VehicleVerdict

2005 Mitsubishi Outlander problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 24 complaints on file for the 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

24

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Outlander years?

Outlander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted312 complaints2003: 149 complaints2004: 73 complaints2005: 24 complaints2006: 25 complaints2007: 175 complaints2008: 80 complaints2009: 61 complaints2010: 76 complaints2011: 88 complaints2012: 34 complaints2013: 34 complaints2014: 58 complaints2015: 79 complaints2016: 202 complaints2017: 81 complaints2018: 80 complaints2019: 46 complaints2020: 44 complaints2022: 312 complaints2023: 64 complaints2024: 37 complaints2025: 19 complaints2026: 6 complaints
Outlander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Outlander years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Suspension833%
Body & Structure313%
Transmission313%
Electrical System28%
Other28%
Engine28%
Visibility & Wipers14%
Lighting14%
Steering14%
Airbags14%

Does the 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

16V458000SuspensionJune 23, 2016 · 194,674 units

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, 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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND CRASHED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · November 22, 2013 · crash

“THE VEHICLE IS A MITSTUBISHI OUTLANDER LTD, 2005. THERE IS AN APPARENT LACK OF OR FAILURE OF THE BODY WELDS IN THE DRIVER-SIDE PILLAR. DEALERSHIP INDICATES THERE MAY BE OTHER VEHICLES WITH THIS PROBLEM. LACK OF OR FAILURE RESULTS IN RUBBING OF THE BODY PANELS PRODUCING A HIGH PITCHED METALLIC…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · October 10, 2005

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESPOND TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,500. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 8, 2013

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE COMPUTER WAS REPROGRAMMED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 148,000.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 11, 2015

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF, THE RADIATOR FAN ASSEMBLY REMAINED ACTIVATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 15, 2006

2005 Mitsubishi Outlander — common questions

Is the 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?

The record is thin — 24 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2005 Outlander problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are suspension (8 complaints), body & structure (3 complaints), transmission (3 complaints).

Does the 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2005 Mitsubishi Outlander. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mitsubishi Outlander years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Outlander years to avoid are 2022, 2016, 2007, 2003. The cleanest record among Outlander years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.