2013 Mitsubishi Outlander

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.

Mitsubishi Outlander
Pictured: 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (fourth generation) IMG 3129. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD Es, 4dr SUV AWD Ls/Xls S-Awc, 4dr SUV FWD Es
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
27 combined · 24 city / 30 hwy
Length
183.9 in
Curb weight
3,384–3,770 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
14 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2013 small SUV (23 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • 14 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 184 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,527 lb (4dr SUV AWD Es).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (24 city / 30 highway), 17% better than the 2013 small SUV average of 23 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 14 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 61 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2013

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2012 Outlander — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Outlander →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–2.0L
Engine–2.4L
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

Sport SEL/GTSport SEL/GT (ASX SE in Puerto Rico)Sport ES/SE (ASX ES in Puerto Rico)Sport ES/SE

Built in: Bloomington-Normal, Illinois · Mizushima, Japan

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2013 Outlander configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD Es183.9 in70.9 in66.1 in105.1 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,527 lb55/45
4dr SUV AWD Ls/Xls S-Awc183.9 in70.9 in66.1 in105.1 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,770 lb55/45
4dr SUV FWD Es183.9 in70.9 in66.1 in105.1 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,384 lb55/45

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Outlander Sport 2WD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 30 / 27+17%$2,500333
Outlander Sport 2WD2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 29 / 26+13%$2,600344
Outlander Sport 4WD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)4-Wheel Drive24 / 29 / 26+21%$2,600346
Outlander 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 28 / 25+9%$2,700361
Outlander 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)4-Wheel Drive22 / 27 / 24+12%$2,800374
Outlander 2WD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22-4%$3,750409
Outlander 4WD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)4-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21-2%$3,900423
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23 MPG2013 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander.

Similar 2013 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander (this car)27 MPGNot rated14
2013 Toyota RAV426 MPGNot rated5
2013 Honda CR-V26 MPGNot rated2
2013 Toyota 4Runner19 MPGNot rated6
2013 Subaru Forester23 MPGNot rated12
2013 Mazda CX-529 MPGNot rated1
2013 Toyota Highlander28 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (14)

Structure › Frame And Members · Mar 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V144000 · 15,347 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure, such as from road salt use.
Risk
A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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, free of charge. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-21-001. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-279. Owners not previously notified under 20V-279 were notified on March 22, 2021.
Structure › Frame And Members · May 18, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V279000 · 141,200 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
Risk
A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages · Feb 9, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V103000 · 158,651 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles. Water may enter between the hood and windshield and cause the front wiper link ball joint to corrode, possibly resulting in the wiper link separating and the wipers becoming inoperative.
Risk
Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rod of the wiper link and the wiper motor crank arm, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 10, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-004.
Parking Brake · Jan 26, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V070000 · 170,354 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Outlander and 2013-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles. Water may enter the rear brake calipers causing the parking brake actuator shafts to corrode and possibly bind.
Risk
If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear brake calipers and replace the parking brake boot and lever or the brake caliper body, as necessary. Dealers will also replace the piston assembly of the rear brake caliper. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-002.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor · Jul 20, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V461000 · 100,082 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles. In the affected vehicles, water may drop between the hood and the windshield and leak into the wiper motor breathing hole. The water may cause internal corrosion of the windshield wiper motor and the possible failure of the motor.
Risk
Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-003.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor · Oct 31, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V792000 · 93,801 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to January 5, 2015. In the affected vehicles, water may drop between the hood and the windshield and leak into the wiper motor breathing hole. The water may cause internal corrosion of the windshield wiper motor and the possible failure of the motor.
Risk
Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The manufacturer has begun the recall, but parts are not yet available; a second notice will be sent when parts are available. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-010.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages · Oct 31, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V791000 · 100,082 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles manufactured September 8, 2006, to March 29, 2013. In the affected vehicles, water may enter between the hood and windshield and cause the front wiper link ball joint to corrode, possibly resulting in the wiper link separating and the wipers becoming inoperative.
Risk
Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rubber boot on the ball joint to prevent water intrusion. Additionally, they will inspect the wiper motor crank arm for excessive play, replacing it as necessary. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-009.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm · Jun 23, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V458000 · 194,674 vehicles

