P0A3D is the over-temperature code for the inverter feeding drive motor B. On the 2023 Outlander PHEV this is the rear motor control unit, and Mitsubishi sets the code when its IGBT temperature is 156 °C or higher for one second. Mitsubishi's hints list the rear motor assembly, the electric water pump driven by the PHEV-ECU, the EV coolant circuit and the radiator fan, so cooling problems come before electronics. No other manufacturer documents P0A3D publicly; CARB 1968.2 requires monitoring of hybrid components that affect emissions. P0A35 is the over-temperature of motor B itself, P0C14 to P0C16 phase-specific inverter codes and P0A79 the general inverter performance code. Rear drive power is reduced until the inverter cools down.
High severity. Can I keep driving?If the car still runs, drive as little as possible and go to a specialized repair shop. Do not touch the orange cables: they carry high voltage.
Symptoms
- Hybrid or EV system warning
- Reduced rear-axle drive power
- Fault appears after long climbs or high load
Most likely causes
- Electric water pump of the EV cooling circuit failed
- Low coolant or air in the EV cooling circuit
- Radiator fan not running or radiator blocked
- Internal fault in the rear motor and inverter assembly
What to check, in order
Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.
Good to know
- It can trigger limp mode.
- It affects emissions.
What each character of P0A3D means
- P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
- 0: Generic code: same on every make
- A: Hybrid or air and fuel
- 3D: Specific fault in that system
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep driving with code P0A3D?
If the car still runs, drive as little as possible and go to a specialized repair shop. Do not touch the orange cables: they carry high voltage.
What causes code P0A3D?
The most common causes are: electric water pump of the EV cooling circuit failed; low coolant or air in the EV cooling circuit; radiator fan not running or radiator blocked.
Related codes
- P0A3CDrive Motor A Inverter Over Temperature
- P0A3EGenerator Inverter Over Temperature
- P0A35Drive Motor B Over Temperature
- P0A79Drive Motor B Inverter Performance
- P0C14Drive Motor B Inverter Phase U Over Temperature
- P0C15Drive Motor B Inverter Phase V Over Temperature
- P0C16Drive Motor B Inverter Phase W Over Temperature
Sources
- mitsubishitechinfo.com: N503241000000700USA
- mitsubishitechinfo.com: N503140030000700USA
- law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.