2004 Mitsubishi Outlander recalls and problems

The 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander has 4 safety recalls and 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Mitsubishi dealer.

Recalls
4
Complaints
52
Crashes / fires
10 / 0
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2004 Mitsubishi Outlander recalls

Recall 16V-458: Suspension

Reported Jun 23, 2016 · 194,674 vehicles affected · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Problem: 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, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.

Risk: A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

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 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.

Recall 04V-428: Equipment

Reported Sep 1, 2004 · 100,432 vehicles affected · MITSUBISHI CARIBBEAN

Problem: 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: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.

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 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.

Recall 04V-197: Trailer Hitches

Reported Apr 26, 2004 · 2,175 vehicles affected · MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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: Overheating of the trailer hitch wiring harness module could result in a fire.

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 mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.

Recall 03V-429: Visibility

Reported Nov 3, 2003 · 394 vehicles affected · MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Problem: 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: 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.

Fix: Dealers will replace the etacs module. Owner notification began november 14, 2003. Owners should contact mitsubishi caribbean at 1-800-981-0452.

2004 Mitsubishi Outlander problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Suspension20
Structure8
Air Bags7
Engine and Engine Cooling6
Exterior Lighting6
Steering5
Power Train3
Electrical System2
Visibility2
Seat Belts2
Fuel System, Gasoline2
Vehicle Speed Control2

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 7
  • Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 4
  • Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 3
  • Suspension › Rear — 2
  • Air Bags › Frontal — 2
  • Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm — 2
  • Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist System — 1
  • Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 69,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Suspension · at 180,000 miles · reported Aug 25, 2022
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…
Suspension · reported Oct 5, 2021
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 · at 141,000 miles · reported Oct 29, 2020
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 · at 135,000 miles · reported Feb 24, 2020
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.
Suspension · reported Apr 3, 2018
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.

Other Mitsubishi Outlander years

Compare all Mitsubishi Outlander years · All Mitsubishi models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander: 16V-458 (suspension), 04V-428 (equipment), 04V-197 (trailer hitches), 03V-429 (visibility). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander?

Owners report suspension problems most often (20 reports), followed by structure (8). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 69,000 miles.

Are Mitsubishi recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Mitsubishi dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.