🇩🇪 Deutsch
Mitsubishi · Mid-Size SUV · 2012–2021

Mitsubishi Outlander 3

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
4.5 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

98–170 PS

2.4L MIVEC Benzin

Refined V6 substitute

Decent
Most Reliable Engine

147–150 PS

2.0L SOHC MIVEC Benzin

3 weaknesses

Good Choice

Generations

Engine Overview

The Mitsubishi Outlander 3 is available with 4 engine variants — from 98 to 170 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

2.2L DI-D · Diesel· 150 PS
2012 2016
Be Careful 4 weaknesses
2.0L SOHC MIVEC · Benziner· 147–150 PS Engine Change
2012 2021
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
2018 2021
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.0L MIVEC · Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid· 200 PS
2013 2018
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →
2.4L MIVEC · Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid· 224 PS
2018 2021
Good Choice 3 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Mitsubishi 2.2L DI-D (Diesel, 150 PS) has the 4N14 (2.2L DI-D) — rated: "Be Careful", 4 known weaknesses.

The Mitsubishi 2.0L SOHC MIVEC (Benziner, 147–150 PS) comes with 2 different engines: 4J11 (2012–2021, Good Choice) und 4J11 (2018–2021, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 2.0L SOHC MIVEC!

The Mitsubishi 2.0L MIVEC (Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid, 200 PS) has the 4B11 (2.0L MIVEC) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

The Mitsubishi 2.4L MIVEC (Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid, 224 PS) has the 4B12 (2.4L MIVEC) — rated: "Good Choice", 3 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Recall: rear brake callipers corroding

Water entering the rear brake callipers corrodes the shaft, causing the automatic pad adjustment to fail. Handbrake effectiveness can diminish and unintended vehicle movement is possible.

Symptoms: Handbrake not holding the vehicle reliably, uneven rear pad wear, squealing from the rear axle
Ad brake caliper rear Mitsubishi Outlander GFbrake caliper Outlander III 2013 2014 2015 2016
 Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
707 complaints · 2012–2021
Powertrain
243 ⚠ 2
Engine
112 ⚠ 7
Electrical
98 ⚠ 6
Other
83 ⚠ 5
Airbags
80 ⚠ 37

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Powertrain (243 complaints)
⚠ Engine (112 complaints)
⚠ Electrical (98 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Alternatives

Same Segment

BMW X3 M F97

Mittelklasse-SUV (2019–2025)

Same Segment

BMW X4 M F98

Mittelklasse-SUV (2019–2025)

Same Segment

Mercedes-Benz GLE V167

Mittelklasse-SUV (2019–2025)

Same Segment

Mercedes-Benz EQC N293

Mittelklasse-SUV (2019–2023)

Same Segment

BMW X4 G02

Mittelklasse-SUV (2018–2026)

Same Segment

Hyundai Santa Fe TM

Mittelklasse-SUV (2018–2023)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 19 weaknesses have been documented for the Mitsubishi Outlander 3 (2012–2021) — 13 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Other, Electronics, Suspension, Steering. Considered reliable: 4B11 (2.0L MIVEC), 4B12 (2.4L MIVEC), 4J11 (2.0L SOHC MIVEC).

Outlander (4N14, 2012–2016) — Be Careful: Piezo injectors failed, Oil dilution from DPF regeneration, EGR valve and intake tract blocked. Power: 150 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 3 have? +
The Mitsubishi Outlander 3 has 13 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Mitsubishi Outlander 3? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: 4B11 (2.0L MIVEC), 4B12 (2.4L MIVEC), 4J11 (2.0L SOHC MIVEC). The most reliable engine is the 4J11 (2.0L SOHC MIVEC) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the 4B12 (2.4L MIVEC).
Which Mitsubishi Outlander 3 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Mitsubishi Outlander 3. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 3 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Mitsubishi Outlander 3 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Mitsubishi Outlander 3 — rated: "Decent". {description} The 2.4 MIVEC runs smoothly and delivers enough power for towing. More economical than the V6, barely slower.
Is the Mitsubishi Outlander 3 worth buying used? +
The Mitsubishi Outlander 3 is a good choice as a used car — 3 of 4 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Mitsubishi Outlander 3? +
The Mitsubishi Outlander 3 is available with engine variants from 98 to 170 hp. Petrol: 4B11 (2.0L MIVEC), 4B12 (2.4L MIVEC), 4J11 (2.0L SOHC MIVEC). Diesel: 4N14 (2.2L DI-D).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee