A 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque powers the Outlander. It only works with an automatic transmission with a constantly variable ratio (CVT). Although all-wheel drive is an option, front-wheel drive is the default setting. Despite having comparable acceleration times to other compact crossovers (with the exception of speedsters like the supercharged CX-5 and Kia Sportage), the Outlander seems less responsive and sluggish on the highway, which is made worse by its gearless transmission. But compared to the previous model, the Outlander drives with a greater agility and poise. It has nicely weighted steering, controlled body motions, and a firm ride. On all but the smoothest roads, we did note a lack of separation that enabled a lot of road noise to permeate the cabin, and our test vehicle’s huge 20-inch wheels with little sidewall padding didn’t help. Although the brakes on the Outlander we tried seemed mushy, they brought the SUV down from 70 mph in a class-competitive 172 feet. Mitsubishi claims a plug-in hybrid version will ultimately be offered, but that is all the information we currently have.
In This Article...
Are there gearbox issues with the Mitsubishi Outlander?
Sales of the Mitsubishi Outlander will surpass 100,000 units in 2021, demonstrating how well-liked it is.
Mitsubishi is known for making enjoyable and secure vehicles, and its motto is “Drive Your Ambition.”
The Outlander, which is supported by a 10-year, 100,000-mile guarantee, has emerged as Mitsubishi’s showpiece vehicle as supply struggles to keep up with demand.
The Outlander is not exempt from reliability problems despite its popularity.
In December 2021, a class action lawsuit alleging the Mitsubishi Outlander CVT transmission is to blame for unpredictable shifting and hesitation was filed.
The Outlander’s transmission’s erratic shifting has put drivers in perilous circumstances on the road.
We’ll talk about the transmission issues that Mitsubishi Outlander owners are having and your legal options for getting paid under the lemon legislation.
What is the Mitsubishi Outlander’s transmission like?
Japan-made The compact crossover SUV Mitsubishi Outlander, which has four generations, is full of adventure (sport utility vehicle). It provides a little car that may safely and comfortably transport automotive enthusiasts to their desired destinations. Four-wheel drive, good terrain clearance, car-like fuel economy, low pollution levels, and manageable size are the important attributes. In a same vein, we shall divulge to you the results of our thorough investigation into its transmissions. So let’s begin.
The first-generation Mitsubishi Outlander sports a 4- or 5-speed automatic transmission in addition to a 5-speed manual. It features an automatic transmission, a 5-speed manual transmission, and a 6-speed manual transmission between 2006 and 2012. Following that, it has a 6-speed manual and automatic transmission, a CVT in the third generation, and a 5-speed manual. The CVT is present in the fourth generation.
For the record, the information above just offers a more comprehensive picture. Understanding the gearboxes used in the Mitsubishi Outlander is insufficient. We shall go into great detail to understand the various transmission models that are used inside it during its four iterations. We’ll talk about how much they cost and how long they last later. We also learn about the issues that pop up occasionally over the course of those transmissions. So let’s get started.
What does the Mitsubishi Outlander’s CVT transmission do?
A device that uses two cones connected by a belt and selects the best pulley ratio to maximize engine torque is the continuously variable transmission. In comparison to an automatic or manual transmission, this transmission is smaller and lighter in construction. Furthermore, it is long-term sustainable.
What is the lifespan of a Mitsubishi CVT transmission?
The lifespan of a CVT transmission is the same as that of a conventional automatic transmission, and they are built to last the entire life of the car. The lifespan of a normal CVT is at least 100,000 kilometers. Some vehicles, like the Toyota Prius, frequently have a lifespan of far over 300,000 kilometers. Some brands, like other automotive parts, last longer than others when maintained properly.
Mitsubishi employs CVT?
Continuously variable transmissions, or CVTs, are a form of transmission that substitutes the fixed-ratio gears of traditional automatic transmissions with a system made up of two pulleys and an additional belt or chain that allows for real-time, endlessly changeable gear ratios. The first CVT to be sold in the US was by Subaru in the late 1980s, thus the technology is scarcely new. However, a wide spectrum of automakers use them: Honda, Hyundai, Kia, and even GM have adopted CVTs for their smaller engines, while Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Subaru primarily rely on them across their U.S. product lines.
JATCO CVT is used by who?
Toyota, Subaru, Honda, Hyundai, and Audi all produce their own CVTs. Nissan holds a majority stake in JATCO, the company that provides Chrysler, GM, Mitsubishi, and Suzuki with 49% of the gear-free transmissions produced worldwide. Additionally, a JATCO-supplied CVT is available in roughly half of Nissan’s current U.S. models.
CVT transmissions fail for what reasons?
Although some drivers like the CVT since there are no upshifts or downshifts, others prefer the feeling of the car moving through the shift points. The lack of fixed gears reduces the enjoyment of the ride if you want a sportier driving experience.
Owners frequently experience issues with overheating, sliding, and abrupt loss of acceleration. Shuddering is another frequent issue.
Since CVTs rely on their belts to function, if they experience severe stretching or wear, the transmission may stop working altogether.
- When they accelerate, they don’t perceive a link between the accelerator and the engine.
- The size and power of engines that can be used with a CVT are restricted.
- They are not as durable as a traditional transmission.
- It’s tougher to work on CVTs. A skilled technician is frequently required to do even simple maintenance.