If you own a Mitsubishi Outlander or Outlander PHEV, take note. Mitsubishi recently issued a massive recall—nearly 200,000 vehicles in the USA — due to a software bug that can affect your rearview camera and put you in greater danger of being in a crash. I’ll spell out exactly what is going on.
Why are these vehicles being recalled?
Mitsubishi blames the main problem on a software defect. The rearview camera, which is a key safety feature when you’re backing up, may freeze or fail to turn on at all. That means you, as the driver, can’t see what’s directly behind you, and that raises the possibility of a collision.
The company first sensed this issue in May 2023 and did a small recall then. But now, nearly 200,000 vehicles are under the radar—an enormous expansion of the original recall, based on additional complaints of freezing screens and blackouts.
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Why did Mitsubishi extend the recall?
This is not the first time that the rearview camera has put Mitsubishi in hot water. The 2023 recall was supposed to repair a black screen issue, mostly when backing up within a few seconds after the car starts or staying in reverse mode for more than 6 seconds.
Later, dealers and drivers called in to report that the problem hadn’t gone away. Some of the drivers experienced their screens freezing or resetting while the vehicle was in motion. After going through these complaints—6 field complaints and 358 warranty claims—Mitsubishi decided it was best to expand the recall.
How will Mitsubishi fix it?
For vehicles made after April 22, 2025, the software has already been updated at the factory. But for nearly 200,000 units already out on the road, it will be a free software update by dealers.
If you previously had work done on your vehicle under the original recall, you will require this new update too.
When will owners be notified?
Mitsubishi will inform dealers from June 16 and send letters to vehicle owners by June 30. You will be instructed what to do in the letter—usually, you will be asked to have your car brought to your nearest Mitsubishi dealer so that it can be updated free of charge.
Will you be reimbursed?
If you have already made repairs for this issue, you may be refunded. Your notification letter will also tell you how to make a claim with Mitsubishi Customer Relations.
Final takeaway
Your rearview camera is an important safety feature, and if it’s not working, it puts you and everybody else on the road at risk. So if you own a 2022–2024 Outlander or a 2023–2025 Outlander PHEV, check your mailbox for a recall notice. The fix is free and straightforward—just a software update—but do it now; it’s worth the effort.
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