Mitsubishi Outlander 2(CW)
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The second-generation Outlander is the car with which Mitsubishi properly entered the modern SUV market — a shared platform with the Peugeot 4007 and Citroën C-Crosser, more comfort, but also the start of the CVT and bought-in-diesel era. That's exactly why this is a generation where the engine choice makes or breaks ownership.
The engines: The must-buy is the 4B12 petrol (2.4 MIVEC, 125 kW). A solid DOHC four built for smoothness and longevity. The open-deck aluminium block means slight cylinder ovality and some oil consumption at high mileage (sev2). The timing chain can stretch (sev4), the crank seal weeps and the exhaust manifold likes to crack (sev3) — all known and manageable. Be wary of the BSY diesel: it's the bought-in VW 2.0 TDI with unit injectors, complete with all the VW hereditary faults. The killer detail is the hex drive of the oil pump in the balance-shaft module (sev5) — it rounds off, oil pressure vanishes, engine dies. Add injectors (sev4), EGR coking, and worst case a snapped timing belt (sev5). Only buy with a gapless history.
Transmission is the issue here: the CVT whines and judders (repair sometimes just €0–300, but often pricier as a swap), and the TC-SST dual-clutch shifts roughly (€900–2500). A well-kept manual with the 4B12 is the most worry-free combination.
Whole car: underbody rust from thin corrosion protection (up to €900), the wiper motor rusts and fails (€120–300), brake discs wear early thanks to the kerb weight (€200–600) and show up at inspection. Interior trim and noise insulation are on the weak side (sev2) — no defect, but noticeable.
Test drive: test the CVT for vibration and whine; on the SST watch for judder on the overrun. Check the wiper motor, inspect the underbody. On the BSY diesel demand service proof for the oil pump and timing belt — without it, walk away.
Market 2026: roughly €4,000–8,000. Insider pick: the 2.4 petrol as a manual with a sound manifold and dry underbody. The BSY only for the brave with documentation.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Mitsubishi Outlander 2 is available with 2 engine variants — from 98 to 170 hp.
The BSY is the VW Group 2.0 TDI with pump-injector (unit injector) fuelling, related to the EA188 family, fitted in the Outlander II and Grandis at 140 hp. Mitsubishi bought the engine complete from VW, including its well-known weak points. The core problem is the hexagonal oil pump drive inside the balance shaft module: the short hex shaft rounds off, the oil pump stops abruptly and the engine seizes without warning. EGR coking and soot deposits on the pump-injector units are further classics. Torquey and economical, but meticulous oil changes to the correct spec are mandatory.
- !! Injector failure from 130,000 km
The common-rail injectors on the BSY/DW10BTED4 tend to wear and seize from 120,000–150,000 km. Faulty injection causes engine misfires and increased soot output. Replacement is costly.
Symptoms: Engine stumbling, misfires, cold-start difficulties, check engine light, rough running - !! Oil pump drive / balance shaft module from 130,000 km
The hexagonal oil pump drive inside the VW 2.0 TDI balance shaft module rounds off. The oil pump stops abruptly and the engine seizes without warning — often catastrophic engine damage.
Symptoms: Usually no warning; late oil-pressure light, droning/vibration, abrupt engine seizure - !! Timing belt failure from 120,000 km
The BSY/DW10BTED4 uses a timing belt drive with a 120,000 km or 10-year replacement interval. Exceeding it risks engine damage from valve collision. Replace the water pump at the same time.
Symptoms: Engine won't start, loud metallic noise on start attempt
+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Sturdy 2.4-litre four-cylinder with DOHC and MIVEC phasing, engineered for smoothness and longevity rather than sportiness. The aluminium block uses open-deck construction, which at high mileage can encourage slight cylinder ovality and therefore oil consumption. Valve clearance is set via bucket tappets with no hydraulic adjustment, so clearance checks become a maintenance item at higher mileage. The timing chain generally lasts a long time but stretches beyond 150,000 km; the MIVEC solenoid is sensitive to old, thickened oil. With short oil-change intervals and attention to clean variable-timing operation, this engine comfortably reaches 300,000 km.
- !! Timing chain stretches at high mileage from 150,000 km
The 4B12 timing chain tends to stretch above 150,000 km. A broken or jumped chain drive can cause severe engine damage. Regular oil changes are critical for chain longevity.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling or ticking from the engine bay especially on cold start, rough idle, engine management warning light illuminates - !! Crankshaft seal leaking from 80,000 km
Vehicles from 2007–2011 have a known weakness at the crankshaft radial seal, which can be damaged by foreign matter and leads to oil loss. The design was revised from late 2010 onwards.
Symptoms: Oil spots under the vehicle near the engine, dropping oil level without visible leak in the upper engine area, oil smell after driving - !! Exhaust manifold cracking from 160,000 km
The cast-iron exhaust manifold is prone to hairline cracks from constant thermal cycling, particularly around the flange and the integrated pre-cat housing. The result is exhaust noise and oxygen-sensor faults.
Symptoms: Ticking or hissing exhaust noise after cold start that fades as the engine warms up, exhaust smell in the engine bay, occasional check-engine light from skewed lambda readings.
+ 1 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Underbody rust and inadequate corrosion protection Thin factory paint and marginal underbody protection let rust start early in salt regions — typically at wheel arches, sills, underbody, door frames and tailgate. Inspect thoroughly from below before buying. Symptoms: Paint blistering at door bottom edges and sills, visible rust on the underbody, rust staining below window hinges from 120,000 km | Medium |
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 16 weaknesses have been documented for the Mitsubishi Outlander 2 (2006–2012) — 9 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: BSY (2.0L DI-D). Typical issues affect Rust, Gearbox, Brakes, Electronics.
Outlander (BSY, 2006–2009) — Stay Away!: Injector failure, Oil pump drive / balance shaft module, Timing belt failure. Power: 140 PS.
Outlander (4B12, 2006–2012) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretches at high mileage, Crankshaft seal leaking, Exhaust manifold cracking. Power: 170 PS.
What to watch out for with the Mitsubishi Outlander? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Mitsubishi Outlander 2 have? +
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Which engine is recommended? +
Which Mitsubishi Outlander 2 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander 2 worth buying used? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee