Credov's researched list of the 5 faults the Mitsubishi Outlander is known for (2012–2021), 5 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: On a slope, apply the park brake, select neutral and see whether the car holds without rolling.
Why it matters: NHTSA owners also report the brake not releasing in frosty weather. Fix is new rear calipers or caliper overhaul. Repairs reported in the roughly NZ$600-$1,500 range.
What to look for: Feel for CVT shudder or flare pulling away, and watch for an overheat warning on a long climb.
Why it matters: With age and old fluid it can judder when pulling away, flare or slip under load, show a CVT overheat warning on long climbs or towing, and eventually fail; NHTSA owners describe failures at roughly 180,000-290,000 km and CarsGuide says the CVT is likely to be the main source of mechanical grief on these Outlanders. A replacement or rebuilt unit is the usual fix. Repairs reported in the roughly NZ$4,000-$8,000 range.
What to look for: Feel for shudder or a delay pulling away, and for revs flaring without the car gaining speed on a hill.
Why it matters: Mitsubishi also issued a software fix for delayed acceleration on 2016 ZK CVTs. A 2016 2.4 at 224,000 km in the PHEV forum needed a CVT rebuild for low-rpm shudder. Repairs reported in the roughly NZ$4,500-$9,000 range.
What to look for: Charge fully if possible and note the EV range shown on the dash against the roughly 45-55 km when new.
Why it matters: A new pack is very expensive (one NZ quote was NZ$23,000; European dealers quote EUR 8,000-17,000), and used packs are a gamble. A car with poor battery health still drives as a hybrid but loses most of its value and economy. Repairs reported in the roughly NZ$5,000-$23,000 range.
What to look for: Ask whether an EV system, RBS or turtle warning has ever shown, and use B5 regen on a downhill to test it.
Why it matters: A weak 12 V battery can cause similar warnings and should be ruled out first. Driving with the battery always kept below 80% can let cells drift out of balance; regular full charges help. Repairs reported in the roughly NZ$800-$8,000 range.
Got a question about a Mitsubishi Outlander? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.