69 of the 1,886 complaints filed about the Mitsubishi Outlander are about the fuel system — 100% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2022.
69
Complaints
100%
Share of all complaints
2
Crashes
1
Fires
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Strong Gas smell coming into can of car and through air vents when ideling
NHTSA complaint #11761690 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Since the first summer of ownership, a strong gasoline odor enters the passenger cabin. It is worst above roughly 100F ambient, a daily condition in southern [XXX], and is present while driving, while idling with the A/C on, and while the vehicle sits parked. The odor is strong enough that the vehicle cannot be parked in an attached garage in summer because fumes enter the house. A small child rides in this vehicle daily and breathes these vapors in an enclosed cabin. Repairs directed at this problem have been performed seven times since July 2023. The rear vent hose was rerouted. The fuel filler pipe was replaced under factory technical service bulletin TSB-25-17-001, fuel smell in cabin during idling, with the cause recorded as fuel smell from rear evap vent pipe positioning. The cabin filter was replaced and the A/C deodorized, the order stating the work was to help get rid of excess fuel smell from previous repair. A fuel line breather hose was ordered and later installed, the technician recording that the rear vent valve on the fuel filler neck was causing the smell in the cabin. A three-day inspection recorded no fuel smell below 90F but slight smell present after the vehicle sat in the sun at 98F. Most recently the fuel filler neck was replaced again under the bulletin with manufacturer authorization, the repair order stating CONFIRMED CONCERN, fuel smell coming from inside cabin when engine idling and A/C on. The odor was present again the same day that most recent repair was completed and it remains present now. The affected components are available for inspection. No warning lamps have appeared at any point. The manufacturer has an open customer case on this vehicle. Dealer inspections report no visible fuel leak, but the odor has never been eliminated after seven attempts over three years. A second owner of the same model year reported the identical problem to me at the same dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11760689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
After pumping gas there is a strong smell of gasoline in the vehicle. This is a safety issue for anyone in the vehicle inhaling the fumes. It seems to get stronger when the vehicle is on (for instance at a stop light) the dealership acknowledge this was more common for the 2024 and 2025 models and only a service alert. Vehicle has been inspected by a service tech. No warning lights are on.
NHTSA complaint #11758994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Our vehicles gas door would not open to get gas. During the 2nd and 3rd repair they damaged our vehicle. Worst of all on the last repair they modified our gas tank. They said they took it off another vehicle. Mine was a locking door now it isn’t. Since this was done the vehicle smells of gas when you fill it up and the miles to empty is off about 100 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11756256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The vehicle exhibits an intense, overpowering raw gasoline smell inside the passenger cabin, specifically originating from beneath the rear seat area. When the climate control/AC fan is turned on, raw fuel vapors are siphoned directly out of the dashboard air vents into the faces of the occupants, causing headaches and dizziness.Two independent mechanics have pressure-tested the fuel lines and confirmed there are no liquid fuel leaks, proving this is a structural vapor siphoning defect. Mitsubishi has documented this exact factory defect under TSB TS-25-13-001 (NHTSA ID: MC-11018002-0001), but the local dealership refuses to perform the safety repair without a massive out-of-pocket payment because the vehicle has 87,000 miles. This is an immediate fire and health hazard for anyone inside the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11754088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
You ca. have gas in the car and it still just cut off and say no gas and it be gas in their
NHTSA complaint #11753657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Make and Model of my car was recalled for a faulty Fuel Pump System, however my car was never listed as being one of those recalled, my fuel has now gone out due to this and I should be able to have this repaired. Car stalled in the middle of a busy intersection, will work once jumped, battery and alternator were both tested.
