The ‘Fluttering Hood’ Lawsuit Over 2022 Outlander SUVs
Mitsubishi Motors North America has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit involving certain 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander models, which are accused of having defective hoods that could flutter, shake, or partially open while driving. Plaintiffs alleged the hood assembly was prone to excessive movement at highway speeds, creating safety concerns for drivers who experienced violent hood vibrations during normal operation. The settlement received preliminary approval on January 21, 2026, and applies to current and former owners or lessees of eligible 2022 Outlander vehicles in the United States. Consumers can determine eligibility through the VIN lookup tool on the court-approved settlement website, hoodsettlement.com.
Under the agreement, Mitsubishi will replace the hood on covered vehicles for owners who report fluttering concerns. Customers who previously paid for hood repairs or replacements through authorized Mitsubishi dealers before May 1, 2026, can receive full reimbursement for parts and labor, while repairs completed at independent facilities are capped at $4,595.
Rental vehicle costs related to hood repairs may also qualify for reimbursement. Mitsubishi will additionally extend warranty coverage for hood repairs and replacements for 18 months after May 1, 2026, regardless of whether the SUV remains under its original five-year or 60,000-mile factory warranty. Final approval for the settlement is scheduled for August 3, 2026.
Cole Attisha
The Mitsubishi Outlander Has Faced Multiple Recalls
The lawsuit adds to a growing list of safety and quality concerns surrounding the Mitsubishi Outlander in recent years. Although lawsuits involving Mitsubishi vehicles remain relatively uncommon, the Outlander has faced several recalls tied to potential defects. One recall involved rearview camera problems, while another focused on defective liftgate components that could unexpectedly fail during normal use. The repeated recalls have placed additional scrutiny on Mitsubishi’s quality control efforts surrounding its best-selling crossover.
One of the more concerning recalls involved liftgate struts that could weaken over time and suddenly detach, increasing the risk of the tailgate falling and injuring owners standing behind the vehicle. The issue affected multiple Outlander model years and required dealer inspections and repairs nationwide. While recalls are common across the auto industry, defect lawsuits remain far less frequent for Mitsubishi. That makes the hood settlement especially significant as the automaker attempts to maintain confidence in one of its most important vehicles in the American market.
Cole Attisha
The Lowdown
Mitsubishi is already facing mounting pressure in the United States after sales dropped sharply in 2025 following the discontinuation of the Mirage. The automaker has increasingly leaned on fleet contracts and commercial sales to stabilize volume while preparing a broader product expansion strategy. Mitsubishi has promised a major comeback effort in North America with plans to significantly expand its U.S. lineup over the next several years.
Unfortunately for the brand, news surrounding recalls and lawsuits creates another obstacle in rebuilding consumer confidence. The Outlander remains Mitsubishi’s most important vehicle in the United States, which means ongoing quality concerns can have an outsized impact on the company’s reputation. Even if the hood settlement ultimately resolves the legal battle, repeated safety headlines tied to the crossover are unlikely to help Mitsubishi as it attempts to regain momentum in an intensely competitive SUV market.
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