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Mitsubishi Outlander 2003–2006 problems by year and mileage
1st generation · CU (Mitsubishi GS platform / 'Project Global')
NHTSA data through 18 October 2026208 complaints, 151 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
Close- Median failure report
- 68,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 116
- Recalls naming this year
- 6
Most reported on the 2003
- Suspension28 reports
- Exterior lighting19 reports
- Steering14 reports
Recall areas Suspension — front · Equipment — other · Trailer hitches
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
Close- Median failure report
- 63,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 52
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
Most reported on the 2004
- Suspension20 reports
- Body structure8 reports
- Airbag system7 reports
Recall areas Suspension — front · Equipment — other · Trailer hitches
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 19
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2005
- Suspension9 reports
- Transmission and driveline3 reports
- Body structure3 reports
Recall areas Suspension — front
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2006 Mitsubishi Outlander
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 21
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
Most reported on the 2006
- Exterior lighting7 reports
- Suspension6 reports
- Electrical system4 reports
Recall areas Suspension — front
Check the VIN at NHTSA
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. Latest: the 2003; earliest: the 2004, and the 2003 is 1 year older (part of the gap is age). 2 of these years carry fewer than 30 reports with an odometer reading and show no median at all, rather than one computed from a handful.
The short answer
“Is the 2003–2006 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 75,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 161,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 151
- Recalls
- 7
Most reported
- Suspension30.3% of complaints · median 100,000 mi
- Exterior lighting15.9% of complaints · median 60,000 mi
- Steering10.1% of complaints · median 8,000 mi
Owners filed 208 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003–2006 Mitsubishi Outlander; the suspension leads with 30.3% of them, and half of the 151 that record an odometer reading came by 75,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 25,000 to 134,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2003–2006 Mitsubishi Outlander last?
On the 2003–2006 Mitsubishi Outlander, half of the 151 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 75,000 miles and 90% by 161,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
23 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 6 past 200,000 — each one proof that an Outlander reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Mitsubishi Outlander 2003–2006 · 151 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
20,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 30 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 6 complaints (4.0%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 1,500
- 25%
- 25,000
- Median
- 75,000
- 75%
- 134,000
- 90%
- 161,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–20,000 | 30 | 19.9% |
| 20,000–40,000 | 20 | 13.2% |
| 40,000–60,000 | 11 | 7.3% |
| 60,000–80,000 | 16 | 10.6% |
| 80,000–100,000 | 18 | 11.9% |
| 100,000–120,000 | 14 | 9.3% |
| 120,000–140,000 | 9 | 6.0% |
| 140,000–160,000 | 15 | 9.9% |
| 160,000–180,000 | 7 | 4.6% |
| 180,000–200,000 | 5 | 3.3% |
| 200,000+ | 6 | 4.0% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Outlander problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Mitsubishi Outlander 2003–2006
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Steering21 reportsmedian 8,000middle half 1,500–100,000
- Engine and its cooling system20 reportsmedian 53,000middle half 24,000–80,000
- Exterior lighting33 reportsmedian 60,000middle half 35,000–82,000
- Airbag system16 reportsmedian 60,000middle half 39,000–160,000
- Electrical system17 reportsmedian 70,000middle half 30,000–102,000
- Suspension63 reportsmedian 100,000middle half 40,000–148,000
- Body structure18 reportsmedian 104,000middle half 80,000–161,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 63 | 30.3% | 100,000 | 40,000–148,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 33 | 15.9% | 60,000 | 35,000–82,000 |
| Steering | 21 | 10.1% | 8,000 | 1,500–100,000 |
| Engine and its cooling system | 20 | 9.6% | 53,000 | 24,000–80,000 |
| Body structure | 18 | 8.7% | 104,000 | 80,000–161,000 |
| Electrical system | 17 | 8.2% | 70,000 | 30,000–102,000 |
| Airbag system | 16 | 7.7% | 60,000 | 39,000–160,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 12 | 5.8% | 60,000 | 34,000–100,000 |
| Visibility equipment | 9 | 4.3% | — | — |
| Seat belts | 8 | 3.8% | — | — |
Before you buy a 2003–2006 Outlander: the 3-minute check
Generated from 151 mileage-tagged complaints, 7 recall campaigns.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 campaigns cover this generation.
- Years differ here: from 19 to 116 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Outlander problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi40% below | At 90k mi58% below | At 120k mi72% below | At 150k mi85% below | At 200k mi96% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | 40,000–148,000 | in window | in window | in window | earlier | earlier |
| Exterior lighting | 35,000–82,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Steering | 1,500–100,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Engine and its cooling system | 24,000–80,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Body structure | 80,000–161,000 | later | in window | in window | in window | earlier |
| Electrical system | 30,000–102,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Airbag system | 39,000–160,000 | in window | in window | in window | in window | earlier |
Figure 3 · Mitsubishi Outlander 2003–2006 · 151 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 40% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 72% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 96% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2003–2006 Mitsubishi Outlander recalls (7)
NHTSA records 7 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around equipment (2), the suspension (1), trailer hitches (1) (why one area can repeat).
