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2007-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander 3.0L V6 Muffler Guide

Reviewed 2026-10-03. Checked against the sources listed below. This is general information, not a substitute for a mechanic's inspection.

Quick answer

On the 2007-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander 3.0L V6, front-wheel or all-wheel drive, the rear muffler is the last big part of the exhaust before the tailpipe. When it rusts through or breaks inside, the Outlander gets louder, may rattle, and can smell of exhaust at the back. The AFECO 21824 fits the 3.0L V6 only; the 4-cylinder Outlander uses different exhaust parts.

Exact fit

YearsMakeModelEngineDrive
2007-2013MitsubishiOutlander3.0L V6Front-wheel and all-wheel drive

Confirm Displacement (L): 3.0 and 6 cylinders in the free NHTSA VIN decoder. If it shows a 4-cylinder engine, this muffler is not for your Outlander.

Cutaway of a muffler showing chambers and perforated tubes, with a rust hole, a broken inner wall and condensation
Mufflers usually fail from the inside out, where water from short trips collects.

Signs the muffler is done

What you noticeWhat it usually means
Louder than normal, deeper rumbleA hole or a split seam
Rattle at the back, worse at idle or over bumpsBroken inner wall or a loose hanger
Rust flakes or a hole you can seeCorrosion through the shell
Exhaust smell at the rear hatchA leak near the back of the vehicle
Water dripping from the tailpipe on cold startsUsually normal condensation, not a fault on its own

Why Outlander mufflers rust

Short trips are hard on mufflers. Water is a normal by-product of burning fuel, and on short drives the exhaust never gets hot enough to boil it off, so it sits in the muffler. Add road salt in winter, and the shell can rust from both sides. An Outlander used mostly for school runs and errands is the classic case.

Is there a recall?

We checked NHTSA's recall database for the 2007-2013 Outlander. None of the safety recalls listed involve the exhaust system. One recall (14V366000) mentions a "converter", but it is the automatic transmission's converter housing and a power steering tube, not the exhaust. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the current answer.

Before you buy

  1. Look at the hangers. A rattle is sometimes just a worn rubber hanger, which is a cheap fix.
  2. Check the pipe in front of the muffler. If it is badly rusted too, plan to replace or repair it at the same time.
  3. Confirm your engine is the 3.0L V6.

Fitting notes

The AFECO 21824 is a direct-fit stainless steel muffler and includes hardware. Rusted clamps and bolts at the joint are the hardest part; penetrating oil and a new clamp make it much easier. Check that the tailpipe sits centred in the bumper opening before you tighten everything.

Related guides

Shop AFECO 21824 on Amazon Part details and photos

Sources