2004 Mitsubishi Outlander
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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Vehicles › Mitsubishi › Outlander › 2004
These records cover every 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander. Newest first.
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, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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 member will be replaced with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.
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 the size requirements of the standard.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This does not meet the requirements of the standard.
Remedy
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 nativa owners will also receive replacement air bag alert labels for the sun visors. this recall IS expected to begin during march or april 2005. the notification to the nativa owners IS expected to begin during april or may 2005. owners should contact mitsubishi caribbean at 1-787-251-8715.
Certain sport utility vehicles may have been equipped with dealer-installed trailer hitch wiring harness and control module. the electronic control module can overheat.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Overheating of the trailer hitch wiring harness module could result in a fire.
Remedy
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 mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.
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 6.8 second between wiper sweeps.
Risk and remedy
Risk
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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the etacs module. owner notification began november 14, 2003. owners should contact mitsubishi caribbean at 1-800-981-0452.
Owner complaints
52 complaints10 involved a crash5 injuries
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- 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 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 recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
- Suspension · Unknown or other
The entire undercarriage is rusted out, it was taken to Ricart near columbus ohio where they simply sprayed an anti rust coating over the existing rust. There is now rusted holes and the vehicle has spun out driving in straight due to control arm issues and whatever else. The vehicle is not believed to be road safe and needs to be addressed.
- Steering · Suspension
The front control arm where it bolts to the k frame rusted away completly resulting in the front drivers tire to come off. Was in a get in go parking lot turning when this happened luckly no one was hurt.
- Suspension
Rear subframe rusted through while moving slowly in driveway causing the driver's side rear wheel to misalign, making the car unable to move. car was towed to repair shop where rear subframe was replaced.
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mitsubishi outlander. The contact stated that the vehicle's subframe fractured due to rust. The vehicle was taken to des moines mitsubishi (4475 merle hay rd, des moines, ia 50310, (515) 270-8100) for an unknown recall repair that involved either replacing the subframe…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mitsubishi outlander. The contact stated that the vehicle's subframe fractured due to rust. The vehicle was taken to des moines mitsubishi (4475 merle hay rd, des moines, ia 50310, (515) 270-8100) for an unknown recall repair that involved either replacing the subframe or applying an anti-corrosion fluid. The contact stated that the subframe was already rusted when the anti-corrosion fluid was applied. The manufacturer was contacted and provided a case number. The district manager was to call the contact back. The manufacturer removed the original recall from the contact's vin after the vehicle was taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 147,087.
- Structure › Frame and members · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
2004 mitsubishi outlander. consumer writes in regards to corrosion recall notice instruction issues - dealership applied corrosion spray to front cross member and lower control arm before consulting consumer. *smd *tr
- Structure › Body · Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mitsubishi outlander. While driving 25-30 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the rear driver's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear suspension was fractured and that the…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mitsubishi outlander. While driving 25-30 mph, there was an abnormal noise coming from the rear driver's side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rear suspension was fractured and that the driver's side rear wheel separated from the vehicle. The contact stated that the fracture was due to severe rust. The contact was informed that the subframe showed severe and extreme rust. Walpole mitsubishi (575 boston providence hwy, east walpole, ma 02032, (508) 660-7000) was contacted about the failure on the vehicle. The contact was informed that there was no recall on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.
- Structure › Body
I received a safety recall regarding the front cross body regarding rust and corrosion. my front cross body failed with total rust through. mechanic showed me that the rear cross body IS also affected and has a rust through hole the size of my fist. mitsubishi has refused to cover the rear. this IS a true safety hazard and needs to be covered by mitsubishi. *js
- Air bags
TL* the contact owned a 2004 mitsubishi outlander. While driving approximately 50 mph through a roundabout, the driver lost control of the steering wheel. The front passenger pulled the middle emergency brake to stop the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle flipped over four times and landed on its…
TL* the contact owned a 2004 mitsubishi outlander. While driving approximately 50 mph through a roundabout, the driver lost control of the steering wheel. The front passenger pulled the middle emergency brake to stop the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle flipped over four times and landed on its roof. The air bags failed to deploy. The driver and passengers were uninjured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a tow lot. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 280,000.
