2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

The 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander is a three-row crossover that was supposed to be a quality family ride. The automaker claims it is “room for fun and everyone,” but owners are struggling with defective seat belts, malfunctioning service brakes and a faulty engine.

Click on other model year to view more problems: 2018

Problems with the Seat Belts

Most people can’t remember a time when cars didn’t have seat belts. This staple of automobiles is just a given, and should work as intended, but they don’t in the Outlander.

One NHTSA complaint states, “On 12/13/2019, my daughter had an accident in 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander. She hit fence post electricity box and 2 signs doing damage all around the vehicle. Her seat belt tore, my nephews seat belt locked up and she hit her head on the steering wheel. The passenger in the vehicle seat belt locked up the back seat belt didn’t lock up.”

One would think that this is just a fluke, but there are two recalls related to the seat belts. NHTSA Campaign Number 20V403000 says that in nearly 200,000 vehicles the second-row center seat belt can interfere with the right-side buckle, causing the cover to come off. When this occurs, the latch becomes inoperable and can no longer restrain occupants. Additionally, NHTSA Campaign Number 20V280000 claims that the right side second-row seat is also not assembled correctly, leading to a further chance that the occupant isn’t restrained. Basically, Mitsubishi is hoping owners of the Mitsubishi Outlander put someone they really dislike in that right second-row seat. Wonder why just that seat had such defects? Maybe it was lunch time when it came to manufacturing that side.

Problems with the Service Brakes

Stopping the vehicle should also be a top concern. That’s why owners rely on properly manufactured brakes, but these aren’t found on the Outlander.

An NHTSA review states, “I purchased this vehicle on November 19th. It had 32 miles when I pulled off the car lot. In January, new brakes had to be put on it due to wear and a loud sound. They were replaced. In February, terrible sound coming from brakes again. Taken to shop, worked on them and advised they just needed to be oiled. Brought back to shop early March, same problem, the whole brake system was replaced. Now here it is March 23rd, and the same thing is starting to happen again, screeching, loud sound coming from brakes.”

Mitsubishi simply couldn’t figure out how to make the braking system in the Mitsubishi Outlander, much like the seat belt fiasco. Service Bulletin #TSB-19-35-002 reveals that the rear brake pad clips might need to be replaced. Vehicles with defective brakes could make a metallic knocking sound while braking at low speeds or driving on an uneven road. The Outlander basically operates like a one-man band coming down the street, announcing itself to everyone that will listen. However, these sounds only serve as a warning not to drive this crossover.

Problems with the Engine

A final look brings us to the engine, which is nothing but a disappointment to most owners.

Read this Edmunds review. “Since we purchased vehicle in the beginning of April 2019 it was about 5 times in the service. The first problem was defected engine control unit that cause the car battery to drain. We could not even open the car. The next issue was leaking sunroof that have been repaired twice. And I’m not sure if it’s final repair. The case manager from the Mitsubishi headquarters seems did not care that we are having such issues with the new car. We completely unsatisfied with the dealership and the service provided. They sold defected car and nobody care, neither the dealership nor the manufacture. I never had such bad experience before. Never Mitsubishi.”

Again, the automaker is happy to announce its shortcomings to anyone that will listen. Service Bulletin #TSB-19-13-003 says that the Check Engine Light can come on when driving in cold weather. It could also stall and fail to restart. To repair the issue, anti-freezing starters, injectors and other parts must be installed. Why are there separate parts for different types of weather? That seems quite odd. 

Your Lemon Law Legal Rights

Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work aid your lemon at no cost to you. The law makes Mitsubishi pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.