UAE drivers might be surprised by their Mitsubishi Outlander’s reliability issues. This seemingly dependable SUV holds a 3.7 out of 5 rating from 63 reviews, yet owners face several recurring problems in UAE’s harsh climate.
The Outlander comes equipped with impressive features – a 2.5-liter inline-4 engine that produces 181 hp and room for seven passengers. However, many owners report frustrating experiences. The 2022 model’s transmission jerks and delays substantially affect the driving experience. The vehicle tends to overheat during UAE’s scorching summers. The Outlander Sport’s problems become apparent after extended use, especially when you have to test its advanced systems under extreme conditions.
The vehicle’s decent fuel economy (24 MPG city/31 MPG highway) and spacious cargo area (64.3 cu. ft.) offer clear advantages. Yet these benefits often get overshadowed by unexpected technical complications. UAE market prices range from AED 96,495 to AED 153,000, and buyers should understand the potential challenges their investment might bring. The following section explores seven common problems UAE’s Outlander owners reported in 2025.
Transmission Jerks and Delays
The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in the Mitsubishi Outlander has turned into a major headache for many UAE owners. CVTs should provide smoother acceleration and better fuel economy compared to traditional automatic transmissions, but Outlander owners tell a different story.
Problem Overview of Transmission Jerks and Delays
Transmission troubles stand out as one of the most frustrating Mitsubishi Outlander problems, and they hit models with the CVT-8 transmission hard. A class action lawsuit filed in December 2021 revealed that the Mitsubishi Outlander CVT transmission leads to erratic shifting and hesitation. These problems don’t just affect older models – the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander shows similar issues in UAE driving conditions.
Design and engineering flaws cause several problems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports show Mitsubishi released a technical service bulletin (TSB 20-23-001REV) that specifically tackles transmission problems with the Outlander. This bulletin clearly states that vehicles with F1CJC/W1CJC (CVT-8) transmissions might show shudder or surge conditions because the hydraulic pressure circuit doesn’t react well.
Symptoms of Transmission Jerks and Delays
UAE Outlander owners report these transmission-related symptoms:
- Shifting lag: The car pauses noticeably between park, drive, and reverse
- Power loss: Power drops suddenly during acceleration
- Engine rev fluctuations: The rev band changes unpredictably even at steady speeds
- Loud noises: The CVT makes excessive whirring sounds during acceleration
- Hard shifts and jerks: The transmission changes ratios abruptly
- Shuddering or surging: The engine flares up or the car shakes unexpectedly
Unpredictable acceleration creates the biggest danger. Court documents quote an owner saying “turning left across traffic in a vehicle with delayed and unpredictable acceleration is plainly unsafe”. These conditions make lane changes, traffic merges, and highway acceleration risky.
Causes of Transmission Jerks and Delays
The Mitsubishi Outlander’s transmission problems stem from several issues:
- Software issues: JATCO’s electronic control unit (ECU) can disrupt normal acceleration. The ECU cuts engine torque if it loses signal from the CVT’s range switch, which leads to vehicle hesitation.
- CVT belt slippage: Power transfer gets choppy when the continuous belt slips.
- Hydraulic pressure circuit contamination: The hydraulic system works poorly with debris or degraded fluid.
- Inadequate cooling system: UAE’s extreme heat can make the CVT overheat and break down fluid faster.
- Miscalibration of the CVT control unit: Wrong electronic settings mess up shift patterns.
Fixes for Transmission Jerks and Delays
Research points to these effective solutions:
Fluid changes: CVT specialists recommend new transmission fluid every 15,000-30,000 miles, despite manufacturer claims of “lifetime” fluid. UAE’s hot climate makes this even more crucial.
Software updates: Mitsubishi fixed acceleration delays through a recall covering 82,400 vehicles, including Outlanders. Owners get this update free if their vehicle falls under the recall.
Proper driving habits: CVTs last longer with gentle acceleration compared to traditional automatics. Smooth throttle use and careful driving help substantially.
Cooling system improvements: Additional transmission cooling systems help UAE drivers prevent overheating in summer.
