- Reliability Index score out of 100
- 81
- Average repair cost
- £1527
- Most regular repair request
- Suspension
- Average age at repair
- 8 years
- Average mileage at repair
- 81,200 miles
Mitsubishi Outlander: A Closer Look at Reliability and Running Costs
If you’re dreaming of weekend getaways and family road trips, the Mitsubishi Outlander might catch your eye with its spacious interior and rugged charm. But before you set off on your next adventure, let’s take an indepth look at the Outlander which earned a very respectable 2nd place in our SUV reliability index with a score of 81.
Mitsubishi Outlander’s popularity in the UK
The Mitsubishi Outlander, particularly the PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) version, has been a surprising success story in the UK automotive market. This spacious SUV (Sport’s Utility Vehicle) carved out a significant niche for itself, becoming one of the best-selling plug-in vehicles in the country for several years [1]. By the end of 2018, there were an impressive 62,370 Mitsubishi Outlanders licensed in Great Britain, showcasing its growing popularity in the used vehicle market [2]. The vehicle appealed to buyers looking for low fuelling costs, attractive pricing (aided by government grants), and initially, free road tax [1].
Its spacious design and family-friendly features cater to a demographic that values practicality alongside eco-friendliness, indicating that buyers are increasingly looking for vehicles that can accommodate their lifestyles without compromising on environmental responsibility.
Even though Mitsubishi has exited the new car market in the UK, meaning you can now only buy used models, the Outlander’s legacy serves as a reminder of the potential for hybrid vehicles to thrive in a landscape increasingly focused on sustainability and efficiency. But does the reliability of the Outlander match up to the eco-friendliness? Let’s take a look.
Mitsubishi Outlander’s OVR score: 80.9
The Mitsubishi Outlander earns a respectable OVR score of 81, placing it in second place in the top 10 most reliable SUVs. This score provides a balanced view of the vehicle’s performance in terms of repair frequency, average costs, and the age or mileage at which issues typically arise.
Most regular repair requests
For the Outlander, the most regular repair requests concern the suspension system – something UK motorists might want to be mindful of. The UK’s often challenging road conditions, including potholes and uneven surfaces, can exacerbate suspension problems. The UK is estimated to have over one million potholes, leading to a 33% increase in car breakdowns in 2023 compared to 2022. This increased risk is attributed to factors such as the UK’s varied climate, heavy traffic, poor road maintenance, and inadequate construction [3].
Some pothole damage is immediately noticeable, such as a flat tire or bent rim. However, suspension damage can be more subtle and may develop or worsen over time. Frequent bumps caused by driving over potholes will wear down your suspension over time, affecting its performance and making it harder for you to drive your car safely [4].
Mitsubishi Outlander drivers may wish to pay attention to warning signs for faulty suspension such as unusual noises when driving over bumps, a rougher than normal ride, or the vehicle pulling to one side. Addressing suspension issues promptly not only ensures a smoother, safer ride but also helps maintain your Outlander’s overall health and resale value.
Having an extended warranty can save you hundreds or even thousands of pounds on repair costs. Be sure to review your plan to understand what types of suspension repairs are included. For example, pothole damage is often dealt with by your insurance, but other suspension issues not caused by potholes may be included in your warranty.
It’s important to note that an extended warranty is different from car insurance. While car insurance includes accidents and damage, an extended warranty helps with the cost of parts failure and unexpected repairs after the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. Though it’s not legally required, like car insurance, an extended warranty can act as a safety net, offering peace of mind for your vehicle. For more details, check out our blog on the differences between car insurance and extended warranties.
Most expensive repair request: Engine trouble
The most costly repair request recorded for the Mitsubishi Outlander was engine failure, which resulted in a repair request of £14,298.08. While engine issues of this magnitude are relatively rare, they do highlight the potential risks with older or high-mileage models. Given the complexity and cost of engine repairs, it’s essential to consider this when assessing the long-term ownership of an Outlander.
Those who own or are looking to purchase a Mitsubishi Outlander who are also concerned about the potential high repairs costs can take comfort in an extended warranty – subject to your Warranty Plan.
Average repair costs: higher than some rivals
The average repair request for the Mitsubishi Outlander stands at £1,527.79, which is noticeably higher than many other SUVs in the list of top 10 most reliable SUVs. This suggests that while the Outlander is generally reliable, when issues do arise, they can be more expensive to address compared to models like the Honda CR-V, which has an average repair cost of £614.40.
