2020 Outlander PHEV - Reduced EV Range & Charging Faults

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Jennifer H. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:37 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT

My 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT has been acting up lately. I've noticed a significant drop in my all-electric range, from the usual 22-24 miles down to about 15-17 miles on a full charge. This is a pretty big decrease and makes my daily commute harder.

Also, sometimes when I plug it in, it doesn't seem to charge properly, or it stops charging prematurely. The dashboard doesn't always show a clear error, but I'm worried about the battery health. I've tried different charging stations and cables, both Level 1 and Level 2, but the problem persists.

Is this a common issue for these models as they age? What should I be looking for, or is this something that definitely requires a dealership visit?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Reduced EV range and charging issues in a 2020 Outlander PHEV can stem from several factors, often related to the high-voltage battery system or charging components. Here's what to consider:

  1. Battery Degradation: Over time and with use, all lithium-ion batteries experience some level of degradation, leading to reduced capacity and range. While some loss is normal, a sudden or significant drop warrants investigation.
  2. Charging System Faults: Issues with the onboard charger, charging port, or even the charging cable/station itself can prevent proper charging. The vehicle's Battery Management System (BMS) might detect an anomaly and halt charging to protect the battery.
  3. Software Glitches: Sometimes, a simple software bug in the vehicle's control modules can cause incorrect range calculations or charging interruptions. Mitsubishi occasionally releases software updates to address such issues.
  4. Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): Even without a dashboard warning, specific codes might be stored. Common codes related to hybrid battery issues include P0AA6 (Hybrid Battery Voltage System Isolation Fault) or codes related to charging circuit malfunctions.

When to See a Shop:

  • Immediately: If you notice any warning lights related to the hybrid system, a complete inability to charge, or significant performance issues.
  • Soon: Given the consistent and significant drop in range and intermittent charging problems, it's highly recommended to schedule a diagnostic appointment with a Mitsubishi dealership. They have specialized tools to:
    • Read specific PHEV-related diagnostic codes.
    • Perform a battery health check.
    • Check for any applicable Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) or recalls related to battery or charging system updates.
    • Inspect the charging port and internal components for physical damage or wear.

Attempting to diagnose high-voltage systems without proper training and equipment can be dangerous. Let the professionals handle it.