Professional diagnosis: Early symptoms call for CVT Fluid Deterioration Date checks using proper diagnostic tools.
Cost of Repair for Transmission Jerks and Delays
Here’s what transmission repairs typically cost:
- Fluid change: AED 400-800 based on your service center
- Software updates: No cost with recall or warranty coverage
- Minor repairs: AED 1,500-3,000 to replace solenoids or fix minor parts
- Complete transmission replacement: AED 12,000-18,000 for total failure
Some mechanics might say your vehicle needs a complete transmission replacement, but catching problems early usually means simpler fixes work fine. Regular maintenance helps avoid catastrophic failures.
Outlander owners with transmission troubles should check their vehicle’s coverage under Mitsubishi’s technical service bulletins or recalls before paying for expensive repairs.
Overheating in UAE Summers
Engine overheating stands out as one of the biggest problems Mitsubishi Outlander owners face in UAE’s extreme climate. Summer temperatures often climb above 45°C. Even cars with proper maintenance struggle to keep optimal operating temperatures.
Problem Overview of Overheating in UAE Summers
The Mitsubishi Outlander’s cooling system endures tremendous stress in UAE. Dubai’s scorching summer heat pushes the cooling system to its limits almost constantly. The busy UAE cities create traffic jams where engines heat up with little airflow to the radiator.
Many Outlander owners end up stuck in a cycle of temperature warnings and emergency cooldowns. What might be a rare issue elsewhere becomes a regular headache during UAE summers. One owner had to drive with the heater running full blast for four hours to keep the temperature gage from hitting dangerous levels.
Symptoms of Overheating in UAE Summers
You can prevent costly engine damage by spotting these early warning signs:
- Temperature gage rising faster – The needle moves toward the red zone or a temperature warning light comes on
- Sweet smell from engine bay – Shows leaking coolant
- White smoke from tailpipe – Points to possible internal coolant leak
- Smoke or steam from under the hood – Critical overheating that needs immediate attention
- Engine performance changes – Power loss or strange thumping noises
- Hot components – Hood/bonnet feels too hot to touch
Some Outlander owners get overheating warnings even when their engine isn’t actually hot—this might mean faulty sensors.
Causes of Overheating in UAE Summers
Several issues lead to Mitsubishi Outlander overheating problems in UAE:
Thermostat malfunction – Stuck thermostats often cause overheating by blocking proper coolant flow. This prevents coolant from moving through the radiator to release heat.
Coolant issues – Low coolant levels or dirty fluid seriously hurt cooling efficiency. UAE’s extreme heat breaks down coolant much faster than milder climates.
Radiator problems – Blocked, damaged, or rusty radiators limit airflow and coolant circulation. UAE’s desert dust commonly clogs radiator fins.
Cooling fan failures – Heat stays trapped without proper air movement through the radiator.
Water pump wear – A failed pump stops coolant circulation completely.
AC system strain – Running air conditioning in extreme heat adds stress to an already taxed cooling system.
Fixes for Overheating in UAE Summers
These steps help when your Outlander starts overheating:
Immediate actions:
- Find a safe spot to stop and shut off the engine
- Never open a hot radiator cap – you could get severe burns
- Switch off AC and turn on the heater to pull heat away from the engine
- Check and add coolant after the engine cools down
Professional repairs:
- Thermostat replacement costs about AED 440
- Cooling system flush removes dirt and old coolant
- Radiator cleaning or replacement matters more in UAE’s dusty conditions
- Water pump replacement works best with timing belt changes
How to Prevent Overheating in UAE Summers
Good maintenance substantially cuts down overheating risks:
Regular coolant service – Replace coolant every 30,000 miles (50,000 kilometers) or every two years
Radiator maintenance – Keep radiator fins clean from dust, bugs, and debris
Proper parking – Try to find shaded spots to reduce heat buildup
Window management – Keep windows slightly open when parked so heat escapes
Fluid checks – Check coolant levels twice monthly during summer
Professional inspections – UAE conditions need service every 5,000km instead of standard intervals
Quality coolant – Skip plain water and stick to manufacturer-approved coolant mix ratios
These preventive steps help Outlander owners avoid breakdowns under the scorching August sun—an experience UAE mechanics describe as particularly unpleasant.