Age and mileage: considerations for the Mitsubishi Outlander
On average, repair requests for the Outlander occur when the vehicle is 7.5 years old and has covered around 81,291 miles. According to data from the Department of Transport, the typical car or van in the UK drives between 5,000 to 8,000 miles per year, with this average having decreased since the Covid-19 pandemic impacted mobility patterns [5]. Using these figures, a five-year-old used car might typically have between 37,500 and 45,000 miles on the odometer.
For the average British motorist, this information about the Mitsubishi Outlander offers important insights for smart ownership. While typical UK drivers cover 5,000 to 8,000 miles annually, Outlanders often reach 81,291 miles or 7.5 years before major repair requests become common. However, it’s vital to remember that faults can occur at any time, regardless of mileage. For example, the minimum age at which a repair was first recorded in the Reliability Index for the Outlander is 4.5 years.
Running costs: budgeting for the unexpected
The running costs for a Mitsubishi Outlander are on the higher side compared to other SUVs in this segment. The combination of more expensive repair requests and the likelihood of suspension-related issues means that prospective buyers should be prepared for higher-than-average maintenance expenses. When compared to models like the Dacia Duster, which has a much lower average repair cost of £685.63, the Outlander requires a bit more financial planning.
Market pricing for used Mitsubishi Outlanders
Used Mitsubishi Outlanders offer a range of options for UK buyers, with prices varying significantly based on model year, mileage, and condition. According to AutoTrader UK, prices for used Outlanders typically range from around £5,000 for older models to over £30,000 for recent, low-mileage examples[6]. The Mitsubishi Used Vehicle Locator shows that even newer models from 2021 with low mileage (around 15,000-20,000 miles) are available for £30,000-£35,000 [7].
Final verdict: is the Outlander right for you?
The Mitsubishi Outlander offers strong practicality and versatility, but its reliability and running costs are mixed. While it delivers a solid driving experience, the relatively high average repair costs and potential for costly repairs mean that it may not be the best option for budget-conscious buyers. However, for those who value the Outlander’s capabilities and can budget for potential repairs, it remains a solid choice. For added peace of mind, considering an extended warranty is recommended. In summary, the Mitsubishi Outlander is a dependable SUV, but it’s worth carefully weighing the repair costs and considering how these align with your budget before making a purchase. Start your purchase online.
The 10 most reliable SUVs 2024 by overall score
Here are the top 10 most reliable used SUVs for 2024 according to our Reliability Index data. Each vehicle has been given a reliability rating out of 100, along with key insights, including average repair costs, the most expensive repair requests, and the average age at which repairs are needed.
The Honda CR-V leads with a top score of 85, followed by the Mitsubishi Outlander at 81. Dacia Duster comes third with 79, while Kia Sportage and Ford Ecosport score 78 and 77 respectively. Renault Captur achieves 75, with Hyundai ix35 and Nissan Juke tied at 72. BMW X3 and Hyundai Tucson round out the list, both scoring 71.
| Rank | Vehicle | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Honda CR-V | 85 |
| 2 | Mitsubishi Outlander | 81 |
| 3 | Dacia Duster | 79 |
| 4 | Kia Sportage | 78 |
| 5 | Ford Ecosport | 77 |
| 6 | Renault Captur | 75 |
| 7 | Hyundai ix35 | 72 |
| 8 | Nissan Juke | 72 |
| 9 | BMW X3 | 71 |
| 10 | Hyundai Tucson | 71 |
Sources
Disclaimer: Warrantywise Reliability Index Scoring and Data: Rank is measured by repair request frequency, average vehicle age at the time of fault, average mileage, and average labour time, from 1 August 2021 and 1 August 2024, and includes vehicles between three and ten years old where there are a minimum of 250 cars on plan. Average repair costs collated over a period between 1 August 2021 and 1 August 2024. Since the sample was selected, Warrantywise has seen a significant rise in the price of labour and parts, which will impact future repair costs. All data used is from Warrantywise’s proprietary internal research. Warrantywise believes the information contained herein to be accurate at the time of release. However, the company may upload new or updated information if required and assumes that it is not liable for the accuracy of any information interpreted and used by the reader.
Warranty FAQs.
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A used car warranty can help manage the cost of unexpected repairs after a manufacturer’s warranty ends. Warranty plans vary, so check the plan documentation carefully for listed components, exclusions, repair limits and any conditions you need to follow.
