Mitsubishi Recalls 108,000 Outlander SUVs Over Falling Liftgate Hazard

Mitsubishi has recalled a total of 108,046 vehicles — including 102,815 model year 2014–2020 Outlander SUVs and 5,231 model year 2018–2022 Outlander PHEV SUVs — because the rear liftgate gas springs can corrode, fail, and cause the liftgate to drop without warning. The recall is nationwide and covers all 50 states. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the recall on April 20, 2026.

Recall at a Glance

• Company: Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA)
• Affected Vehicles: 2014–2020 Mitsubishi Outlander | 2018–2022 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
• Total Units: 108,046
• Recall Number: SR-26-001 (NHTSA Campaign: 26V252)
• Date Announced: April 20, 2026
• Hazard: Corroded liftgate gas spring cylinders — liftgate can drop suddenly or spring can rupture
• Geographic Scope: Nationwide (all 50 U.S. states)
• Fix: Free replacement of both liftgate gas springs at any authorized Mitsubishi dealer
• Owner Notification Letters: Mailing by June 17, 2026
• VIN Lookup Goes Live: June 3, 2026 at NHTSA.gov
• Mitsubishi Customer Service: 1-888-648-7820 (reference recall SR-26-001)

The Liftgate Danger Explained

Saltwater can penetrate and accumulate inside the dust cap of the liftgate gas spring, causing corrosion of the cylinder wall. Over time, as corrosion reduces the wall thickness, the pressurized cylinder can rapidly lose pressure — causing the liftgate to fall unexpectedly, or in more severe cases, the cylinder itself can rupture.

A loaded Mitsubishi Outlander liftgate weighs about 35 pounds. That is a serious weight to fall on a person loading groceries, reaching into the cargo area, or standing nearby — especially a child.

NHTSA estimates that roughly 1% of the 108,046 recalled vehicles actually have the defect at this time. That is still over 1,000 vehicles that could fail at any moment.

How This Recall Expanded Nationwide

This is not Mitsubishi’s first attempt to fix this problem. Mitsubishi first issued a recall for this problem in August 2025 for 91,697 Outlander SUVs, limiting it to vehicles sold or registered in the “salt belt region” — states known for heavy road salt use.

NHTSA challenged that geographic scope in August 2025, notifying Mitsubishi of a vehicle owner report describing a gas spring rupture outside the salt belt. Mitsubishi and its parent company initiated a broader investigation and provided NHTSA with monthly status updates from November 2025 through March 2026. Analysis of parts collected outside the salt belt confirmed rupture and significant corrosion — leading to this expanded nationwide recall.

Dealers will install redesigned gas springs that use a steel cylinder with an anti-corrosion coating instead of the original heat-shrink resin tube.

As of April 2026, Mitsubishi is aware of four warranty claims and field reports of gas spring ruptures in the U.S., received between November 2025 and February 2026. No accidents or injuries have been reported.

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Steps Outlander Owners Must Take Right Now

1. Do not stand under an open liftgate until the recall repair is complete — especially if the gate feels slow, shaky, or shows any rust near the springs.
2. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls starting June 3, 2026, when the searchable list goes live.
3. Call Mitsubishi directly at 1-888-648-7820 and reference recall number SR-26-001 if you do not want to wait until June.
4. Schedule your dealer appointment for the free spring replacement as soon as parts are available at your location. The repair is free by law, regardless of your vehicle’s warranty status.
5. If you already paid out-of-pocket for a liftgate spring repair, save your receipt and ask your dealer about reimbursement.
6. Until the gas springs are replaced, support the liftgate manually when loading. A telescoping prop rod or a sturdy broomstick can hold the door open if the springs feel weak.

Your Legal Rights as a Recalled Vehicle Owner

Under federal law, all recall repairs are free of charge. If you own a 2014–2020 Outlander or a 2018–2022 Outlander PHEV and experienced a liftgate drop, a spring rupture, or were injured before this recall was issued, you may have legal options beyond the free repair. Owners in that situation should document all damage with photos, keep repair invoices, and consider speaking with a vehicle defect attorney about a potential product liability or personal injury claim.

For a broader look at how these legal claims work, see our guide on the Ford Recall Of 119,000 Vehicles Over Engine Heater Fire Risk, which walks through the legal options available to owners affected before a recall was formally announced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which vehicles are included in this recall? 

The recall covers 102,815 Outlanders manufactured between 2014 and 2020, and 5,231 Outlander PHEVs manufactured between 2018 and 2022.

How do I know if my specific vehicle is affected?

 The searchable VIN list goes live at NHTSA.gov on June 3, 2026. You can also call Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820 and reference SR-26-001 before that date.

I already got the August 2025 recall repair. Do I need to do anything again?

 Owners covered under the original recall (25V507) do not need separate action — their dealers are already authorized to perform the repair under the unified national campaign.

Is there any cost to me for the repair?

 No. All recall repairs are required by federal law to be completely free of charge, regardless of your warranty status.

What if I already paid for this repair out of pocket?

 Save your repair invoice and contact your Mitsubishi dealer to ask about reimbursement.

Are there any injuries reported so far? 

No accidents or injuries have occurred in the reported incidents. However, the risk is real — a 35-pound liftgate falling without warning can cause serious injury.

Who regulates this recall? 

NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) oversees this recall. The official NHTSA campaign number is 26V252. You can find the official record at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What warning signs should I watch for? 

A liftgate that drops slowly, does not stay open on its own, makes popping sounds near the hinge area, or shows visible rust near the spring cylinders may indicate a failing gas spring. Stop using it to hold up the gate and contact your dealer immediately.

Disclaimer: Last updated May 12, 2026. This article is for informational purposes only and is based on official NHTSA and Mitsubishi announcements. Always follow current guidance from NHTSA or your authorized Mitsubishi dealer. If you believe you have suffered injury or property damage related to this defect, consult a licensed attorney in your state.