2009 Mitsubishi Outlander
Introduction:
The 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander is a compact SUV that comes standard with a 2.4L inline-four engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It is also available with a 3.0L V6 engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Outlander is praised for its spacious interior, affordable price, and impressive fuel economy. However, it is criticized for its lack of power and handling capabilities.
Engine
2.4L Inline-Four
- Intake Valve Problems: Intake valves can become clogged with carbon deposits, leading to rough idling, decreased performance, and poor fuel economy.
- Description/Symptoms: Engine misfires, rough idling, decreased power, poor fuel economy
- Solution: Clean or replace intake valves
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
3.0L V6
- Piston Ring Problems: Piston rings can become worn or damaged, causing excessive oil consumption and smoking from the exhaust.
- Description/Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust, low oil levels, decreased performance
- Solution: Replace piston rings
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
CVT
- Slipping Transmission: The transmission may slip or shudder during acceleration or gear changes.
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, difficulty accelerating, slipping gears
- Solution: Replace or repair transmission
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
- Recalls: None Found
6-Speed Automatic
- Transmission Control Module (TCM) Failure: The TCM can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not shift at all.
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission slipping, delayed or hard shifting, no shifting
- Solution: Replace TCM
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Struts/Shocks Wear: Struts and shocks can wear out over time, leading to a rough ride and poor handling.
- Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, noise from suspension, poor handling
- Solution: Replace struts/shocks
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Battery Drain: The battery may drain even when the vehicle is turned off.
- Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, slow starting
- Solution: Check for parasitic battery drain and repair or replace faulty component
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Exterior
- Trim Paint Peeling: Paint on exterior trim pieces, such as door handles and mirror covers, may peel or chip.
- Description/Symptoms: Peeling paint on trim pieces
- Solution: Repaint or replace trim pieces
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- Climate Control Issues: Climate control system may malfunction, leading to problems with heating or cooling.
- Description/Symptoms: Insufficient heating or cooling, inoperative climate control buttons
- Solution: Repair or replace climate control module
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+
- Recalls: None Found
Summary:
The 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander has some significant issues that can be costly to repair. The engine issues are particularly concerning, especially the piston ring problems on the V6 engine. The transmission issues can also be expensive to fix, particularly if the CVT needs to be replaced. The electrical issues and interior climate control issues are less severe but can still be annoying and costly to resolve. Overall, the 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander has some serious reliability problems that potential buyers should be aware of before purchasing the vehicle.