MitsubishiOutlander20083.0L/mitsubishi/outlander/2008/3-0l/

2008 Mitsubishi Outlander — 3.0L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2008 Outlander 3.0L.

Body SUVEngine 3.0LTransmission Automatic (S6)

The 2008 Mitsubishi Outlander 3.0L is an SUV powered by a 3.0-liter engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, EPA-rated at 17 city/25 highway/20 combined mpg and specified for 4.6 quarts of 5W-20 API engine oil. Across the 2003-2025 Outlander complaint record, the 2008 model's 58 owner complaints sit well below the 2015 peak of 233 and much closer to the 2025 low of 13. That placement points to a comparatively modest complaint profile for this model year. The leading reported issue area is suspension, and the model year carries 12 recalls.

Model year201520142013201220112010200920082007

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.6 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque65-80 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy17/25/20 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 24F · 585 CCA battery, OE oil filter MZ690116. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 24F · 585 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP215-70R16OEM · verified
Wheel / rim6.5-JJ inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filterMZ690116
Engine air filter1500A023
Fuel filter1770A095 alt 1770A094
Spark plug1822A011 alt MN163235
Front wiper blades8250A254 alt 28890W160P
Serpentine belt4451A058 alt 1340A132
Thermostat1305A802 alt MD194988
Cabin air filter7803A004

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S6)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length182.7 in
Overall width70.9 in
Overall height66.1 in
Wheelbase105.1 in
Curb weight3505 lb
Track (front / rear)61 / 59.8 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)55/45

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined17 / 25 / 20 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

No 2008 road test on record; the results below are same-engine tests from nearby model years, each shown under its own year.

7.0–8.9 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.00 sec — 2010 GT V6
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2007XLS V6 3.0L V68.90 sec17.10 sec220 hpAWD
2010GT V6 3.0L V67.00 sec15.50 sec230 hpAWD
2010GT V6 3.0L V67.10 sec15.60 sec230 hpAWD
2010GT V6 3.0L V67.10 sec15.50 sec230 hpAWD
2010GT V6 3.0L V67.40 sec15.80 sec230 hpAWD
2010GT V6 3.0L V67.50 sec15.90 sec230 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.6 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil, 80W in the differential, DOT 3 · DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 65-80 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 29.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity8.7
Brake FluidDOT 3 · DOT 4
Differential Gear Oil80W
Differential Gear Oil Capacity1.1 Pints
Engine Oil5W-20 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.6 qt
Power Steering FluidGenuine Mitsubishi PS fluid

Engine torques

Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts148 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts57 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts15 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts33-39 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine BoltsLower: 15-; Upper: 17-
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts33-39 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug29.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs17 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts65-80 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug22.0-25.0 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Drain Plug22.0-25.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub107-129 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub107-129 ft-lbs
Rear Wheel Hub107-129 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)600 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.05-1.14 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity2.40 oz
Standard BCI Group Number24F
Standard BCI Cranking Performance585 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test23 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief14-18 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature177-183 °F
Engine Oil Pressure4.3 psi @ Idle, 43-100 psi @ 3500 rpm psi
Intake Valve LashHydraulic in
Exhaust Valve LashHydraulic in

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH HEAVY DUTY / WITH STANDARD
Torque Caliper to Bracket28-36 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle38-48 ft-lbs / 38-44 ft-lbs / 67-81 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.080; Rear: 0.080 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness0.059 in
Brake ApplicationWITH HEAVY DUTY / WITH STANDARD
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0006 in
Rotor Runout Limit0.0032 in / 0.0024 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
115 ft. lbs., Step 2: 9015 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 2 stages
126 ft. lbs.26 ft. lbs
2180 degrees.180 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 2 stages
132-34 ft. lbs.32–34 ft. lbs
2150-154 ft. lbs.150–154 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Driveshaft (inspect)
Every 30,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Engine Valves (inspect valve lash)
At 60,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 miFuel Evaporative Emission Control System (inspect) · Fuel System (inspect) · Transfer Case Assembly (drain & refill)
At 105,000 miSpark Plugs (replace) · Timing Belt (replace)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The federal record shows complaints were high in 2003 (129), fell to lows in 2005‑2006 (18 and 21), rose again in 2007 (125 complaints, 9 recalls), then dropped to 58 complaints in 2008 while recalls increased to 12. Compared with the surrounding years, 2008’s complaint count is lower than 2007’s peak but higher than the 2005‑2006 trough, and its recall total is among the higher values seen across the generation (peaks of 14 in 2009, 2011 and 2013). Overall, recall activity remained relatively frequent throughout the model’s life, with 2008 sitting in the upper‑mid range, while complaint volume fluctuated between low and moderate levels. Because the data do not specify the reasons for the recalls, a buyer should confirm that any recall repairs for the 2008 Outlander have been completed; otherwise the year presents a mixed risk profile with moderate complaints but relatively high recall exposure.

12
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
104
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
58
Owner complaints
1 involved a crash · 1 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 58 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Suspension8
Visibility/Wiper6
Power Train5
Exterior Lighting4
Structure3
Unknown Or Other3
Engine3
Service Brakes2

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 12 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

20V279000Structure:Frame And MembersReported 18/05/2020

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in… Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or…

17V461000Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:MotorReported 20/07/2017

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles. In the affected vehicles, water may drop between the hood and the windshield and leak into the wiper motor breathing hole… Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 104 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
TECH TALK 2892025-11-21Electrical SystemTech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics…
TSB-24-23-0042024-06-03Power TrainService Manual Revision - This Technical Service Bulletin provides corrections to the…
DEALER LETTER2023-07-21EquipmentThis is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has…
TSB-23-00-0042023-04-24StructureThis Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for…
TSB-23-00-0012023-04-24EquipmentThis Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Outlander. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2008 Outlander 3.0L take?

4.6 qt of 5W-20 SM API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2008 Outlander have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 3.0L get?

EPA figures are 17 city / 25 highway / 20 combined mpg.