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Rearview Camera Image Blank — Recall 23V345 (2023)
backup camera blank; screen goes black in reverse; rearview camera distorted
Safety2023
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2023–2026 Outlander PHEV owners: two camera recalls, HVAC noise TSB, 12V battery drain, CHAdeMO orphaning. Know your California lemon-law rights.
You chose the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV because it promised the best of two worlds: a plug-in hybrid that handles school runs on electricity, a family-sized cabin, Mitsubishi's S-AWC all-wheel drive, and — if you needed it — fast charging via CHAdeMO on the road. The price was right. The badge felt honest. And then the realities began stacking up.
The fourth-generation Outlander PHEV (GN-PHEV, 2023-2026) pairs Mitsubishi's 2.4-liter 4B12 engine with a 20 kWh battery and dual electric motors. On paper the system is sophisticated. In practice, documented technical service bulletins reveal recurring defects that undermine daily usability: an electric compressor that shrieks during stationary heating, a 12-volt battery that drains when the traction pack runs low, a check engine light triggered by a sonar software error, and brake blending called 'especially grabby, leading to very abrupt stops' by independent media.
The vehicle also carries a structural disadvantage Mitsubishi knew at launch: it is the last new vehicle sold in the US with a CHAdeMO DC fast-charge port — a standard Electrify America began phasing out in 2022. Owners expecting public fast charging find the CHAdeMO network shrinking with no adapter solution from Mitsubishi.
Two separate NHTSA recalls — 23V345 and its successor 25V369 — document the same A-IVI software defect causing the rearview camera to blank or freeze, a direct FMVSS 111 violation. Owners repaired under the first recall are called back for the second. That repeat-visit pattern — two attempts for the same camera failure — is exactly what California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act was designed to address.
The issues owners report most, ranked by severity — each one verified against a cited NHTSA source.
backup camera blank; screen goes black in reverse; rearview camera distorted
backup camera blank; screen goes black in reverse; rearview camera distorted
loud high-pitched whining or shrieking from HVAC during heater use; noise occurs when parked with engine off and heat running; electric compressor screech in cold weather; PHEV heater sounds like an electric motor spinning too fast; noise stops when engine starts or heat is turned off
car won't start after overnight parking; 12V battery dead after fully draining EV charge; hybrid system won't initialize; need jump-start when HV battery was empty; vehicle dead in garage after low charge; accessory battery not charging properly; PHEV dead battery multiple times
check engine light on at low speed; malfunction indicator lamp during city driving; FCM disabled warning; check engine light when slowing to stop; forward collision warning light stays on; check engine light clears then returns; smog test failed due to check engine light
can't find CHAdeMO fast charger; DC fast charging unavailable on road trip; CHAdeMO stations not working; Electrify America removed CHAdeMO; no fast charging at most public stations; stuck at Level 2 only on long trips; PHEV charging slower than expected without DC fast charge
A settled Margarian Law case on this exact model, published with the actual settlement math.
Open any defect for the symptoms and why it matters for a California lemon-law claim. Each is tied to a cited NHTSA source.
backup camera blank; screen goes black in reverse; rearview camera distorted
Recall 23V345 is a FMVSS 111 (Rear Visibility) violation: the backup camera fails to display any image, removing a federally required safety feature entirely. Under Song-Beverly, a recall-acknowledged safety nonconformity that required dealer repair creates a documented warranty visit. If the 23V345 software update was applied but the camera failure returned and a second visit was needed under the expanded recall 25V369, those two visits can count toward California's repair-attempt threshold. Keep both repair orders.
Dealers will update the A-IVI software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 20, 2023. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-23-001. This recall was replaced by NHTSA recall number 25V369.
backup camera blank; screen goes black in reverse; rearview camera distorted
Recall 25V369 expands and supersedes 23V345, covering 2023-2025 model years and adding the camera-freeze mode to the original blank-screen defect. Owners whose 2023 vehicles were already repaired under 23V345 must return for a second repair under 25V369 — this creates two documented dealer repair attempts for the same functional safety defect (rearview camera inoperative), which directly satisfies the Song-Beverly reasonable-number-of-attempts element for that specific nonconformity. Both visits should be on separate repair orders, each citing the camera as the presenting symptom.
