Mitsubishi Outlander Liftgate Defect

If you own a Mitsubishi Outlander or Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, there’s an important safety defect you should be aware of. This recently expanded recall affects over 108,000 vehicles due to a potentially dangerous issue with the liftgate system.

What’s the Problem?

Certain 2014–2020 Outlander and 2018–2022 Outlander PHEV models may have been built with defective liftgate gas spring cylinders. These gas springs are responsible for holding your rear liftgate open. However, they may corrode over time, lose internal pressure, rupture unexpectedly, or fail to support the liftgate.

In the worst-case scenario, this could cause the liftgate to suddenly fall, creating a risk of injury to anyone standing underneath.

How the Recall Expanded

This issue didn’t start as a nationwide recall. In August 2025, Mitsubishi Motors North America filed a defect report that led to recall 25V-507. Initially, the recall only covered vehicles in the “Salt Belt,” regions where heavy road salt use can accelerate corrosion.

Shortly after, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration identified a complaint from outside those regions. Further investigation between late 2025 and early 2026 confirmed corrosion and even ruptures in vehicles outside the Salt Belt.

As a result, on April 14, 2026, Mitsubishi expanded the recall to include affected vehicles nationwide.

Reported Incidents

Mitsubishi is aware of four warranty claims and field reports of gas spring rupture between November 2025 and February 2026. There have been no reported accidents or injuries in the United States so far. Even so, the nature of the failure means the risk remains significant during normal use.

What Mitsubishi Is Doing

Mitsubishi will replace both the left and right liftgate gas springs.

• Recall Number: SR-26-001
• NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-252
• Previous Recall Expanded: 25V-507
• Owner Notification Letters Expected: June 17, 2026

What You Should Do

If you own one of these vehicles, watch for your recall notice and contact your local Mitsubishi dealer to schedule the repair. Until the issue is fixed, use caution when opening or standing under the liftgate and avoid relying on it staying open for long periods.

Why This Matters

This is a safety issue, not just an inconvenience. Liftgate failures can happen without warning, and a sudden drop could cause injury. The expansion of this recall highlights how an issue initially believed to be regional turned out to be more widespread.