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross me.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Every Mitsubishi Outlander recall, all years · All Mitsubishi recalls
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front — · side — · rollover —
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,750–$3,000 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl.
Every Mitsubishi Outlander year. 2006 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
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<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/mitsubishi-outlander/?y=2006" title="Mitsubishi Outlander reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="445" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/mitsubishi-outlander/2006/">Lemon Index</a> (2006 Mitsubishi Outlander reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?
We can't score it: only 11,493 were sold in the U.S. in 2006 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 2 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are speed control (50%) and electrical (50%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
1 safety recall (latest: suspension). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander get?
20 to 22 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Does the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander cost in fuel a year?
About $2,750 to $3,000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
2.4L 4-cyl.
What Mitsubishi Outlander year is better than the 2006?
Nearby, the 2003 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about average). Across every year, 2020 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works