This Best-Selling Vehicle Is One Of The Worst Used Cars You Can Buy

When shopping for a used vehicle, reliability and value are often top of mind. However, sometimes, popular vehicles that sold well when they were new don't live up to the hype as they age. In fact, one of the best-selling vehicles of 2021 is now one of the worst used cars you can buy, particularly after factoring in the unexpected taxes that can come with buying a used car. The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander only earns a 6.5 out of 10 from U.S. News & World Report, and the car sits in last place on USN's list of worst-rated used cars.

For 2021, the Mitsubishi Outlander only equips a plug-in hybrid powertrain. However, the SUV's fuel efficiency isn't impressive at a combined 26 mpg. This makes the main reason for opting for a PHEV model obsolete, especially when you consider that used vehicles often perform less efficiently than they did when they were new. Obviously, this partly depends on how well the vehicle was cared for, but for the Outlander PHEV, time definitely won't improve the SUV's efficiency.

Although the Outlander PHEV only has a single recall from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are many reasons to avoid buying this used Mitsubishi model. It was recalled for faulty liftgate gas springs. When these springs fail, the liftgate can suddenly fall, potentially causing injuries to those in the liftgate's path.

With only one recall in 2021, you may be wondering what makes the Mitsubishi Outlander one of the worst used cars you can buy. The answer is that while USN's worst used cars report focuses on the 2021 Outlander PHEV, overall, the SUV gets low scores from a variety of sources across year models. Owners report faults with the vehicle within the first year of ownership, making it a risk as a used model.

Repair Pal lists the 2021 Outlander's media center as problematic, and the NHTSA received the most complaints about the vehicle for 2019 models. The brakes were a major concern for many 2019 Outlander drivers, as they had various issues with the braking system either engaging unexpectedly or failing to work properly. This significantly increases the chance of getting in an accident.

A lackluster, dated interior is another reason the Outlander scores low, and for 2021, a third row wasn't included. It's also important to note that despite getting a good score in most areas for safety from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the vehicle's halogen headlights don't provide adequate light, which can make the SUV difficult to drive at night or in low-light situations. Additionally, the Outlander PHEV only received an acceptable score for its structure and safety cage, as well as in the overall evaluation of its head restraints and seats. If you're looking for a popular car that's also reliable, it may be wise to skip the Outlander PHEV.