2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Phev: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Phev: 5 recalls, 15 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
Recalls
5 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Forward collision avoidance, Stability control Vehicle recall #18V621000 · 2018 · 58,916 vehicles
What's wrong: Mitsubishi motors north america, Inc. (mmna) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi outlander sport vehicles equipped with a forward collision mitigation (fcm) system and 2018 Mitsubishi outlander phev and eclipse cross vehicles and 2017-2018 outlander vehicles equipped with an adaptive cruise control (acc) system and/or an electric parking brake (epb) system. The software for the hydraulic unit electronic control…
Why it matters: If the safety systems do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Mmna will notify owners, and dealers will update the hydraulic unit-ECU software, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2018.
Forward collision avoidance, Electrical Vehicle recall #18V620000 · 2018 · 9,166 vehicles
What's wrong: Due to incorrect software, the fcm-ECU (electronic control unit) May apply braking for longer than needed, even after a pedestrian is no longer detected.
Why it matters: If the fcm-ECU software activates the brake for longer than necessary, the driver May react by applying additional braking. The resulting rapid deceleration of the vehicle can increase the risk of a rear-end collision.
The fix: Mmna will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the fcm-ECU software with updated software, free of charge. The recall is began October 16, 2018.
Seat belts Vehicle recall #20V403000 · 2020 · 177,000 vehicles
What's wrong: Mitsubishi motors north america, Inc. (mmna) is recalling certain 2014-2019 outlander and 2018-2019 outlander phev vehicles. The second-row center seat belt buckle May interfere with the right-side seat belt buckle when the seat backs are folded down. The interference May cause the right-side seat belt buckle cover to come off, making the buckle latch inoperable and unable to restrain an occupant.
Why it matters: An unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
The fix: Mmna will notify owners, and dealers will modify the second-row center seat belt buckle cover, install a new warning label to the second-row seat support base, and provide a new warning label insert for the owner's manual, free of charge. The recall began September 1, 2020.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #25V507000 · 2025 · 121,529 vehicles
What's wrong: Mitsubishi motors north america, Inc. (mmna) is recalling certain 2018-2022 outlander phev and 2014-2020 outlander vehicles sold and/or currently registered in alaska, connecticut, delaware, district of columbia, illinois, indiana, iowa, kansas, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, north dakota, nebraska, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania, rhode island, south…
Why it matters: A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Mmna will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2025.
Body & structure Vehicle recall #26V252000 · 2026 · 108,046 vehicles
What's wrong: Mitsubishi motors north america, Inc. (mmna) is recalling certain 2018-2022 outlander phev and 2014-2020 outlander vehicles. The liftgate gas spring cylinders May corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
Why it matters: A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
The fix: Mmna will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2026.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (5): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (4): the most common themes are electrical failure (2).
- Speed control / throttle (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Phev has 15 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 9 Outlander Phev model years for complaints (6.8× the average Outlander Phev year). Complaints peaked in 2019 (8 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 10,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2019 (1 complaints, 4 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl hybrid | Automatic (A1) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 26 | 25 | Regular Gas and Electricity |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Phev.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Phev have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 5 vehicle recalls for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Phev. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Phev problems?
Owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (5), brakes (4), electrical (4).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Phev get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (A1)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Phev repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.