Nearly 200,000 Mitsubishi Outlander SUVs face recall as a dangerous software glitch renders rearview cameras useless, potentially leaving drivers blind to obstacles behind them.
Key Takeaways
- Mitsubishi Motors North America is recalling 198,900 Outlander and Outlander PHEV SUVs due to faulty infotainment system software that can cause rearview cameras to freeze or display black screens.
- The recall affects 2022-2024 Outlander SUVs and 2023-2025 Outlander PHEV models, with production dates ranging from February 2021 to April 2025.
- Despite 358 warranty claims related to the issue, no accidents, injuries, or fatalities have been reported.
- Dealers will provide free software updates beginning June 16, with owner notification letters to be sent by June 30.
- This recall supersedes a previous May 2023 recall (23V345) that addressed similar issues in nearly 90,000 vehicles.
Software Malfunction Creates Serious Safety Concern
Mitsubishi Motors North America has initiated a substantial recall affecting nearly 200,000 of its popular SUVs due to a potentially dangerous software defect. The recall targets 2022-2024 Mitsubishi Outlander SUVs and 2023-2025 Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) models manufactured between February 2021 and April 2025. According to federal safety documents, the vehicles’ infotainment systems contain improperly programmed software that can cause rearview camera displays to freeze or go completely black when drivers shift into reverse.
“Mitsubishi has recalled nearly 200,000 vehicles due to a software issue that causes the rearview camera to freeze, increasing the risk of a crash, the car maker announced on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, website,” declared by Mitsubishi.
The malfunction directly violates federal motor vehicle safety standards for rear visibility and substantially increases crash risk by eliminating crucial visibility when backing up. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that approximately 1% of the affected vehicles will experience this problem, though Mitsubishi has already received 358 warranty claims and six field reports related to the software’s performance issues.
Recall Timeline and Response
Mitsubishi first identified the problem in May 2023 and has been investigating the issue since then. This current recall action, numbered 25V369000 by NHTSA and SR-25-001 by Mitsubishi, supersedes a previous recall from May 2023 that addressed similar issues in nearly 90,000 vehicles. The expanded recall now covers over twice as many vehicles, indicating a more widespread problem than initially identified.
“The software was improperly programmed, the car manufacturer said, causing the rearview camera to freeze, and in some cases, the camera won’t display at all,” declared by Mitsubishi.
The automaker has developed a remedy in the form of updated software programming. Mitsubishi will notify dealers about the recall by June 16, and affected vehicle owners will receive notification letters by June 30. These letters will include instructions for obtaining the fix and for reimbursement if owners previously paid for repairs related to this issue. Dealers will update the infotainment system software free of charge to resolve the problem.
Part of a Broader Industry Trend
This Mitsubishi recall is not an isolated incident but part of a concerning pattern affecting multiple automakers. Similar rearview camera issues have prompted recalls from other manufacturers including Ford, Volvo, Porsche, and Nissan. The increasing complexity of automotive software systems has created new vulnerabilities that can compromise critical safety features, as evidenced by this growing trend of digital malfunctions.
“Mitsubishi Motors North America is recalling nearly 200,000 Outlander and Outlander plug-in hybrid electric SUVs because of faulty software that could make their rearview cameras malfunction,” declared by Mitsubishi.
The component supplier for the affected infotainment system is Bosch, a major global automotive technology provider. Mitsubishi has confirmed that all vehicles manufactured after April 22, 2025, now come equipped with properly updated software, suggesting that new purchasers of these models should not experience the issue. Owners concerned about whether their vehicle is affected can check their recall status by visiting Mitsubishi’s dedicated recall webpage and entering their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
What Owners Should Do
Owners of 2022-2024 Mitsubishi Outlander SUVs and 2023-2025 Outlander PHEV SUVs should watch for their notification letter by the end of June. Upon receiving this communication, they should promptly schedule an appointment with their nearest Mitsubishi dealership to have the free software update installed. Those who have already experienced problems with their rearview camera display should be particularly vigilant about getting the repair completed as soon as possible.
“Moving forward, all vehicles made after April 22, 2025 were programmed with an updated software package,” declared by Mitsubishi.
In the meantime, drivers of affected vehicles should exercise increased caution when backing up, recognizing that their rearview camera system may suddenly fail. Using additional methods such as checking mirrors and physically turning to look behind the vehicle can help mitigate risk until the software update is installed. While inconvenient, these precautions could prevent a potentially serious accident caused by the compromised visibility system.