Problem
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, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
Risk
A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.
Seat Belts · Nov 21, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V744000 · 54,779 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured July 20, 2012, to July 23, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the front passenger seat belt lap end attachment fastener may not be torqued to specification, and the fastener may loosen with time.
Risk
A loosened and weakened fastener may not be capable of withstanding the load forces associated with a vehicle crash, leaving the seat occupant insufficiently restrained and increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt lap end attachment fastener, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-714-372-6000. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-011.
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, And Connections · Jun 25, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V366000 · 203 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, Mitusbishi is recalling certain 2007-2012 Outlander vehicles that received replacement 6-speed automatic transmissions during servicing. The transmissions in these vehicles have insufficient clearance between the power steering pressure tube and the converter housing of the automatic transmission. As a result of the contact, the power steering pressure tube may develop a hole and leak power steering fluid.
Risk
A power steering fluid leak could result in a loss of steering assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pressure tube and return tube, free of charge. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-006.
Air Bags · Feb 4, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V031000 · 733 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured July 20, 2012, through May 29, 2013 and equipped with leather seats. In the affected vehicles, the driver side seat mounted air bag wiring may have been improperly routed during the leather seat cover installation process.
Risk
If the wiring is routed incorrectly, using the seat height adjustment may damage the wiring resulting in illumination of the air bag warning light. Subsequently, in the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the driver side seat mounted air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Mitsubishi will notify owners and dealers will inspect the wiring of the driver side seat mounted air bag and re-route the wire if necessary, free of charge. If the wire is damaged, the seat mounted airbag will be replaced, free of chagre. The recall began on February 28, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-001.
Suspension › Front · Jul 8, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V300000 · 305 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured January 17, 2013, through January 25, 2013. The stabilizer link bracket on the left front strut was improperly welded. As a result, the link may detach and cause damage to the tire and/or brake hose.
Risk
If the stabilizer link bracket damages the tire and/or brake line, the driver may have more difficulty controlling the steering of the vehicle, or the vehicle may require a longer stopping distance to come to a complete and controlled stop. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the front left strut assembly free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2013. Owners may contact MMNA at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's recall number is SR-13-008.
Electrical System · Mar 29, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V112000 · 3,724 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander Sport AWD vehicles manufactured June 11, 2012, through December 11, 2012. These vehicles may have been built without a fuel sending unit harness for the sub-sending unit. This may result in a false fuel tank level reading.
Risk
The vehicle operator may believe they have fuel when the tank is actually empty. This could cause the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will install the proper fuel sending harness, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2013. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's campaign recall number is SR-13-005.
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Mar 29, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V116000 · 4,539 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured June 11, 2012, through September 11, 2012. These vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," and FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection." The brake stop lamps may illuminate continuously or intermittently. The shift lever could also be moved out of Park without depressing the brake pedal.
Risk
If the brake lamps do not illuminate properly other vehicles may not know when the vehicle is stopping. This could increase the risk of a crash. If the shift lever is moved from park without using the brake, the vehicle may roll causing personal injury.
Fix
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will correct the installation of the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The recall BEGAN ON April 18, 2013. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's campaign recall number is SR-13-004.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

61Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
5Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
17Injuries reported
69,300 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System14
Air Bags13
Visibility/Wiper8
Unknown Or Other8
Engine8
Power Train6
Service Brakes6
Structure › Body4
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
19/08: 119/10: 119/11: 220/01: 120/02: 120/07: 120/08: 120/10: 121/02: 121/03: 121/07: 121/09: 222/02: 222/06: 122/08: 122/11: 123/02: 223/11: 123/12: 124/03: 124/10: 125/02: 125/06: 125/08: 119/0820/0120/0821/0322/0222/1123/1225/02max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 14 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 14 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Air Bags — 13 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Visibility/Wiper — 8 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 69,300 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Outlander years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Outlander27–Not rated00
2026 Outlander28185.4 inNot rated16
2025 Outlander27185.4 in★★★★★218
2024 Outlander27185.4 in★★★★★127
2023 Outlander27185.4 in★★★★★258
2022 Outlander27185.4 in★★★★★10229
2021 Outlander27185 in★★★★★319
2020 Outlander27185 in★★★★★458
2019 Outlander27185 in★★★★★656
2018 Outlander27185 in★★★★★693
2017 Outlander27185 in★★★★★678
2016 Outlander27183.5 in★★★★★11171

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mitsubishi. How we calculate this →