Dealers will update the A-IVI software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 30, 2025. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-25-001. This recall replaces and expands previous NHTSA recall number 23V345. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 23V345 will ne
loud high-pitched whining or shrieking from HVAC during heater use; noise occurs when parked with engine off and heat running; electric compressor screech in cold weather; PHEV heater sounds like an electric motor spinning too fast; noise stops when engine starts or heat is turned off
Although classified as a Functional defect, an HVAC system that emits a persistent alarming noise impairing the use of heat constitutes a warranty nonconformity under Song-Beverly. If the dealer reflashes the A/C amplifier and the noise returns — a pattern consistent with the three-revision TSB history — successive unsuccessful repair attempts can accumulate toward California's reasonable-number-of-attempts threshold. Document every visit with a repair order specifying the symptom.
Reprogram A/C amplifier control program per TSB-23-55-007 (or revised TSB-23-55-007REV). If reprogramming does not fully resolve, TSB-22-55002REV3 covers A/C AUTO AMP replacement. Software reflash is covered under the PHEV powertrain warranty.
car won't start after overnight parking; 12V battery dead after fully draining EV charge; hybrid system won't initialize; need jump-start when HV battery was empty; vehicle dead in garage after low charge; accessory battery not charging properly; PHEV dead battery multiple times
A vehicle that cannot start due to a software-induced 12V drain is a nonconformity under Song-Beverly even if the underlying traction battery is functional. If the ECU reprogramming does not prevent repeat no-start events, or if the owner requires multiple jump-starts and battery replacements within the warranty period, the repair-attempt and days-out-of-service counters can accumulate. Keep all tow records, battery replacement receipts, and dealer ROs that reference a battery or charging-system complaint.
ECU reprogramming per TSB-24-54-002 revises the shutdown logic to ensure adequate 12V charging before final power-off even under low HV SOC conditions. If the 12V battery was repeatedly deep-cycled prior to the software fix, battery replacement may also be needed. Owners should avoid consistently parking on a very low HV charge until the ECU update is applied.
check engine light on at low speed; malfunction indicator lamp during city driving; FCM disabled warning; check engine light when slowing to stop; forward collision warning light stays on; check engine light clears then returns; smog test failed due to check engine light
A recurring check engine light that is not fixed after one or more reflash attempts constitutes a warranty nonconformity under Song-Beverly. In California, a failed smog test caused by a persistent MIL compounds the harm — the owner cannot legally operate the vehicle on a current registration. If the SCU reflash clears the code but the MIL returns within normal use, document each dealer visit; the pattern can support a lemon-law claim even if the dealer characterizes the fix as completed each time.
Reprogram the SONAR Control Unit with Mitsubishi countermeasure firmware per TSB-23-54-006. After reflash, clear all stored DTCs and verify the MIL does not return during a low-speed test cycle including a complete deceleration to zero. Smog test OBD readiness monitors should reset after approximately 50 miles of mixed driving post-reflash.
can't find CHAdeMO fast charger; DC fast charging unavailable on road trip; CHAdeMO stations not working; Electrify America removed CHAdeMO; no fast charging at most public stations; stuck at Level 2 only on long trips; PHEV charging slower than expected without DC fast charge
CHAdeMO orphaning is most relevant under Song-Beverly if the dealer or Mitsubishi made affirmative representations at point of sale about DC fast-charge availability that proved materially false in the owner's geographic market. If a California consumer cannot access DC fast charging within a reasonable distance and this materially impairs the vehicle's intended use as a plug-in hybrid, this may support a fitness-for-ordinary-purposes claim depending on what was represented. Owners should preserve any dealer communications, brochures, or website screenshots from the time of purchase.
