Buy Mitsubishi Outlander Headlight Assembly

Background Info

The Mitsubishi Outlander uses a two-piece front light assembly that houses both low-beam and high-beam lamps (also called headlamps, driving lights, or front lamps). For most model years from 2014-2020 the low beam is an H7 bulb and the high beam is 9005/HB3; starting in 2022 many trims switch to factory LED reflector units. The 2022-25 models earn a "Good" headlight score from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, showing bright, even light with little glare. LED systems draw far less power than halogen and can last up to 25 times longer, saving energy and maintenance. U.S. law-Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108-sets limits on beam aim, brightness, and glare, and Mitsubishi issues technical bulletins that explain how to adjust the vertical screw through a service hole behind the lamp. If moisture forms inside, a separate bulletin notes that light fog is normal and should clear within an hour; persistent water means the housing needs repair. Fuse F19 and F20 (20 A each) protect the left and right low beams on 2018-up models. Owners have reported premature bulb burn-out and wiring recalls on some 2016 vehicles, but most newer Outlanders show few lighting defects.

What It Does

Your Outlander's headlight assembly lets you see the road and lets others see you. It includes:

• A lens that focuses light.
• A reflector or projector bowl that shapes the beam.
• Bulbs or LEDs that create the light.
• A housing that seals out dust and water.
  A good headlamp keeps the beam low so it will not blind on-coming drivers and high enough to light signs and hazards. (Federal Register)

Fit & Compatibility

• 2007-2013 models share one lamp shape; 2014-2020 share another.
• 2022-present SUVs have a new body and use slim LED front lamps.
• Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions use the same mounting points but may add auto-level motors.
  Always match the year, trim, and whether your SUV came with halogen or LED lights when you order a replacement assembly. (AUXITO, IIHS)

Headlight Styles

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Bulb Sizes

• Low beam: H7 on 2014-2020 models.
• High beam: 9005/HB3 on the same years.
• Fog lamp: H11 (also listed as H8 or H9). (AUXITO)
  Check the owner's manual or the sticker on the lamp cap before buying a new bulb.

Safety Rules

FMVSS 108 says every vehicle sold in the U.S. must have separate low- and high-beam patterns with clear cutoff lines and must not exceed set glare values. (Federal Register)
New adaptive-beam LEDs are now allowed if they pass the same glare checks.

Installation Tips

1. Disconnect the battery.
2. Pull off the rubber cover or unclip the lamp cap.
3. Twist out the old bulb-do not touch the glass.
4. Seat the new bulb the same way; secure the spring clip.
5. Re-attach the cover and test lights.

For LED housings, remove the bumper top clips first, then release three bolts to lift the entire headlight assembly.

Aim & Alignment

Mitsubishi TSB-21-54A-003 says to park 25 ft (7.6 m) from a wall, mark the lamp centers, and turn the vertical screw through the service hole until the cutoff sits 2 in (50 mm) below the mark. (NHTSA Static)
Forum users confirm the adjuster is a white-toothed wheel reachable with a long flat-blade screwdriver. (outlanderforums.com)

Care & Cleaning

• Wash lenses with car-wash soap-no harsh chemicals.
• Use plastic-safe polish to clear yellow haze.
• Keep the rear vent caps unclogged so lamps can "breathe."
  A factory bulletin explains that light dew inside a lamp is normal and will disappear after an hour with the lights on; only standing water calls for replacement. (NHTSA Static)

Common Problems

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Upgrades

• LED retrofit bulbs produce more lumens with less heat, but choose models that keep the filament in the same spot to preserve beam shape.
• Projector swap kits give a sharp cutoff for HID or LED upgrades.
• Clear film protects lenses from stone chips and UV.
  The Outlander community reports plug-and-play H7 LED conversions that fit without extra adapters. (Reddit)

Wiring & Fuses

• Engine-bay fuse box: F17 & F18 high beam 10 A; F19 & F20 low beam 20 A (LED) or 10 A (halogen). (StartMyCar)
• A bad ground at the lamp connector often causes flicker.
• Use dielectric grease on connectors to stop corrosion.

For full diagrams see the interactive guide at StartMyCar. (StartMyCar)

Recycling

Do not toss old headlights in household trash. The U.S. EPA lists lamps and plastics as recyclable; many city recycling centers accept automotive lamps. (US EPA)
LED units contain aluminum heat sinks that can be reclaimed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What headlight rating does the 2022 Outlander receive?
A: IIHS scores both available LED setups "Good," its top grade. (IIHS)

Q: What bulb size is the low beam on a 2018 Outlander?
A: H7. (AUXITO)

Q: Are the 2022-up lamps serviceable, or must I replace the whole unit?
A: They are sealed LED modules; if an LED fails, the full assembly is replaced.

Q: How do I adjust my beam height?
A: Turn the vertical adjust screw through the service hole until the cutoff is 2 in (50 mm) below lamp height at 25 ft. (NHTSA Static)

Q: Is light fog inside the lens a defect?
A: No. Mitsubishi says condensation that clears within an hour is normal. (NHTSA Static)

Q: My new bulb blew after a week-what else should I check?
A: Inspect fuses F19/F20, look for water in the housing, and confirm alternator voltage is under 14.8 V. (StartMyCar, NHTSA Static)

Q: Can I swap halogen bulbs for LEDs legally?
A: Yes, but the beam pattern must still meet FMVSS 108 glare limits. (Federal Register)

Q: Do LED headlights save fuel?
A: Indirectly, because they draw less power, easing load on the alternator. (The Department of Energy's Energy.gov)

Q: Where is the headlight relay?
A: In the engine-bay relay block next to the battery; see the fuse diagram for exact slot. (StartMyCar)

Q: Why do some owners complain of dim lights on 2016 models?
A: There were wiring and relay issues covered by recall SR-18-002. (The Center for Auto Safety)

Q: How bright are the factory LEDs compared with halogen?
A: Drivers report LEDs light signs two to three car-lengths farther than H7 halogens while using about one-third the power. (Reddit)

Q: Does Consumer Reports mention headlamp quality?
A: Yes, it lists the 2024 model's headlights as "average" while praising the 2025 redesign for better brightness. (Consumer Reports)

By following these facts and tips you can choose, aim, and maintain your Outlander's headlamps for safer night driving and better compliance with safety rules.