NHTSA complaint #11752161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I own a 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander that I purchased new on December 21, 2024. Since shortly after purchase, the vehicle has experienced ongoing problems involving the brakes, electrical system, and fuel fumes entering the passenger cabin. The most serious issue is the brake system. I have experienced hard braking, inconsistent brake response, brake warning lights, and at least one incident where the brakes suddenly failed and I had to take emergency action to stop the vehicle. The dealership has attempted multiple repairs, including replacing the brake booster, master cylinder, and other brake components, but the problem continues. The vehicle has also had repeated electrical problems, including warning lights, low-voltage issues, radio malfunctions, and steering wheel controls that stopped working. In addition, fuel fumes continue to enter the cabin while driving and when the vehicle is parked. The dealership has already replaced the fuel vapor canister and fuel filler neck, but the fuel odor persists. On June 13, 2026, I went to the emergency room because of symptoms related to inhaling the fuel vapors. I have reported these issues to both the dealership and Mitsubishi Motors North America on multiple occasions since the problems first began. Despite repeated repair attempts and ongoing communication, the defects remain unresolved. Based on the repeated failures, the number of repair visits, and the amount of time the vehicle has been out of service, I believe this vehicle qualifies as a lemon. The vehicle has been in the repair shop numerous times and has been out of service for approximately 45 days. I am filing this complaint because I am concerned that the brake failures and fuel vapor intrusion could put me, my passengers, and other drivers at risk. I am seeking assistance in resolving this issue as soon as possible to prevent further safety and health risks.
NHTSA complaint #11744193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Following sustained highway operation and varied elevations in tropical conditions, the vehicle’s Auto Start-Stop system may activate during traffic congestion. In certain instances, the battery warning light illuminates upon engine automatic restart. If the auto start stop is activated once more on the engine restart the battery warning light will turn off. I went to the dealership and they wanted me to leave the vehicle for diagnostics or kept using it which will change the Mild Hybrid battery and avoid recurrence. But the issue keeps happening.
NHTSA complaint #11736169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The EV portion of the PHEV is often not providing power to the motors, even though, there are still plenty of battery power available. The vehicle sometimes gave "Power Reduced" warning that usually went away after 30 minutes, and the vehicle cannot go into EV mode. When in EV mode and just cruising on the highway, it barely has power to keep up with traffic and sometimes it is losing speed just on a slight incline on the road causing me to move over or take it out of EV mode just to get power from the gas engine. In one occasion, I driving in EV mode and merging onto the highway. I stepped on the gas and the car was barely, if at all, accelerating. Fortunately, there wasn't vehicle coming from the highway.
NHTSA complaint #11734374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The electrical system in my 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander has repeatedly malfunctioned since September 2023. The primary failure involves the dashboard completely shutting down while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in the loss of critical driving information such as speed and system warnings. The issue is intermittent but ongoing and may be available for inspection upon request. This failure creates a serious safety risk because I am unable to see essential driving information while operating the vehicle, placing both myself and my family at risk. The vehicle has been taken to authorized Mitsubishi dealerships multiple times for these issues. Repairs have been performed during these visits; however, none have permanently resolved the problem. The issue temporarily stops after repairs but eventually returns and continues to recur. The problem has been reproduced multiple times. The vehicle has been inspected by authorized Mitsubishi service departments on multiple occasions, but the underlying issue has not been properly diagnosed or permanently repaired. Prior to failure, there have been repeated battery-related issues and sensor malfunctions. The vehicle has required at least three battery replacements since purchase. These symptoms often occur before the dashboard shuts down. In addition to the electrical issue, the vehicle has also experienced fuel pump concerns, which have persisted despite repair attempts. This ongoing and recurring defect makes the vehicle unsafe to operate and remains unresolved.
NHTSA complaint #11732587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am reporting a safety defect involving my 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport (VIN [XXX] ). On five separate occasions between December 2025 and February 2026, my vehicle ran completely out of fuel despite the dashboard displaying between 18 and 48 miles of remaining driving range. Four of these events occurred on active highways, resulting in sudden loss of engine power and creating immediate collision risk. The dealership diagnosed and replaced the fuel tank gauge unit, fuel level sensor, and sub sensor under warranty. Service documentation references Technical Information Notice TIN #XXX, indicating this is a known issue. This defect caused unexpected highway shutdowns and serious safety exposure. I am concerned other drivers may experience similar failures. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11719193 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that upon testing the battery, it was determined that the battery was not the cause of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V027000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was contacted, but the contact was unable to speak to a Customer Care coordinator after waiting for approximately 30 minutes. The failure mileage was approximately 65,665.
NHTSA complaint #11709356 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While accelerating the gas gage goes up but there is resistance when pressing on gas. The vehicle does not accelerate right away and there is a drag before the vehicle gets up to speed. It takes off really slow.