No OEM remedy exists. Mitsubishi has not released a CCS or NACS adapter for the GN-PHEV CHAdeMO port. Owners are dependent on: (a) the shrinking pool of CHAdeMO stations (primarily older NRG/eVgo, some Blink, and remaining Electrify America CA stations); (b) third-party CHAdeMO-to-CCS adapters (not warranted by Mitsubishi); or (c) Level 2 AC charging only for away-from-home charging. The 20 kWh battery recharges fully via Level 2 in approximately 3.5 hours (6.6 kW onboard charger), which mitigates but does not eliminate the DC fast-charge access gap for longer-range use.
brakes feel grabby and jerky when stopping; abrupt stop at low speed; brake pedal inconsistent feel; regenerative braking too harsh; PHEV braking unpredictable; sudden lurch when slowing to a stop; brake transition from regen to hydraulic is rough
Inconsistent braking that impairs safe operation of the vehicle is a warranty nonconformity under Song-Beverly regardless of whether Mitsubishi characterizes the condition as 'within normal specification.' If a dealer confirms the brake feel is as-designed but the owner finds it unsafe or substantially impairing, document that dealer characterization in writing — it preserves the Song-Beverly record without requiring a formal admission of defect. Brake-related complaints that affect safety carry additional weight under the Song-Beverly presumption provisions when documented repair attempts exceed the statutory threshold.
No OEM recall or TSB specifically addresses brake blending calibration for the GN-PHEV as of Jun 30, 2026. Dealers may reprogram related PHEV control modules (check with service adviser for any applicable calibration update). Operationally, owners can reduce paddle regen to Levels 1-2 to reduce the handoff harshness. If the jerk occurs at all regen levels and the brake pedal feel has changed significantly since purchase, an inspection of the brake caliper and hydraulic booster is warranted (reference TSB-24-35-001, brake caliper noise).
remedy available
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Outlander and 2023-2025 Outlander PHEV vehicles. Due to a software error in the in-vehicle infotainment system (A-IVI), the rearview camera image may freeze, or not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
remedy available
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Outlander and 2023 Outlander PHEV vehicles. Due to a software error in the in-vehicle infotainment system (A-IVI), the backup camera rearview image may not appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Every item below comes from this vehicle's documented defects. The more you recognize, the more a free case review is worth your time.
California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act protects buyers and lessees of new vehicles when a manufacturer cannot repair a warranty nonconformity after a reasonable number of attempts, or the vehicle is out of service for 30 or more cumulative days.
For the Outlander PHEV, the two rearview camera recalls (23V345 and 25V369) are acknowledged FMVSS 111 violations. An owner who returned for the first recall repair and then again under the superseding recall has two documented warranty attempts for the same defect — a pattern that can trigger Song-Beverly's statutory presumption.
The TSB-documented defects — HVAC compressor noise, 12V battery drain, and SONAR check engine light — are warranty nonconformities even without a formal recall. A TSB is Mitsubishi's written acknowledgment the defect exists. If the dealer cannot fix any of these on the first or second attempt, those visits count under Song-Beverly. A vehicle that will not start due to 12V drain is a total use impairment: each day it cannot be driven counts toward the 30-day out-of-service threshold.
If your PHEV has been back to the dealer for the same complaint more than twice, or has spent significant time in the shop, you may be entitled to a replacement or a refund of your purchase or lease payments. This is general information, not legal advice. Law as of Jun 30, 2026.
“Could not duplicate” doesn't mean the defect isn't real. Here's exactly what to do to protect a potential California lemon-law claim.
Document the moment it happens. Photos, video, and screenshots of any warning lights — with the date and the mileage.
Get a repair order every visit — even “found nothing.” That paperwork is the foundation of a claim.
Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Note any recall that has no available remedy yet.
Track your out-of-service days. California law counts the cumulative days your vehicle spends in the shop.