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A discretionary warranty means each repair request is assessed individually, based on its particular circumstances rather than relying on automated systems. This allows the full context of each request to be considered before a decision is made.
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An extended warranty can help you manage the cost of mechanical or electrical repairs once the manufacturer’s warrant has ended. Add-ons such as breakdown recovery, car hire or onward travel may also be available depending on the plan level.
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The warranty plan options available to you will depend on factors such as your vehicle’s age and mileage. You can then tailor selected features and limits to reflect your needs and budget.
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Yes. You can use a VAT-registered garage of your choice or a Warrantywise Authorised Repairer. If you use your own garage, check that the labour rate is within the limit shown on your plan schedule.
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Once Warrantywise has provided written authorisation, the garage can carry out the agreed repair. If further work or a change in cost is needed, the garage must contact Warrantywise and receive additional authorisation before continuing.
Payment arrangements depend on the garage you use. Warrantywise will normally pay the agreed repair contribution directly to an Authorised Repairer. If you use your own VAT-registered garage, you may need to pay first and provide the required documentation for reimbursement.
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If your car’s most recent service was completed in line with the manufacturer’s recommended schedule, you may not need to service it before your plan starts.
You will need to arrange a service within 14 days if you are unable to provide evidence of servicing, and you must follow the recommended schedule throughout the plan.
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Regular servicing helps maintain your vehicle and provides evidence that you have followed the plan requirements. Keep your service invoices and records, as Warrantywise may request them when assessing a repair request.
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Before the plan starts, the vehicle’s servicing must be brought up to date in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations, including any recommended upkeep. You will need to provide evidence that the required service and any associated work have been completed.
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No, you do not usually need to have your car inspected before taking out a Warrantywise plan. However, you will need to provide accurate information about your vehicle such as its age, mileage and service history.
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Warrantywise plans may be available monthly or for fixed terms of 12, 24 or 36 months. The terms and prices available for your vehicle will be shown in your quotation.
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You can pay for your Warrantywise plan in full, spread the cost over four months or choose a monthly pay-as-you-go option. Before choosing, check the payment schedule so you understand how much you will pay, when payments are due and how the pay-as-you-go option works.
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You can receive a full refund if you cancel within 14 days, provided you have not asked Warrantywise to contribute towards a repair. Check your plan book for the full cancellation conditions.
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If your car breaks down outside Warrantywise’s repairs office hours, including at weekends or during bank holidays, call the 24-hour breakdown assistance line on 0800 054 2174. Always follow the out-of-hours repair procedure in your plan book before agreeing to any repair work.
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Stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so, as continuing could cause further damage. Contact the Warrantywise repairs team on 01254 648 212 for the next steps, ans do not authorise repair work until you have received written authorisation from Warrantywise.
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Electrical parts are components that use, generate, store or control electrical power within your car, for example sensors, control units and dashboard displays. For full details please refer to your plan booklet, as the parts listed will depend on your plan level.
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Mechanical parts are components that use movement or force to help your car operate, for example parts within the engine, steering and suspension systems. For full details please refer to your plan booklet, as the parts listed will depend on your plan level.
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If your car breaks down while you are travelling abroad, you will need to arrange and pay for recovery. If the vehicle requires repairs, contact Warrantywise as soon as possible and follow the repair procedure set out in your plan book.
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If your vehicle is off the road while an authorised repair is being completed, Warrantywise may contribute towards the cost of a hire car for up to 10 days. Check your plan book for full details, including any daily rate or vehicle-type limits.
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The plan cannot be transferred from your current car to another vehicle, however you may be able to cancel it and put any remaining balance towards a new Warrantywise plan for your own or a family member’s vehicle.
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If you are unhappy with the service you have received, you can contact us via post, online form or by phone. Visit our Complaints page for more information.
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Our customer service teams are based in our Blackburn office. When you contact Warrantywise about a repair request, complaint or question about your warranty plan, you’ll speak to a member of the relevant team who will guide you through the next steps.
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Edd China fulfils the role of expert adjudicator, this means he has the final say over any dispute that we cannot resolve between us, subject of course to your statutory rights.
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Quentin Willson was instrumental in working with Warrantywise from 2007 to 2023 to develop our extended warranty plans to ensure they are clear, transparent and comprehensive. In July 2023, he passed over the responsibility of expert adjudicator to Edd China who will use his ‘discretion’ to ensure a fair and equitable resolution on a case-by-case basis.