MotorDeets

2004 Mitsubishi Outlander: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander: 4 recalls, 52 owner complaints and up to 21 mpg combined.

4vehicle recalls
52owner complaints
10mention a crash
21best combined mpg
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Recalls

4 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #03V429000 · 2003 · 394 vehicles

What's wrong: On certain sport utility vehicles located in the caribbean, due to a software programming error in the electronic timing and control system (etacs), while using the intermittent wiper mode, the intermittent wiper sweep time interval May increase as much as 6.8 second between wiper sweeps.

Why it matters: If this occurs during severe weather and during vehicle's high-speed operation, the driver visibility would be reduced, which could lead to a crash.

The fix: Dealers will replace the etacs module. Owner notification began November 14, 2003. Owners should contact Mitsubishi caribbean at 1-800-981-0452.

Trailer hitch Vehicle recall #04V197000 · 2004 · 2,175 vehicles

What's wrong: Certain sport utility vehicles May have been equipped with dealer-installed trailer hitch wiring harness and control module. The electronic control module can overheat.

Why it matters: Overheating of the trailer hitch wiring harness module could result in a fire.

The fix: Owners are being requested to stop using the harness until a newly designed replacement is provided and can be installed by the dealer. The recall began on May 28, 2004. Owners should contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.

Equipment Vehicle recall #04V428000 · 2004 · 100,432 vehicles

What's wrong: Certain passenger vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard no. 208, 'occupant crash protection.' the bilingual english/spanish removable air bag warning labels affixed to the dash and to the sunvisor do not meet the size requirements of the standard.

Why it matters: This does not meet the requirements of the standard.

The fix: Mitsubishi caribbean will mail a customer notification letter containing a written description and a graphic of the bi-lingual dashboard air bag warning label. In addition, all current 2000-2004 nativa owners will also receive replacement air bag alert labels for the sun visors. This recall is…

Suspension Vehicle recall #16V458000 · 2016 · 194,674 vehicles

What's wrong: Mitsubishi motors north america, Inc. (mmna) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 lancer, 2004 lancer wagon, 2003-2006 lancer evolution, 2003-2006 outlander and 2007-2013 outlander v-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, connecticut, delaware, illinois, indiana, iowa, kentucky, maine, maryland, massachusetts, michigan, minnesota, missouri, new hampshire, new jersey, new york, ohio, pennsylvania,…

Why it matters: A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Mmna will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These…

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 5 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Suspension20
Body & structure8
Airbags7
Engine & cooling6
Exterior lights6
Steering5
Transmission & drivetrain3
Electrical2

What owners describe

The 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander has 52 owner complaints, ranking #10 of 23 Outlander model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 58). Complaints peaked in 2016 (9 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 63,250 miles. Neighboring years: 2003 (116 complaints, 6 recalls), 2005 (19 complaints, 1 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.4 L 4-cylAutomatic (S4)Front-Wheel Drive192421Regular
2.4 L 4-cylAutomatic (S4)4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive182320Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

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Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
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FAQ

Does the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 vehicle recalls for the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander problems?

Owners have filed 52 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are suspension (20), body & structure (8), airbags (7).

What gas mileage does the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander get?

EPA ratings run up to 21 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic (S4)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Outlander years

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