Keep loaner & rental records. Alternate-transport paperwork during long repairs matters.
Save everything in one place. Symptoms, dates, repair orders, and every repeat visit — the intermittent ones especially.
GN-PHEV issues are often intermittent. A 'cannot duplicate' finding is not the end of your case. Here is what to do:
1. Rearview Camera (Recalls 23V345 / 25V369). This is a documented safety recall — the dealer must perform the update even if the camera works during their test. Ask the service writer to note on the RO that you are presenting for recall service. Request a copy with the pre- and post-repair A-IVI software version numbers.
2. HVAC Compressor Noise. The screech occurs specifically when stationary, ICE off, and heater running. Record a video on your phone before the appointment. Ask the dealer to park the vehicle with heat on after a cold start to reproduce. Specifically request TSB-23-55-007 — it is a three-version bulletin; they must apply the most current revision.
3. 12V Battery No-Start. Drive until the EV charge indicator reads near zero before each occurrence and log the date/mileage. If the dealer says '12V tested good,' ask whether ECU TSB-24-54-002 has been applied — the software fix is the prerequisite, even if the battery passes a load test at that moment.
4. SONAR / FCM Check Engine Light. The DTC may clear between visits. Photograph the MIL on your dashboard when it illuminates. At the dealer, ask them to scan for stored (historical) DTCs — most tools show these even after the light clears. Ask for TSB-23-54-006 firmware if the SONAR CU has not been updated.
5. Brake Inconsistency. Write the symptom on every RO before signing: 'abrupt stop in final seconds; grabby brake feel.' A 'no defect found' response still creates a timestamped repair attempt in your history.
The 2023-2026 Outlander PHEV largely delivers its core promise — capable AWD, usable EV range, reasonable efficiency. But two back-to-back NHTSA recalls for the same camera failure, a TSB history requiring three rounds of fixes for a compressor screech, and a 12V drain problem triggered by the very act of using the EV range to empty — these are early-ownership failures that a vehicle in this price class should not impose. The CHAdeMO decision compounds the frustration: Mitsubishi shipped a 2023 vehicle with a 2015-era charging connector into a market that had already moved on. Owners who paid for fast charging access are discovering that promise was hollow at purchase. If your repair orders are stacking up, Song-Beverly was written for this situation.
— The Margarian Law team
If your 2023-2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has been to the dealer more than once for the backup camera, HVAC noise, a dead 12V battery, or a recurring check engine light — and the problem is still not resolved — you may have options under California's lemon law. Margarian Law has handled thousands of lemon-law cases and offers a free case review. Contact us to evaluate your repair history.
Your Outlander PHEV is likely affected by one or both NHTSA recalls addressing the A-IVI infotainment software. Recall 23V345 (June 2023) covers 2023 model year vehicles and addresses a software error that causes the rearview camera image to not appear at all. A second, broader recall — 25V369 (February 2025) — covers 2023-2025 model years and adds a freeze-image variant of the same defect. Both are repaired by updating the A-IVI software at no charge at any authorized Mitsubishi dealer. If your vehicle was already fixed under 23V345, you must return for the second update under 25V369 because the earlier fix does not cover the freeze mode. Contact your dealer or call Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820 to schedule the repair. Keep both repair orders — they document two separate warranty repair attempts for the same underlying defect, which matters under California's Song-Beverly lemon law.
The noise is coming from the electric compressor in the PHEV's HVAC system — and Mitsubishi has formally acknowledged it. Technical Service Bulletin TSB-23-55-007 (NHTSA document #10246266, November 2023) describes 'a loud high-frequency operating noise during use of the heater when a vehicle is stationary' and directs dealers to reflash the A/C amplifier control program to adjust the compressor's rotational speed. If you already had the first reflash done and the noise returned, check whether the revised bulletin (TSB-23-55-007REV, April 2024) was applied — Mitsubishi issued three successive versions of this TSB, which means some vehicles may have received an earlier fix that did not hold. Bring your vehicle in and ask specifically for the most current PHEV A/C amplifier software update. If the dealer cannot fix it after multiple visits, document each repair order and consider evaluating your options under California's Song-Beverly warranty law.
