2023 PHEV Outlander soft rear suspension

[user 7850]

Hi guys. I have a 2023 Outlander PHEV. Purchased new in May 2023. The rear suspension is really soft and almost bouncy when going over bumps and undulations. This is exaggerated when on the open road, to the point where it feels unsafe. I have taken it back to mitsubishi and they say there is nothing wrong. I have also looked into a heavy duty rear suspension kit, but there doesn't seem to be anything in New Zealand. Has anyone else had this issue?

 

[nrayanov]

I think all of them are like this. The only thing I can advice is to drive slowly over bumps...

 

[user 7850]

I think all of them are like this. The only thing I can advice is to drive slowly over bumps...

Where we live in NZ our roads are terrible at best. I've gone back to Mitsubishi again to see what can be done.

 

[PJmacgee]

Rear springs are definitely soft in this car. If the road bumps or heaving is spaced perfectly, it can get sketchy.

Only way to change that is stiffer springs and/or dampers with a different tune (way more low speed compression damping), both of which are custom things that Mitsu will never help you with in 1000 years.

This company makes lift kits with a stiffer rear spring option...or maybe you can find an off-road shop that could source something similar.
https://flatoutsuspension.net/products/outlander-2level

 

[greendwarf]

I think all of them are like this. The only thing I can advice is to drive slowly over bumps...

Certainly isn't the case with my 2014 UK model

 

[HeliNurse]

My 2021 GRS has stiffer suspension fitted as standard and feels every bump in the road. I've also looked at a lift kit, but they are not legal in Oz, god knows what it would do to the warranty, or insurance anyway. I will be looking at bigger tyres in the future.

 

[user 7850]

Interesting... I have had no joy still with Mitsi, so will be pulling the rear shocks and getting a custom set of Bilsteins made for it by a shock guy here in nz. Will report back once done.

 

[HeliNurse]

Seeing as how the Bilsteins were standard fittings on the 2021 GRS, they should obtainable from Mitsubishi?

 

[nrayanov]

Certainly isn't the case with my 2014 UK model

I have a 2020 PHEV now, had a 2020 petrol before that... The suspension just doesn't like speed bumps.

 

[Annoyed Kiwi]

Hey there, my 2022 Outlander PHEV VRX (NZ top model) has super soft rear shocks so also been looking at solutions. where I found a Airbag kit that goes in the rear coils and designed to firm up and keep ride height same when towing / or heavy loads. Also a massive warning to others the battery has zippo protection! Basically nothing! I Accidently hit a possum and somehow it dented the battery! The car drove for a good year then decided to throw a fault code and stop the car working. (Had to be towed!) Mitsubishi said no to warranty despite the poor design and all the Marketing showing this car in ruts, mud, gravel etc! So im up for a $24K Insurance bill! As soon as its fixed im selling it, its not fit for purpose as a SUV /4WD for NZ standard roads! These are built to just take ya muppet kids to school and back.

 

[drewb]

Hey there, my 2022 Outlander PHEV VRX (NZ top model) has super soft rear shocks so also been looking at solutions. where I found a Airbag kit that goes in the rear coils and designed to firm up and keep ride height same when towing / or heavy loads. Also a massive warning to others the battery has zippo protection! Basically nothing! I Accidently hit a possum and somehow it dented the battery! The car drove for a good year then decided to throw a fault code and stop the car working. (Had to be towed!) Mitsubishi said no to warranty despite the poor design and all the Marketing showing this car in ruts, mud, gravel etc! So im up for a $24K Insurance bill! As soon as its fixed im selling it, its not fit for purpose as a SUV /4WD for NZ standard roads! These are built to just take ya muppet kids to school and back.

Hey there. Are you able to share who you used for your airbag kit? I'm in NZ also, same issue of soft suspension, but non PHEV so not the battery issue.

 

[Woon Chung]

I have a 2020 PHEV now, had a 2020 petrol before that... The suspension just doesn't like speed bumps.

Even thou we acquainted some defects of the car, it needs a serious pioneer sprit to switch to the other manufacturer. It means we are thinking under inertia.