Infotainment System Glitches
UAE Mitsubishi Outlander owners face more than just mechanical problems. Their infotainment system issues substantially affect their driving experience. The ever-changing world of connected cars makes a broken touchscreen or unreliable Bluetooth connection a real headache for daily commuters.
Problem Overview of Infotainment System Glitches
The Outlander’s infotainment system problems revolve around unresponsive touchscreens and connection issues. These aren’t one-off cases but a pattern seen across different model years. UAE’s summer heat makes these electronic glitches worse, and many owners say their screens become less responsive in hot weather.
The touchscreen failures in 2020 and 2021 models have become so common that dealer service reps openly admit “it’s a problem with the 2020’s they are getting a lot in”. These aren’t just small annoyances – they affect important features like climate control, navigation, and safety systems that depend on the main display.
Fixing these problems isn’t cheap. Owners might need to pay around AED 9,200 (USD 2,500), making it one of the costliest Outlander repairs. Small glitches that show up now and then usually get worse over time until parts of the screen stop working completely.
Symptoms of Infotainment System Glitches
UAE owners report these main symptoms:
- Unresponsive touchscreen areas: Dead spots start in certain areas and spread
- Frozen or blank screens: The display freezes or goes dark while driving
- Bluetooth connectivity issues: Phones lose connection or won’t pair
- Phantom touches: The screen responds without being touched
- Random phone calls: The system calls contacts by itself
- Self-scrolling: Menus scroll on their own
- Navigation system resets: Maps and GPS restart without warning
- Setting retention failures: Time and temperature settings won’t stick
- Radio station programming issues: Preset stations don’t save or work
- System reboots: The system restarts while driving
These problems usually start small. Many owners brush off minor glitches at first, only to face bigger issues later.
Fixes for Infotainment System Glitches
Here are some solutions for Outlander infotainment problems, from quick fixes to permanent solutions:
Temporary Workarounds:
- Computer mouse connection: Connect a wired computer mouse to the dashboard’s USB port. You’ll see a “not supported” message first, but then you can use the cursor. This clever fix helps many owners, though it might only last about a month.
- System reboot: A quick restart often helps with frozen screens or connection problems. Just turn off your car, wait a few minutes, and start it again.
- Phone restart: Your phone might be the culprit. Try turning it off and on to fix connection issues.
Permanent Solutions:
- Battery disconnect reset: Unplugging the car’s battery for a few minutes can reset the electronics and might fix screen response issues.
- Software updates: Your dealer might have system updates to fix known bugs. Some problems come from mismatched phone and car software versions.
- Screen replacement: Dead spots or complete failures need a new screen. Check your warranty first – Outlanders come with 5-year/60,000-mile coverage.
- Extended warranty claim: You might get partial money back even if you’re just past the warranty period. It’s worth talking to your Mitsubishi dealer about it.
These infotainment issues might not affect safety like transmission or overheating problems do, but they can make owning an Outlander less enjoyable and lead to unexpected costs for UAE owners.
Third-Row Seat Discomfort
The Mitsubishi Outlander’s seven-passenger configuration proves to be a major drawback for UAE families. This SUV markets itself as a seven-seater, but the third-row seating nowhere near meets expectations. Owners who bought this vehicle to carry more people feel frustrated with its limitations.
Problem Overview of Third-Row Seat Discomfort
The Outlander’s third-row seating compromises comfort and usability. Consumer reviews describe the third row as a “real nightmare” instead of a practical seating option. The Outlander’s owner’s manual states that third-row passengers must be shorter than 5 foot 3 inches, which shows these seats’ limitations.
The Outlander has come only as a seven-passenger SUV in most markets since 2022, and buyers no longer have the five-passenger option. This forces buyers who might want more cargo space to accept the compromised third row whatever their needs. Many UAE Outlander owners end up paying for seating capacity they can’t use comfortably.