Yes, this is a documented defect with a Mitsubishi-issued TSB fix. TSB-24-54-002 (NHTSA document #10254373, April 2024) describes exactly this scenario: when the high-voltage traction battery is at a very low state of charge at shutdown, the ECU cuts off 12V charging too early. The 12V auxiliary battery then drains overnight — especially in colder weather — and falls below the voltage needed to initialize the hybrid system the next morning. The fix is an ECU software reprogramming to correct the shutdown logic. If your 12V battery was deeply discharged multiple times before the software update, you may also need a new 12V battery. Ask your dealer specifically for TSB-24-54-002 and confirm whether both the ECU update and a 12V battery assessment were performed. If this has happened more than once, keep your tow records and repair orders — recurring no-start events from the same defect can support a California lemon-law claim.
The most likely cause for your GN-PHEV is a known firmware error in the SONAR Control Unit (the computer that manages your Forward Collision Mitigation sensors). TSB-23-54-006 (NHTSA document #10243483, September 2023) documents that the SCU can generate a spurious fault code during low-speed operation or deceleration to a stop — even when the collision-avoidance system is functioning normally. The DTC illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp and may also temporarily disable the Forward Collision Mitigation system. In California, an active check engine light means your vehicle will fail the smog test and cannot be registered. The dealer fix is reflashing the SONAR Control Unit with updated firmware. If the light clears on its own before you reach the dealer, ask them to scan for stored (historical) DTCs — these remain in the system even after the light turns off. If the MIL returns after one or more reflash attempts, document each visit carefully; recurring check engine lights from the same underlying cause can accumulate toward California lemon-law eligibility.
Your Outlander PHEV uses CHAdeMO — an older DC fast-charge standard — as its only fast-charge connector. The 2023-2026 GN-PHEV is the last new vehicle sold in the US to use CHAdeMO exclusively. This is a known infrastructure problem: Electrify America, the largest non-Tesla fast-charge network in the US, began phasing out CHAdeMO equipment outside California in 2022, replacing those stalls with CCS. Independent automotive reviewers including Cars.com described Mitsubishi's CHAdeMO choice as 'an extremely odd choice for the U.S. market, an older style of connection that has been overtaken by Combined Charging System chargers.' As of 2026, Mitsubishi has not released an official CCS or NACS adapter. Your practical options are: (1) seek the remaining CHAdeMO stations on apps like PlugShare filtered for CHAdeMO; (2) use Level 2 AC charging (your onboard 6.6 kW charger will fully recharge the 20 kWh battery in approximately 3.5 hours); or (3) investigate third-party adapters at your own risk. If you were specifically told at purchase that DC fast charging would be readily available in your area and that representation proved false, consult an attorney about your rights.
Whether your specific vehicle qualifies under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act depends on your individual repair history, not general reliability data. However, the GN-PHEV has several documented warranty defects that create real lemon-law exposure: two overlapping NHTSA recalls for a camera failure (23V345 and 25V369) that have required some owners to return to the dealer twice for the same safety nonconformity; three TSB-acknowledged issues (HVAC compressor noise, 12V battery drain, SONAR check engine light) with iterative repair histories; and a recurring FMVSS 111 violation (backup camera) that directly implicates federal safety standards. Under Song-Beverly, if your Outlander PHEV has been to the dealer two or more times for the same defect without a lasting fix — or if it has been out of service for 30 or more cumulative days — you may be entitled to a repurchase or replacement at Mitsubishi's expense. The statute covers the vehicle's full purchase price plus collateral charges, less a mileage offset. Collect every repair order, loaner agreement, and tow receipt before contacting an attorney.
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