- Engine · Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
2004 mitsubishi outlander. consumer writes in regards to vehicle driver side lower control arm / engine cradle malfunction. consumer seeks reimbursement for lower control arm corrosion recall notice repairs. *smd the consumer stated the on november 20, 2015 the lower control arm on the…
2004 mitsubishi outlander. consumer writes in regards to vehicle driver side lower control arm / engine cradle malfunction. consumer seeks reimbursement for lower control arm corrosion recall notice repairs. *smd the consumer stated the on november 20, 2015 the lower control arm on the driver's side of the vehicle broke away from the engine cradle. The driver's side tire snapped back into the wheel well. The consumer contacted the manufacturer for reimbursement but, the manufacturer had not responded. Updated 05/1/2017 *js
- Suspension
When I started the car and put it in reverse, I heard a loud sound like I had ran over something metal, when I got out to check the left rear tire was leaning out. I had someone look at it and was told the rear control arm rusted and broke in half. I was unable to drive the car and had to have…
When I started the car and put it in reverse, I heard a loud sound like I had ran over something metal, when I got out to check the left rear tire was leaning out. I had someone look at it and was told the rear control arm rusted and broke in half. I was unable to drive the car and had to have it towed. I received a recall for the front control arm rusting but was told by the dealer that the front arm was not included.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mitsubishi outlander. While driving 30 mph, the contact heard a loud noise from the front driver's side of the contact's vehicle. The vehicle stalled and was unable to be driven. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mitsubishi outlander. While driving 30 mph, the contact heard a loud noise from the front driver's side of the contact's vehicle. The vehicle stalled and was unable to be driven. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, but was not repaired. The dealer diagnosed that the front cross members fractured and needed replacement. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v458000 (suspension). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Structure › Body
I noticed excessive play in the left front of my car which IS a safety issue so I brought it to courtesy auto group in south attleboro ma. And they found that it needs lower control arm due to corrosion. I looked underneath the car when I got it home and found severe corrosion on the cross members…
I noticed excessive play in the left front of my car which IS a safety issue so I brought it to courtesy auto group in south attleboro ma. And they found that it needs lower control arm due to corrosion. I looked underneath the car when I got it home and found severe corrosion on the cross members and the corrosion IS from front to back underneath the car and IS becoming a real safety issue. I believe mitsubishi should have this problem fixed because lots of people have had this issue due to faulty anti corrosion
- Structure › Body
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mitsubishi outlander. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and diagnosed it as having corrosion issues. The contact refused to drive the vehicle and stated it would not pass inspection. The contact paid $1,711.02 out of pocket to repair the vehicle. The contact did…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mitsubishi outlander. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and diagnosed it as having corrosion issues. The contact refused to drive the vehicle and stated it would not pass inspection. The contact paid $1,711.02 out of pocket to repair the vehicle. The contact did not call the manufacturer prior to the repairs because a notice was not received until after the repairs were performed. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mitsubishi outlander. While the vehicle was being remedied per nhtsa campaign number: 16v458000 (suspension), the dealer observed that the rear cross member was severely corroded and created holes. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
- Suspension
I've experienced a creaking, loose-rusty-bucket squeak in the rear end of my vehicle. The noise IS mostly heard from a stop to accelerating < 20mph or driving over uneven payment. The sound IS just embarassing from the outside and annoying on the inside of the vehicle. I wouldn't call the noise a hazardous problem because it has been driving fine, but I'm not a mechanic and itnoticed much to concern a def
- Suspension
Nhtsa recall number: opens new window takes away from vin lookup section> 16v458 recall date: august 19, 2016 manufacturer recall number: sr-16-003 summary: the inside and outside surfaces of the front cross members used on certain vehicles, if exposed long term to snow melt water and…
Nhtsa recall number: opens new window takes away from vin lookup section> 16v458 recall date: august 19, 2016 manufacturer recall number: sr-16-003 summary: the inside and outside surfaces of the front cross members used on certain vehicles, if exposed long term to snow melt water and anti-freezing agents, may corrode due to insufficient performance of the rust protection. Should significant corrosion occur over time, a lower control arm could eventually become detached resulting in loss of vehicle control and a potential collision. safety risk: should significant corrosion occur over time, a lower control arm could eventually become detached resulting in loss of vehicle control and a potential collision. remedy: repair not yet available. recall status: recall incomplete. Remedy not yet available.
- Suspension
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mitsubishi outlander. While driving approximately 35 mph approaching a stop light, the front end of the vehicle gave way and disconnected the front driver side wheel. The vehicle became immobilized in traffic without warning. The police arrived and assisted the contact.…
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mitsubishi outlander. While driving approximately 35 mph approaching a stop light, the front end of the vehicle gave way and disconnected the front driver side wheel. The vehicle became immobilized in traffic without warning. The police arrived and assisted the contact. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and was later towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the undercarriage of the vehicle was corroded. The failure caused the lower control arm to fracture. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact later received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v458000 (suspension). The failure mileage was 96,484.
- Service brakes · Suspension
I purchased this vehicle and noted that there IS a loud squeaky sound worsens when driving from the back with alot of rust and not breaking properly.
- Air bags
I was involced in a serve accident and hit on passagenger side. My airbags did not deflat.
- Engine · Service brakes
TL* the contact owns a 2004 mitsubishi outlander. Upon depressing the brake pedal, the engine stalled. In addition, the gauging system was low. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 105,000.
- Suspension
Sub frame broke in half
- Structure › Body · Vehicle speed control
I crashed my outlander in my parking lot, I was parking slowly, pushing the brake slowly, the car was at the final position in my spot and suddenly the car crashed into a tree. The tree was about 1 meter distant from my car...im 100% sure that the accident was a sudden acceleration. I had another…
I crashed my outlander in my parking lot, I was parking slowly, pushing the brake slowly, the car was at the final position in my spot and suddenly the car crashed into a tree. The tree was about 1 meter distant from my car...im 100% sure that the accident was a sudden acceleration. I had another similar episode about 3 months ago, also in my garage, but a that time I was ready to turn to the right to go the door and the car suddenly accelerate very fast without me pushing the gas pedal, but fortunately I had plenty space to react, not this second time, but we are humans and the first reaction IS to think that we made a mistake, but no ,im 100% sure that I did not pushed the accelerator..and with this second incident I was crazy thinking every minute in what happened, and in the possibility that will happen again with less fortune and with me and other people injured or death. this thing was very very confusing. I was parking slowly, the car was near the 0 miles, the car was at the final position in my spot, and when the car was at 0 miles my car advance with super speed toward a tree in 2 seconds... The tree was 1 meter distant to my car and the insurance give me a total loss. This car IS very very dangerous, please dont buy this car if you see it again in the market . *tr
- Exterior lighting
After moving to texas the vehicle inspection station alerted me to the severely degraded headlight lens on both sides. I have restored the surface and sealed the cracks numerous times but they are in need of restoration or replacement again. The lens alone IS not available and the whole assembly…
After moving to texas the vehicle inspection station alerted me to the severely degraded headlight lens on both sides. I have restored the surface and sealed the cracks numerous times but they are in need of restoration or replacement again. The lens alone IS not available and the whole assembly costs over $200.00 each. The car was purchased in december of 2003 at the same time I bought my ford F150 and parked beside the truck every day for more than nine years. The lens on my ford IS still crystal clear, no cracks and looks to be new. The lens on my mitsubishi IS cloudy, cracked and causes my headlights to be very dim. If not for the polymer sealer I am sure there would be water intrusion which would lead to headlamp failure. *tr
- Air bags · Structure › Body
Slammed my front drivers side into a cement column in a parking lot. my airbag did not deploy. no major injury just a bruised jaw and sore neck. incident 01/17/2013. usaa auto insurance said car was totalled so I get the cash value. *Tr
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10240443This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10235609This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
- 10235608This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more than 1.5 percent of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or 100 lbs.
- 10235606This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10228919Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications.
- 10226082Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications.
- 10211530This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a defective/broken part.
- 10208837This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers informing them to replace the Power Seat Side Shield and apply felt tape when customers complain the Power Seat Side Shield is coming off while entering/exiting the vehicle.
- 10207798This Technical Service Bulletin instructs dealers to apply Nonwoven Fabric Tape between the Seat Back and Urethane Pad when customers report a condition where an abnormal rubbing noise is heard from the Seat Back when a driver and/or passenger is seated in the front seat(s).
- 10200351This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers informing them a shock absorber oil leak may result in replacement of absorbers unnecessarily when trace amounts of oil are noted to have adhered to the shock absorber.
- 10199125This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers informing them a shock absorber oil leak may result in replacement of absorbers unnecessarily when trace amounts of oil are noted to have adhered to the shock absorber.
- 10182303This Technical Service Bulletin was sent informing dealers an abnormal rubbing noise is heard from the Seat Back when a driver and/or passenger is seated in the front seat(s) and instructs dealers to apply Nonwoven Fabric Tape between the Seat Back and Urethane Pad.
- 10170852This Technical Service Bulletin updates the door adjustment procedure in the Body Section of the applicable service manuals.
- 10170102This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170100This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170099This is an index of Tech Talk newsletter articles released in 2012.
- 10170097This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170096This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170087This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170086This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170074This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170071This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10170070This TSB contains troubleshooting steps for diagnosis of various customer complaints relating to the audio system speakers in Mitsubishi vehicles equipped with original equipment audio components.
- 10169006This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10163703This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin supersedes TSB-18-00-003, issued April, 2018, to add updated information for Carrying Capacity Reduced Label.
- 10145181This is a Technical Information Notice sent to dealers, to inform them that MB991855V (12-13 Pin Reprogramming Adapter) is now available for purchase. To reprogram 2002 - 2006 Montero and 2003 - 2006 Outlander vehicles, MB991855 is necessary. This tool was removed from our essential tool kit due to its limited application and became part of our tool loaner program.
- 10130469This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
- 10130468This is a message sent to dealers, to inform them that an update for MEDIC will be available.
- 10026795Mitsubishi: a tie rod free play check has been added to the applicable service manuals.
- 10021743Reprogramming the pcm drivability or sensitivity issues can be corrected.
- 10021350Cooling fan controller.
- 10018376Headlamps with cracking appearance. Mitsubishi. Tech talk.
- 10018363Automatic transmission gearshift service parts. Mitsubishi. Tech talk.
- 100167542-3 shift flare.
- 10016170Splice locations S061 IS incorrectly identified - service manual revision.
- 10016133Alternator fr terminal voltage - service manual revision.
- 10015819Fog light circuit diagram - service manual revision.
- 10015714Collapsed upper radiator hose. Mitsubishi tech talk.
- 10015711Diagnostic trouble code (dtc) p0181 update. Mitsubishi tech talk.
- 10015619Key registration without using mut-iii. Mitsubishi tech talk.
Every Mitsubishi Outlander model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.