2018 Mitsubishi Outlander
The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 65/100. Expect about $39,375 to own it for five years, or $656 a month. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 57 complaints.
- Recalls
- 6
- Complaints
- 57
- 5-yr cost
- $39k
- MPG (EPA)
- 27
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander vs nearby years
Compare this year with the model years next to it on the same hub.
Looking at a specific Outlander?
Paste its VIN for the exact trim, recalls that may apply, and a Fits / Stretch / Not yet verdict for your budget. Free.
6 recalls may apply
For the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.
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.
Risk: A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2026. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-26-001. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov June 3, 2026. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V507.
Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
5-year cost to own
Estimated $10,750 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.
| Depreciation | $3,258 |
| Insurance (national avg.) | $12,000 |
| Fuel / charging | $7,445 |
| Maintenance | $8,050 |
| Repairs | $4,000 |
| Loan interest | $2,977 |
| Taxes & fees | $1,645 |
Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.
Owner complaints & safety
What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.
- Engine12
- Air Bags10
- Electrical System9
- Unknown Or Other8
- Structure8
- Service Brakes6
Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.
- Overall
- 4 out of 5 stars
- Frontal
- 4 out of 5 stars
- Side
- 5 out of 5 stars
- Rollover
- 4 out of 5 stars
Rated as: 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV FWD
What to check on a used 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander
Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.
- Engine and transmission
- Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
- Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
- Airbags
- The airbag light should come on at start-up and then go out.
- Ask for proof that any airbag recalls were completed.
- Electrical and lights
- Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
- Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.
If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.
Common 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander problems
Cheaper alternatives
FAQ
- Is the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander a good car to buy?
- The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 65/100. Expect about $39,375 to own it for five years, or $656 a month. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 57 complaints.
- Does the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander, including Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Support Device/Strut; Electrical System › Software; Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
- What are the most common 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander problems?
- Owners filed 57 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (12), air bags (10), electrical system (9), structure (8).
- How much does a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander cost to own for 5 years?
- About $39,375 over 5 years ($656/month) at an estimated $10,750 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.