Symptoms of Third-Row Seat Discomfort
The third-row seating demonstrates these problems:
- Severely limited headroom – Children find the ceiling uncomfortably low
- Inadequate legroom – Kids describe the space as “simply ridiculous”
- Difficult access – Second-row seats don’t move easily to let people in
- No climate control – Third-row passengers get no A/C vents, a big issue in UAE’s climate
- Uncomfortable seating design – The simple structure lacks proper support
A 6’4″ owner documented his attempt to sit in what he called the “turd row” – people stopped walking to watch his contortionist-like move to exit through the rear door. Another owner felt “like a slave” when seated there.
Causes of Third-Row Seat Discomfort
The Outlander’s third-row problems stem from several design factors:
- Compact SUV limitations – Automotive experts note that “It’s rare for a compact SUV to have a third row, and there’s a good reason for that: Few humans can actually fit in such a tiny space”. The Outlander’s size makes it impossible to fit seven adults properly.
- Compromised design – Mitsubishi had to make major compromises to include a third row in a compact frame. Headroom and legroom measurements don’t work for average-sized adults.
- Second-row positioning – Adult comfort in the second row means even less space for third-row passengers. Moving the second row forward helps the third row but makes the second row uncomfortable.
- Cargo space trade-offs – Trunk capacity shrinks to 332 liters with the third row up. Families using all seven seats often can’t carry their belongings.
- Lack of supportive features – The Outlander lacks lumbar support adjustment even in higher trims, which makes an already cramped space more uncomfortable.
Earlier generations had even worse designs. The second-generation Outlander came with a third row that used “mesh fabric pulled over a tube steel ring” – reviewers compared it to “a beach chair rather than something that belonged in a moving vehicle”.
Suspension Noise on Rough Roads
Suspension noise ranks among the most annoying Mitsubishi Outlander problems on UAE’s rough roads. Owners complain about disturbing clunks, knocks, and squeaks that get worse with time. These noises make their driving experience nowhere near as pleasant as it should be.
Problem Overview of Suspension Noise on Rough Roads
The Outlander’s suspension system doesn’t handle UAE’s uneven surfaces well. We noticed these problems come from early wear of struts, shock absorbers, and control arm bushings. The 2022-2024 Outlanders have systemic problems with the rear wheel house inner panel that creates noise over bumps. What starts as an occasional clunk often turns into constant noise, pointing to deeper structural issues.
Reports to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show Outlander owners faced suspensions that “wildly reacts to road imperfections” after just 9,000-10,000 miles. One owner mentioned their “rear suspension is completely shot” and the back of their Outlander was “bouncing all over the road” – this happened in less than a year.
Symptoms of Suspension Noise on Rough Roads
These specific sounds point to suspension problems:
- Hollow clunking sound – Shows strut upper mount failure
- Metallic banging – Heard during acceleration over road imperfections
- Squeaking or rattling – Shows up when turning wheels or going over bumps
- Knocking sound – Comes from the left rear wheel on sharp bumps
The vehicle’s handling also suffers. It might feel like “the back end is flailing out of control” on uneven roads, with too much bouncing after hitting bumps.
Fixes for Suspension Noise on Rough Roads
Mitsubishi released a Technical Service Bulletin for 2022-2024 Outlanders about rear wheel house noise. The solution requires retightening inner panel brace bolts to 25±3 N-m and replacing the rear shock absorber insulator.
Older models need these fixes:
- New strut upper mounts fix hollow clunking sounds
- Updated control arm bushings stop water-related squeaking
- New sway bar links eliminate clunking on alternating bumps
- Fresh shock absorbers replace worn-out ones
Cost of Repair for Suspension Noise on Rough Roads
Suspension repair costs vary by part:
- Strut replacement: AED 4,054 to AED 4,674 parts and labor included
- Suspension system inspection: AED 360 to AED 525 for diagnostics
- Single parts (like sway bar links): AED 73 to AED 184
Early attention to suspension noise prevents bigger damage later. Warranty should cover these repairs, but UAE owners say dealerships resist at first. Technicians often claim “there was nothing wrong” until shown clear evidence.
Fuel Economy Lower Than Expected
Mitsubishi Outlander owners feel let down when they find a big gap between promised and actual fuel efficiency. UAE’s unique driving conditions make this problem worse, as extreme heat and stop-and-go traffic create challenges for the best performance.
Problem Overview of Fuel Economy Issues
The 2025 Outlander claims respectable EPA ratings of 24 mpg city and 30 mpg highway for the all-wheel-drive model. Ground performance falls way short of these numbers. Which? conducted independent testing that showed an alarming 120% difference between official figures and actual consumption. UAE drivers report getting only 19 MPG in local conditions. Nobody seems able to reach the official New European Drive Cycle (NEDC) figure of 148 mpg during normal driving.
Causes of Poor Fuel Economy
UAE conditions create several problems that hurt fuel performance:
- Extreme heat effect: UAE’s scorching climate forces AC systems to work overtime, pushing fuel consumption up by 20%
- Vehicle weight: Each extra 100 kg of cargo cuts efficiency by about 10%
- Maintenance neglect: Dirty air filters, worn spark plugs, and bad wheel alignment can drop mileage by 4%
- Driving behaviors: Hard acceleration and frequent braking in UAE traffic burn more fuel
- Tire pressure: Soft tires create more resistance and waste fuel
Fixes for Fuel Economy Issues
You can try these strategies to help fix these problems:
Maintenance matters: Oil changes every 5,000 miles and new filters will boost efficiency. UAE conditions might need more frequent service than usual.
Driving adjustments: Keep steady speeds around 80 km/h for best efficiency and stay under 2,500 RPM when possible. Highway cruise control helps save fuel too.
Weight reduction: Clear out heavy items you don’t need, especially during summer.
Proper tire inflation: Regular tire pressure checks make a big difference in fuel use.
Minimize AC use: Turn down the AC when you can handle it, or pick a less cooling setting.
Battery Drain and Electrical Faults
UAE-based Mitsubishi Outlander owners face a major reliability crisis. Their vehicles suffer from sudden battery failures that leave them stranded without warning.
Problem Overview of Battery Drain and Electrical Faults
Many Outlander owners can’t start their cars after just two days of sitting idle. The battery drains completely, and this problem continues even with new batteries. This points to serious electrical system problems rather than faulty batteries. Some frustrated owners report their third replacement battery failing as quickly as the first one.
Symptoms of Battery Drain and Electrical Faults
You’ll notice these warning signs when electrical problems start:
- The car won’t start after sitting idle for 2-9 days
- The engine sputters and check engine lights come on during startup
- Right-side lights stay lit up even after turning off the ignition
- You’ll hear clicking sounds coming from behind the glove box
- Lights and accessories lose power momentarily
- The dashboard displays “electrical system service required”
Why Battery Drain and Electrical Faults Happen
Several things can cause these problems. Custom android-based radio units with backup cameras drain too much power. Bad body control modules (BCM) or wiring harnesses can also trigger electrical failures. The situation gets worse in cold weather because the Outlander PHEV doesn’t have a battery heating system.
Fixes for Battery Drain and Electrical Faults
You need a clamp-on amp meter to check battery drain while the car is off. A normal reading should be between 50-85 milliamps. You can find problematic circuits by removing fuses one at a time. In serious cases, you’ll need a professional diagnostic scan to check the body control module.
How to Prevent Battery Drain and Electrical Faults
A battery tender works better than a trickle charger, especially if your car sits unused for long periods. Weekend drivers should check their batteries every Saturday. The best way to avoid problems is to limit any custom electronic modifications in your car.
Comparison Table
Problem Main Symptoms Why it Happens Common Fixes Repair Costs (AED) Transmission Jerks and Delays – Change lag\n- Power loss\n- Hard changes\n- Engine rev fluctuations – Software issues\n- CVT belt slippage\n- Hydraulic pressure circuit contamination – Fluid changes\n- Software updates\n- Better driving habits 400-800 (fluid change)\n12,000-18,000 (replacement) Overheating in UAE Summers – Rising temperature gage\n- Sweet smell from engine\n- White smoke\n- Power loss – Thermostat malfunction\n- Coolant issues\n- Radiator problems\n- Cooling fan failures – Thermostat replacement\n- Cooling system flush\n- Radiator cleaning\n- Regular maintenance 440 (thermostat)\nOther costs not specified Infotainment System Problems – Screen won’t respond\n- Bluetooth connection fails\n- System restarts randomly\n- Frozen screens – Software doesn’t match\n- Heat damage\n- System failures – System restart\n- Software updates\n- Screen replacement\n- Battery disconnect reset 9,200 (screen replacement) Third-Row Seat Discomfort – Not enough headroom\n- Tight legroom\n- Hard to access\n- No climate control – SUV size limits\n- Design trade-offs\n- Second-row seat position No fixes available (design issue) Not applicable Suspension Noise – Clunking sounds\n- Metal banging\n- Squeaking\n- Knocking – Parts wear out early\n- Loose parts\n- Water damage – Replace struts\n- New control arm bushings\n- Replace sway bar links 4,054-4,674 (strut)\n360-525 (inspection) Fuel Economy Problems – MPG lower than advertised\n- Uses more fuel in city\n- Poor performance in heat – Hot weather\n- Vehicle weight\n- Poor maintenance\n- Driving style – Regular service\n- Correct tire pressure\n- Carry less weight\n- Use AC less Not specified Battery Drain – Car won’t start\n- Engine stutters\n- Warning lights on\n- Electrical failures – Power leaks\n- Faulty BCM\n- Added modifications – Install battery tender\n- Check regularly\n- Expert diagnosis\n- Limit modifications Not specified
Conclusion
UAE’s harsh desert climate makes Mitsubishi Outlander owners think about these seven common problems carefully. The extreme weather makes things worse – transmission jerks, overheating issues, and poor fuel economy are common complaints. Each issue needs quick attention and regular maintenance to avoid expensive repairs later.
Smart drivers should balance these issues against the Outlander’s good points. The car offers plenty of cargo space at a reasonable price. Getting professional help when problems first show up can save thousands of dirhams down the road. Simple maintenance like changing coolant and taking care of the battery helps the vehicle last longer.
The UAE’s extreme weather means service intervals should be shorter than what the manufacturer suggests. The transmission fluid isn’t really “lifetime” as marketed. Changing it every 15,000-30,000 miles prevents major breakdowns that could leave you stuck on the road.
The Outlander has its weak spots. The third-row isn’t very comfortable and the infotainment system isn’t reliable. But owners who know what to watch for can handle these problems well. Learning about these seven problem areas gives you the knowledge to keep your Outlander running well in UAE’s tough conditions. This approach helps extend your car’s life and protects your investment.
FAQs
Q1. How often should I change the transmission fluid in my Mitsubishi Outlander in the UAE?
It’s recommended to change the transmission fluid every 15,000-30,000 miles or every two years, whichever comes first. This is especially important in the UAE’s hot climate where fluids degrade faster.
Q2. What can I do to prevent my Mitsubishi Outlander from overheating in UAE summers?
Regular coolant service, radiator maintenance, proper parking in shaded areas, and frequent fluid checks can help prevent overheating. Consider servicing your vehicle every 5,000km during summer months.
Q3. Are there any quick fixes for infotainment system glitches in the Mitsubishi Outlander?
Temporary solutions include connecting a wired computer mouse to the USB port, performing a system reboot, or restarting your phone. For persistent issues, software updates or screen replacement may be necessary.
Q4. How can I improve fuel economy in my Mitsubishi Outlander while driving in the UAE?
Maintain steady speeds around 80 km/h, avoid exceeding 2,500 RPM, use cruise control on highways, remove unnecessary heavy items, ensure proper tire inflation, and minimize air conditioning usage when possible.
Q5. What should I do if my Mitsubishi Outlander’s battery keeps draining in the UAE?
Install a battery tender for extended periods of non-use, perform regular battery checks, and limit aftermarket electronic modifications. If problems persist, seek professional diagnosis to identify potential issues with the body control module or wiring harness.