Jun 2016 · 2003–2006 · SuspensionA detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. 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…
Sep 2004 · 2003–2004 · EquipmentThis does not meet the requirements of the standard.
The defect. Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 208, 'Occupant crash protection.' The bilingual english/spanish removable air bag warning labels affixed to the dash and to the sunvisor do not meet…
What can happen. This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
The free fix. Mitsubishi caribbean will mail a customer notification letter containing a written description and a graphic of the bi-lingual dashboard air bag warning label. In addition, all current 2000-2004…
Apr 2004 · 2003–2004 · Trailer HitchesOverheating of the trailer hitch wiring harness module could result in a fire.
The defect. Certain sport utility vehicles may have been equipped with dealer-installed trailer hitch wiring harness and control module. The electronic control module can overheat.
What can happen. Overheating of the trailer hitch wiring harness module could result in a fire.
The free fix. Owners are being requested to stop using the harness until a newly designed replacement is provided and can be installed by the dealer. The recall began on may 28, 2004. Owners should contact…
Feb 2004 · 2003 · EquipmentIf the tether strap is improperly installed to the tether anchor, the child safety seat may not be sufficient…
The defect. Certain sport utility and passenger vehicles fail to comply with federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 225, "Child restraint anchorage systems." The owner's manual does not contain a step-by-step description for headrest adjustment when installing a child…
What can happen. If the tether strap is improperly installed to the tether anchor, the child safety seat may not be sufficient restrained. In the event of a crash, the child could be injured.
The free fix. A letter outlining the problem will be sent to owners along with a sticker containing the correct instructions as well as instructions on where to affix the sticker in the owner's manual. The recall…
Nov 2003 · 2004 · VisibilityIf this occurs during severe weather and during vehicle's high-speed operation, the driver visibility would…
The defect. On certain sport utility vehicles located in the caribbean, due to a software programming error in the electronic timing and control system (etacs), while using the intermittent wiper mode, the intermittent wiper sweep time interval may increase as much as…
What can happen. If this occurs during severe weather and during vehicle's high-speed operation, the driver visibility would be reduced, which could lead to a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the etacs module. Owner notification began november 14, 2003. Owners should contact Mitsubishi caribbean at 1-800-981-0452.
May 2003 · 2003 · Electrical SystemElectrical corrosion of the harness could cause the seat belt pre-tensioner to malfunction, the side air bag…
The defect. On certain sport utility vehicles, water could enter the front floorboard area from openings in the side sill or upper dash area. This water could collect under the seat and cause electrical corrosion to occur in the harness connectors that contain the wiring…
What can happen. Electrical corrosion of the harness could cause the seat belt pre-tensioner to malfunction, the side air bag not to deploy and/or the brake lamps not to illuminate or to falsely illuminate.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the side sills and dash panel for openings that may allow water leakage into the vehicle cabin. In addition to sealing any openings that may be found, the wiring connectors will…
Jan 2003 · 2003 · Vehicle Speed ControlFailure to return to idle could result in a vehicle crash without warning.
The defect. On certain sport utility vehicles, during extremely low temperature conditions, ice can build up inside the engine throttle valve. This ice build-up could cause the accelerator pedal to stick or not to return to idle after accelerating.
What can happen. Failure to return to idle could result in a vehicle crash without warning.
The free fix. Dealers will reprogram the engine control computer to eliminate this condition. Owner notification began on january 29, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 208 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 25 (12.0%)
- Fires
- 2
- Injury reports
- 13
- Fatality reports
- 0
Outlander problems by model year
The 2003 drew the most complaints of this generation, 116, most of them about the suspension, and the 2006 the fewest among the 3 years with at least 20 complaints, 21. A typical year drew about 52.
That makes the 2003 stand out at roughly 2.2 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 116 | 80 | 68,000 | Suspension (28) | 6 |
| 2004 | 52 | 38 | 63,000 | Suspension (20) | 4 |
| 2005 | 19 | 18 | under 30 reports | Suspension (9) | 1 |
| 2006 | 21 | 15 | under 30 reports | Exterior lighting (7) | 1 |
What Outlander owners reported
The contact owns a 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving at approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle came to an immediate stop and did not return to normal operation. The contact noticed that the front control arm had detached. No warning light was illuminated. The contact researched and became aware of…
2003 · 188,000 miles · Suspension
The contact owns a 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, the front subframe detached. The contact stated that the driver’s side front wheel was pointing outwards. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V458000 (Suspension) however, the part to do the…
2004 · 180,000 miles · Suspension
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while his mother owned the vehicle, she received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V458000 (Suspension). She took the vehicle to a dealer and upon inspection of the vehicle, the dealer found no defect with the lower control arm and sprayed an…
2005 · 91,000 miles · Suspension
the contact owns a 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-35 MPH, there was an abnormal loud clunking sound coming from the front of the vehicle near the driver's feet. The contact pulled over to the side of the roadway. The contact attempted to move the vehicle and noticed…
2005 · 198,000 miles · Body structure
Built from 151 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Outlander generations
- Outlander 2007–2013 242 reports with mileage, most about the suspension
- Outlander 2014–2020 250 reports with mileage, most about the transmission and driveline