NHTSA complaint #11677906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The car has severe rust on the frame to the point of the rust corroding a hole in the frame making it unsafe to drive. Black paint has been applied to conceal the extent of the rust, demonstrating clear intent to mislead and a disregard for human safety. The catalytic converter has been aftermarket welded into place and failing emissions. Other repairs needed cannot be done because the rust damage is to bad for mechanics to risk removing the bolts. Yes, the car is available for inspection. This dealership endangered my life, the lives of my loved ones and other drivers on the road with us by allowing us to drive a car with a damaged frame with could have caused a major accident. I took the car to my mechanic and the dealership's mechanic of choice and both said the car is unsafe to drive. The car was inspected by the Peachtree Mitsubishi Service Center and for whatever their reason may be, they told us the car was in great condition. After driving the car for a couple of weeks, we noticed the fumes and a knocking noise under the car. Also, the check engine light was on and the Peachtree Mitsubishi Service Center said it was the tire pressure. Despite my attempts to resolve this matter with the dealership directly, they have refused to take responsibility for their actions. I believe their practices violate consumer protection laws and pose a significant risk to public safety.
NHTSA complaint #11653563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL special edition was purchased in December 2022. In February 2024, the fuel pump went out the dealership said it was not a recall, however it was covered under my warranty. Now, March 2025, my fuel pump has went out again. This is the second time and the third fuel pump counting the original in the vehicle. Even though it’s covered by warranty, it is still not a recall? How can a fuel pump go out two times in three years?
NHTSA complaint #11649285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1) 12/20/2024: Took the car to a Mitsubishi dealer as the 'Check Engine Light' was ON for a few days. They erased the code but could not diagnose the cause. Returned home and could NOT charge the car using the same standard outlet (level 1) I used since I bought the car. The instrument cluster displayed the following (Please see Pic 1): a) Error message 'PHEV System Fault, Service Required'. b) Check engine light. c) Forward Collision Mitigation System [FCM] OFF warning light. d) Rear Automatic Emergency Braking [Rear AEB] system OFF warning light. e) Plug-in hybrid EV system warning light. Since 12/20/2024, I have been driving the car with these serious safety issues. 2) 1/2/2025: 'On-board charger' was replaced by the dealer. But the same error continued. Per dealer invoice, they "performed drive cycle pattern 3 and the code returned". Obviously under certain conditions, the erased code returned. 3) Since mid-November, 2024, I have been noticing two different EV range mileage. Please see Pic 2. My phone app showed (on 1/26/2025) a 51 mile EV range whereas the instrument cluster showed only a 39 mile range. All the errors still remain as of 1/26/2025. 4) Opened a case with Mitsubishi but they are refusing to respond with updates. With so many safety issues due to 'PHEV System Fault', I am afraid of taking the car out.
NHTSA complaint #11638649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
In the morning where I live for the last few days it has been below 0. The Outlander PHEV even when plugged in over night will start the gas engine and drive for about one minute until the gas engine shuts off and comes up with a message saying power reduced with a turtle symbol. When it does this you have no heat (HVAC) the heated seats and heated steering wheel does not work as well as the front and rear defrost. The car speed seems to be limited to about 40MPH. This issue is not news as many PHEV owners are dealing with the same issue, From my understanding Mitsubishi didn't install a battery warmer on the new generation Outlander PHEV however the prior generation Outlander PHEV did have a battery warmer and there were no issues with that model in cold climates. Your vehicle should always be a reliable source of heat when needed it doesn't seem to be very reliable in cold climates and it really is a hazard when it decides to reduce power with no warning.
NHTSA complaint #11637587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car will drive on interstate then will be unable to accelerate on interstate warning, “Propulsion power reduced” light turns on and vehicle speed decreases and car does not accelerates and loses speed. I had to stop vehicle multiple times to reset the car per advice on the internet but car continues with drastic decrease in speed on the interstate and message “Propulsion Power Reduced.” Car is serviced as per car dealership recommendations but now car is not safe to drive on the interstate.
NHTSA complaint #11628179 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
It sounds like its coming on and shutting off the fuel pump
NHTSA complaint #11627079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.