Recall Is Limited To Salt Belt States
Mitsubishi is recalling 91,697 vehicles because the gas-spring cylinders that hold their tailgates open could fail due to salt corrosion, causing the tailgates to fall unexpectedly and cause injuries. The recall encompasses 2014-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander crossover SUVs and 2018-2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV plug-in hybrids, but only ones sold or currently registered in states that regularly salt their roads during the winter, as well as the District of Columbia.
Along with D.C., the list of states where Outlander models are being recalled includes:
Alaska
Connecticut
Delaware
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Missouri
North Dakota
Nebraska
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Dakota
Utah
Vermont
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Corroded Cylinders Can't Maintain Pressure
Like many other vehicles, the affected Outlander models use gas-filled cylinders to prop up their liftgates, with pressure in the cylinder counteracting the weight of the tailgate. However, Mitsubishi told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that salt used to melt snow and ice can mix with ambient moisture, corroding the cylinders and causing the gas to leak out. That can lead to loss of pressure, meaning liftgates won't stay open.
This issue was first notice by Mitsubishi's Canadian division, which received multiple reports of ruptured tailgate gas cylinders. It then advised Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) to conduct a recall in the United States, according to a report submitted to the NHTSA. MMNA told the agency that it had not received any field reports or warranty claims related to the issue in the U.S.
The remedy is replacement of the pair of gas springs, which Mitsubishi dealers will do free of charge. Mitsubishi plans to mail owner notification letters October 6, but owners can also contact the automaker's customer service department at 1-888-648-7820, or visit its recall website, with any questions. Mitsubishi's reference number for this recall is SR-25-002.
Mitsubishi's Bestseller In the U.S.
This is the second recent recall for the Outlander, following one in June for malfunctioning rearview cameras that affected nearly 200,000 vehicles, mostly newer models than in this recall. Such recalls have outsize importance because the Outlander is by far the bestselling Mitsubishi in the U.S. It made up nearly half the brand's U.S. sales in 2024, and did so again in the first quarter of 2025.
That's partly due to the Outlander's positioning in the high-volume compact crossover segment, where it competes against familiar models like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Nissan Rogue (with which the current Outlander shares a platform). But it's also partly due to Mitsubishi's current lack of fresh product for the U.S.
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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