Practical seven-seat SUV that pioneered plug-in hybrid motoring
The Mitsubishi Outlander is best known in the UK as the PHEV — the first mainstream plug-in hybrid SUV, launched here in April 2014, and the best-selling plug-in car in Britain for years. Used PHEV prices start from around £6,000 for early 2014 models, rising to £25,000+ for late-model examples. The conventional 2.2 DI-D diesel is less common but offers genuine seven-seat practicality. Rivals include the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Tucson PHEV, and Toyota RAV4.
We track 7 known issues across the Mitsubishi Outlander range, including 1 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Mitsubishi Outlander? Enter the reg to see which of our 7 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
CW (2003–2006) — Engine options included the 2.4 MIVEC, 2.4 MIVEC. Our database flags 2 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Handbrake efficiency failure (£200–£600 to address).
GF (2012–2021) — Petrol options included the 2.0 MIVEC, with 2.2 DI-D on the diesel side. Our database flags 7 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Handbrake efficiency failure (£200–£600 to address).
The handbrake mechanism on Outlanders suffers from premature failure of the adjusting mechanism and cable stretching. MOT data shows failure rates 216 times higher than the fleet average on 2.4-litre petrol variants. The electronic parking brake (EPB) on later models can fail due to motor seizure or calibration loss. This is a critical safety defect that prevents the vehicle from being parked safely on slopes and will result in MOT failure.
Complete handbrake failure creates a serious safety risk when parking on slopes and will result in immediate MOT failure. EPB motor replacement costs £800-£1,200, while cable adjustment or replacement costs £200-£400. The vehicle must not be parked on any incline if the handbrake is ineffective.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
Outlanders suffer from premature wear of front and rear suspension bushes, particularly the lower arm bushes and anti-roll bar drop links. MOT data shows failure rates up to 75 times higher than the fleet average. The rubber compounds used deteriorate rapidly, causing knocking noises, poor handling, and uneven tyre wear. This is a widespread issue across all generations and affects roadworthiness.
Worn suspension components cause poor handling, increased braking distances, and rapid tyre wear. Severe wear results in MOT failure and potential loss of vehicle control. Full suspension refresh typically costs £800-£1,500 depending on the extent of wear.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The CVT transmission on PHEV Outlanders develops juddering and slipping at high mileage, particularly during acceleration from standstill. This affects the hybrid drivetrain integration and can leave the vehicle operating on electric power only. The issue stems from deteriorated CVT fluid and worn belt components. Mitsubishi claims lifetime fluid but specialists recommend changes at 60,000 miles to prevent failure.
CVT failure results in loss of forward drive and requires complete transmission replacement costing £3,000-£4,000. The vehicle may continue to operate on electric power only but with severely limited range and performance. Early intervention with fluid changes can prevent complete failure.
Test the automatic gearbox extensively in slow traffic, car parks and on hill starts. Feel for any juddering, hesitation or clunking during gear changes. Try repeated low-speed manoeuvres as this is where problems are most apparent.
The diesel particulate filter on 2.0 and 2.2-litre diesel Outlanders blocks frequently, particularly on vehicles used for short journeys. The DPF warning light illuminates and the vehicle enters limp mode if regeneration fails. This is compounded by faulty DPF pressure sensors giving false readings. Manual regeneration procedures often fail, requiring DPF replacement or professional cleaning.
Complete DPF blockage results in limp mode operation and potential engine damage from excessive back pressure. DPF replacement costs £1,200-£1,500, while professional cleaning costs £300-£500. The vehicle should not be driven if the DPF is completely blocked.
Ask about the car's typical usage — short urban journeys prevent DPF regeneration. Check for DPF warning lights and ask about any previous regeneration issues. A forced regeneration at a garage costs far less than a DPF replacement.
The exhaust gas recirculation valve on diesel Outlanders becomes clogged with carbon deposits, causing rough idling, reduced power, and increased emissions. The EGR valve sticks open or closed, disrupting the air-fuel mixture and triggering engine management warnings. This is exacerbated by short journey usage and poor fuel quality.
EGR failure causes rough running, increased emissions, and potential MOT failure on emissions tests. Complete EGR valve replacement costs £300-£500, while cleaning may restore function temporarily. The vehicle remains driveable but with reduced performance and fuel economy.
Check for any engine warning lights on the dashboard. Ask about the car's MOT emissions history — repeated failures suggest underlying issues. A pre-purchase diagnostic scan is especially worthwhile to check for stored emissions fault codes.
For the full breakdown of all 7 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Mitsubishi Outlander common problems page.
Based on 348k real DVSA MOT tests, the Mitsubishi Outlander fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is electrical wiring fault at 142x the fleet average, followed by emissions failure (60x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Mitsubishi Outlander MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 13k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include cvt fluid change (£300–£450).
See the full Mitsubishi Outlander service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Mitsubishi Outlander has some well-documented weak points, including 1 safety-critical issue that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. 2019-2021 PHEV models are the sweet spot — the 2019 update brought a larger 13.8kWh battery (up from 12kWh), the 2.4-litre petrol engine replaced the 2.0, and interior quality improved. These models balance depreciation against modern features. For diesel, 2015-2017 2.2 DI-D models are solid if serviced. Avoid 2014-2015 early PHEVs (smaller battery, more degradation reports) and 2013-2014 diesels (more recall activity). The 2023+ generation is much improved but still commands near-new prices.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Mitsubishi Outlander, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 7 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 7 known Mitsubishi Outlander issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.