2009 Mitsubishi Outlander

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2009 models.

Mitsubishi Outlander
Pictured: 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (fourth generation) IMG 3129. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD Xls, 4dr SUV FWD Es, 4dr SUV FWD Ls
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
22 combined · 20 city / 25 hwy
Length
182.7 in
Curb weight
3,395–3,505 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
12 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • 12 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 43 similar 2009 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 183 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,505 lb (4dr SUV AWD Xls).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (20 city / 25 highway), 13% better than the 2009 SUV - average of 19.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.

It has 12 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 34 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.

What changed for 2009

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2008 Outlander — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2008; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2008 Outlander →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD Xls182.7 in70.9 in66.1 in105.1 in61 / 59.8 in3,505 lb55/45
4dr SUV FWD Es182.7 in70.9 in66.1 in105.1 in61 / 59.8 in3,395 lb55/45
4dr SUV FWD Ls182.7 in70.9 in66.1 in105.1 in61 / 59.8 in3,505 lb55/45

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Outlander 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive20 / 25 / 22+13%$3,050404
Outlander 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive20 / 25 / 22+24%$3,050404
Outlander 2WD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive17 / 24 / 20+3%$3,350444
Outlander 4WD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19+7%$3,550468
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.5 MPG2009 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2009 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2009 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2009 Mitsubishi Outlander (this car)22 MPGNot rated12
2009 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated6
2009 Toyota RAV424 MPGNot rated14
2009 Honda CR-V23 MPGNot rated12
2009 Toyota 4Runner18 MPGNot rated6
2009 Subaru Forester22 MPGNot rated16
2009 Toyota Highlander26 MPGNot rated9

Recalls (12)

Structure › Frame And Members · May 18, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V279000 · 141,200 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
Risk
A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · Jan 26, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V071000 · 56,641 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Outlander, 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Evolution, and 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles equipped with sunroofs. The sunroof glass may detach from the sunroof assembly, becoming a road hazard to other vehicles.
Risk
If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-003.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts And Associated Pulleys · Jan 26, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V069000 · 141,053 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive belt to detach.
Risk
If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-001.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor · Jul 20, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V461000 · 100,082 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles. In the affected vehicles, water may drop between the hood and the windshield and leak into the wiper motor breathing hole. The water may cause internal corrosion of the windshield wiper motor and the possible failure of the motor.
Risk
Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-003.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages · Oct 31, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V791000 · 100,082 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles manufactured September 8, 2006, to March 29, 2013. In the affected vehicles, water may enter between the hood and windshield and cause the front wiper link ball joint to corrode, possibly resulting in the wiper link separating and the wipers becoming inoperative.
Risk
Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rubber boot on the ball joint to prevent water intrusion. Additionally, they will inspect the wiper motor crank arm for excessive play, replacing it as necessary. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-009.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm · Jun 23, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V458000 · 194,674 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Electrical System · Apr 20, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V232000 · 53,396 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to July 6, 2010, 2009-2010 Outlander vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to August 27, 2010, 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to June 8, 2010, and 2010 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to August 4, 2010. The affected vehicles have an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. Due to a manufacturing error, the voltage inside this ECU may be unstable.
Risk
Unstable voltage could result in intermittent failure of the vehicle's head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. If the headlights and/or windshield wipers fail, the driver could have reduced visibility. If the tail lights fail, the vehicle could be less visible. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected ECU, free of charge. The recall began on June 15 ,2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-002.
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System › Fan/Motor · Apr 20, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V233000 · 76,958 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Lancer vehicles manufactured March 16, 2009, to March 30, 2011, 2010-2011 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to December 1, 2010, 2010-2011 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to January 7, 2011, 2009-2011 Outlander vehicles manufactured February 10, 2009, to June 22, 2011, and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to November 19, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the blower motor may fail.
Risk
Failure of the blower motor may reduce the performance of the windshield defroster, diminishing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-003.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Sep 12, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V564000 · 37,145 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Outlander vehicles manufactured December 15, 2006, to October 31, 2007, and April 16, 2008, to August 22, 2009. In the affected vehicles, the brake light switch may malfunction causing the brake lights to not illuminate during brake application.
Risk
Brake lights that are inoperative would not warn other drivers that the vehicle is stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch with a new one, free of charge. The recall began in mid-October 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-010. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 08V-680 and does not include any vehicles that were previously recalled.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts And Associated Pulleys · Sep 12, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V562000 · 165,923 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4B1 engines, have an engine pulley and belt arrangement for turning the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (if equipped). These pulleys may experience unusual wear and allow for belt detachment.
Risk
If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-009.
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, And Connections · Jun 25, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V366000 · 203 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, Mitusbishi is recalling certain 2007-2012 Outlander vehicles that received replacement 6-speed automatic transmissions during servicing. The transmissions in these vehicles have insufficient clearance between the power steering pressure tube and the converter housing of the automatic transmission. As a result of the contact, the power steering pressure tube may develop a hole and leak power steering fluid.
Risk
A power steering fluid leak could result in a loss of steering assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pressure tube and return tube, free of charge. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-006.
Power Train › Transfer Case (4-Wheel Drive) · Jun 25, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V365000 · 5 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2007 and 2009 Outlander vehicles. During servicing, the affected vehicles were repaired with replacement transfer case assemblies whose oil seal may come out of position.
Risk
If the oil seal dislodges, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) may enter the transfer case assembly, reducing the ATF pressure in the transmission, resulting in poor transmission shifting or the inability of the vehicle to be driven, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transfer assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-005.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

34Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
2Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
106,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Unknown Or Other5
Suspension5
Exterior Lighting4
Visibility/Wiper4
Power Train4
Seat Belts3
Electrical System3
Steering3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
16/02: 116/04: 116/08: 116/10: 116/11: 116/12: 117/02: 217/03: 117/04: 217/05: 117/11: 118/01: 118/05: 218/08: 118/10: 118/11: 219/01: 119/03: 119/04: 219/05: 119/10: 119/12: 124/03: 126/05: 116/0216/1017/0217/0518/0518/1119/0419/12max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Suspension — 5 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
  3. Exterior Lighting — 4 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  4. Visibility/Wiper — 4 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 106,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Outlander years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Outlander27–Not rated00
2026 Outlander28185.4 inNot rated16
2025 Outlander27185.4 in★★★★★218
2024 Outlander27185.4 in★★★★★127
2023 Outlander27185.4 in★★★★★258
2022 Outlander27185.4 in★★★★★10229
2021 Outlander27185 in★★★★★319
2020 Outlander27185 in★★★★★458
2019 Outlander27185 in★★★★★656
2018 Outlander27185 in★★★★★693
2017 Outlander27185 inNot rated678
2016 Outlander27183.5 inNot rated11171

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mitsubishi. How we calculate this →