Mitsubishi does not escape the NHTSA either and has recalled more than 90,000 Outlanders for a defect, another one for the recall collection. The recall is nationwide, and affects more than 90,000 units of its Outlander and Outlander PHEV models.
The reason? A rather annoying and potentially dangerous defect in the cylinders that keep the rear hatch open. Over time, those parts can corrode and fail, causing the hatch to drop without warning.
Even the brand says the defect appears only in a small number of cars, the risk of the hatch falling on you while loading the trunk has been enough for the NHTSA to consider it a serious problem. We don’t want another Marie Antoinette..
What cars are included in the recall?
The recall affects exactly 91,697 vehicles:
- Mitsubishi Outlander (years 2014 to 2020)
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (years 2018 to 2022)
And although the problem could appear in any unit, it has been detected mainly in cold areas where salt is used to de-ice the roads, since that accelerates the corrosion process of the parts, so pay close attention to your vehicle.
What happens with the rear hatch?
The defect is in the gas cylinders that hold the hatch open. Over time (and with the help of salt and humidity), these cylinders start to rust, lose pressure… and when you least expect it, boom! The hatch falls down suddenly. And it can fall on anyone, someone loading groceries into the trunk, a child, a grandparent grabbing their suitcase or walker… You don’t need to be very smart to know it can end badly.
What will Mitsubishi do about it?
Starting October 6, 2025, the brand will begin sending letters to owners of affected models. The repair is free and quite simple, they will replace the two hatch cylinders at the dealership with new ones that have anti-corrosion treatment.
That said, there is no need to wait to receive the letter. If you have one of these cars and suspect it is failing, the best thing is to call the dealership or customer service yourself and get ahead of it.
How to know if your car is in the recall?
You just have to go to the official NHTSA website and enter the VIN number (the long 17-digit code that appears on the car papers or at the base of the windshield). In a few seconds you will know if your car is included and if you need to go to the shop to have it checked.
And if your car is working fine?
Even if your car works properly, you should pay attention to the recall, that’s what they are for. It is not the most dangerous recall we have seen, but it can give you a real scare, and now that they are fixing it, take advantage. The repair, as we said, does not cost users anything.
Another recall again?
Yes. Mitsubishi is not the only one. In recent months we have seen recalls from Ford, Kia, Stellantis… It seems that every week it is someone’s turn. But this is not just a statistic: every small part plays an important role in safety, and it should not be underestimated.
If you have an Outlander (2014–2020) or an Outlander PHEV (2018–2022), check your VIN and, if you are affected, go to the shop and have the hatch cylinders replaced. It is quick, it is free, and it saves you from a possible accident one day when you least expect it.