The Lemon IndexAll carsMitsubishiOutlander2018
201720193rd generation
About average · most complaints: electrical
43 owner complaints, first 3 years 22–27 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2018 Toyota RAV4 382018 Honda CR-V 2092018 Nissan Rogue 104
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 5,000 and 27,000 miles (8,000–43,000 km) (the middle half of the 38 complaints, of all 43 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 26V252000 (body structure), 25V507000 (body structure) and 20V403000 (seat belts) done? It has 6 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Mitsubishi sent dealers 145 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers”?
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 43 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 →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 5K to 27K miles (8K to 43K km) on the car (38 of all 43 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
8 recalls on brakes. Electrical. Wheels. Collision. Stability. Emergency braking. Antilock brakes. Hydraulics.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander owner · NHTSA complaint 11229722
Problems Mitsubishi told dealers about
Mitsubishi sent dealers 145 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers
- This Technical Service Bulletin instructs dealers how to perform maintenance to resolve cases…
- This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers informing them a shock absorber oil leak…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 6
- Body structure · recall issued 2026 New: most likely still open
The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
- Body structure · recall issued 2025
The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the li.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2020
The second-row center seat belt buckle may interfere with the right-side seat belt buckle when the seat backs are folded down.
Show all 6 recalls
- Electrical · recall issued 2018
Due to incorrect software, the FCM-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) may apply braking for longer than needed, even after a pedestrian is no longer detected.
- Automatic emergency braking · recall issued 2018 Plug-in hybrid only
The software for the Hydraulic Unit Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may be incorrect, possibly preventing the intervention of a safety system such as automatic emergency braking, Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Stabili…
- Equipment · recall issued 2018
The Certification Label lists an incorrect rear wheel rim size.
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
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi Outlander SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mitsubishi Outlander SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,200–$3,400 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
Every Mitsubishi Outlander year. 2018 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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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2018 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/mitsubishi-outlander/?y=2018" 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/2018/">Lemon Index</a> (2018 Mitsubishi Outlander reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?
About average by government complaints. It drew about the average number of complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 102; 100 is average, lower is better). The Mitsubishi Outlander year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2020.
What are the most common 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (21%), brakes (19%) and engine (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
6 safety recalls (latest: body structure). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander get?
22 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 5,000 and 27,000 miles (8,000–43,000 km) (the middle half of the 38 complaints, of all 43 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2018 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 16% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander cost in fuel a year?
About $2,200 to $3,400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Mitsubishi Outlander year is better than the 2018?
Nearby, the 2019 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a third as many complaints as the average car). 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