Recall 20V403 affects 177,000 2014-2019 Mitsubishi Outlander and Outlander PHEV SUVs for rear seat belt buckle interference. Repair is free at any franchised Mitsubishi dealer.
Mitsubishi is recalling 177,000 2014-2019 Outlander and Outlander PHEV vehicles because the second-row center seat belt buckle can knock the right-side buckle cover loose when the seat backs are folded down. If that buckle stops latching, the occupant is not restrained in a crash; Mitsubishi dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The recalled 2014-2019 Mitsubishi Outlander and Outlander PHEV use buckle assemblies in the second row to hold the seat belt latch plates in place. Each buckle is supposed to stay upright and intact so the latch can click in and hold an occupant during a stop or crash.
The problem starts when the rear seat backs are folded down out of sequence. The center buckle can contact the right-side buckle as the right-side seat back is folded, and that contact can knock the cover off the right-side buckle. Once the cover is off, the latch can become inoperable, so the belt does not restrain the person sitting there.
The warning sign is visible during seat folding. If the center buckle collides with the right-side buckle, or the right-side buckle cover comes off, stop using that seating position until a Mitsubishi dealer inspects the buckle.
Who's affected?
Outlander and Outlander PHEV are both included across the 2014-2019 model years, with the rear seat belt buckle assembly as the shared component.
| 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | seat belt |
|---|---|
| 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander | seat belt |
| 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander | seat belt |
| 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander | seat belt |
| 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander | seat belt |
| 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander | seat belt |
| 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander | seat belt |
| 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | seat belt |
| Units affected | 177,000 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 53 field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the center buckle process in the owner's manual is not followed, the second-row right side buckle cover can come off during seat folding. That can leave an occupant unrestrained and increase injury risk in a crash. Follow the manual process when folding the seat and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Mitsubishi dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2019 Mitsubishi Outlander or Outlander PHEV is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Mitsubishi dealer to schedule the free second-row seat belt buckle-cover repair and warning-label installation.
- Bring the recall notice if Mitsubishi mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V403 when you call.
- Avoid folding the second-row seat backs down until the dealer completes the repair that prevents buckle interference and loss of latch function.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Mitsubishi technician modifies the second row center seat belt buckle cover, installs a new warning label on the second row seat support base, and provides a new warning label insert for the owner's manual. Parts and labor are covered under recall 20V403. If you've already paid expenses tied to this recall, the owner letter directs you to contact Mitsubishi Customer Relations for instructions on applying for a refund. Keep repair invoices and payment documentation for that submission.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 13, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 1, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 11, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| September 11, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 11, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 22, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V403?
Recall 20V403 covers 177,000 2014-2019 Mitsubishi Outlander and Outlander PHEV vehicles with a second-row seat belt buckle issue. The center buckle can interfere with the right-side buckle when the seat backs are folded, leaving the right-side buckle unable to restrain an occupant.
What should I do if my 2014-2019 Mitsubishi Outlander or Outlander PHEV is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V403. If it is, contact a franchised Mitsubishi dealer and reference recall SR-20-004. The dealer will modify the buckle cover, add the warning label, and provide the owner's manual insert for free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Mitsubishi's remedy for recall 20V403 is free at any franchised Mitsubishi dealer. Parts and labor are covered for the buckle cover modification and related warning labels.
What is the safety risk in recall 20V403?
The risk is that the right-side second-row seat belt buckle can become inoperable after interference with the center buckle. In recall 20V403, Mitsubishi reported that an unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in a crash.
What if I bought my Mitsubishi Outlander used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Outlander or Outlander PHEV is included, then call a franchised Mitsubishi dealer with recall number SR-20-004.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V403000 |
|---|---|
| Mitsubishi customer service | 1-888-648-7820 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V403 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V403000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →