2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

Introduction

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that combines a 2.4-liter gasoline engine with an electric motor to provide a total system output of 221 horsepower and 252 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive.

The Outlander PHEV is praised for its fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. However, it has also been criticized for its dated design, lack of power, and high price.

Engine

2.4-Liter Gasoline Engine

• Timing Chain Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain may stretch or break, causing the engine to lose power or fail completely.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Piston Ring Damage:
  • Description/Symptoms: The piston rings may become damaged, leading to excessive oil consumption and blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace the engine.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

• Slipping or Jerking:
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission may slip or jerk during acceleration or gear changes.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Strut Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The front or rear struts may fail, causing a loss of stability and handling.
  • Solution: Replace the struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ per strut
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway Bar Link Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The sway bar links may become loose or break, resulting in increased body roll and reduced stability.
  • Solution: Replace the sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per link
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Pack Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The high-voltage battery pack may fail, causing a loss of power or an inability to charge.
  • Solution: Replace the battery pack.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $8,000 - $12,000+
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V773000; MFR Campaign Number: SR-20-016
• Charging System Issues:
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle may have difficulty charging, or the battery may not charge at all.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the charging system components (e.g., charging port, charging cable, converter).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Tailgate Latch Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The tailgate latch may fail to engage, causing the tailgate to open unexpectedly or become stuck closed.
  • Solution: Replace the tailgate latch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Door Handle Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The exterior door handles may become loose or break, making it difficult to open the doors.
  • Solution: Replace the door handles.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ per handle
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking:
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard may crack due to exposure to sunlight or extreme temperatures.
  • Solution: Replace the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat Belt Retractor Failure:
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat belt retractors may fail, causing the seat belts to become loose or unlatch unexpectedly.
  • Solution: Replace the seat belt retractors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ per retractor
  • Recalls: NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V690000; MFR Campaign Number: R21-031

Summary

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a number of potential issues that range in severity from minor annoyances to major breakdowns. Engine and transmission problems are among the most costly to repair, while electrical issues and safety recalls can pose significant safety hazards. It is important for owners to be aware of these potential issues and to have them addressed promptly by a qualified mechanic.