Owners have filed 281 complaints
about the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport with NHTSA between 2014 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 13 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 9
1.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 75
44% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2015 compares with every other Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
2112.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
3118.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
127.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3218.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2313.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2514.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
2414.0%
150,000+ miles
31.8%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUV AWD
16.9% risk
2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUV FWD
19.1% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Dec 2014peak 9Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
21V144000
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure, such as from road salt use.
Risk: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
20V279000
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
Risk: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
18V103000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles. Water may enter between the hood and windshield and cause the front wiper link ball joint to corrode, possibly resulting in the wiper link separating and the wipers becoming inoperative.
Risk: Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
18V070000
PARKING BRAKE
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Outlander and 2013-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles. Water may enter the rear brake calipers causing the parking brake actuator shafts to corrode and possibly bind.
Risk: If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.
17V609000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Outlander, 2015-2016 Lancer and Outlander Sport, and 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles. These vehicles may have defective relays that can result in an engine stall, reduced engine power or the engine overheating.
Risk: If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
16V792000
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to January 5, 2015. In the affected vehicles, water may drop between the hood and the windshield and leak into the wiper motor breathing hole. The water may cause internal corrosion of the windshield wiper motor and the possible failure of the motor.
Risk: Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
16V563000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles and 2016 Outlander and Lancer vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a constant velocity transmission (CVT) that, in certain driving conditions, may cause a delay in the vehicle accelerating.
Risk: A hesitation during acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
16V548000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured June 25, 2014, through November 25, 2015 and equipped with a 2.0L engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). During assembly, a clamp for a CVT hose may not have been properly secured, allowing the hose to detach and leak transmission fluid.
Risk: If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may become inoperable, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if leaking transmission fluid contacts an a hot surface there is an increased risk of a fire.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Greenwood, INCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
Front air bags did not deploy upon impact at approximately 40mph
NHTSA complaint #11751527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Stroudsburg, PA1 injured
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG EXPLODE ON IMPACT OF ACCIDENT. HURT FACE BOTH HANDES WITH BURNS. NO WARNING LIGHTS INSURANCE YES FOR PAY OUT FOR ACCIDENT SMOKE FROM AIR BAG
NHTSA complaint #11652857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fabius, NYCrash
AIR BAGS
On June 11, 2020 i was hit head on in an accident in Syracuse NY. My airbags NEVER went off.
NHTSA complaint #11427191 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesCoatsville, PAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JEFF D'AMBROSIO MITSUBISHI (1223 LANCASTER AVENUE DOWNINGTOWN, PA 19335) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE ENGINE WAS CONSUMING OIL PREMATURELY, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO STALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
NHTSA complaint #11024566 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Greenwood, INCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
Front air bags did not deploy upon impact at approximately 40mph
NHTSA complaint #11751527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carbondale, IL
POWER TRAIN
While driving on a highway at approximately 55–60 mph, the vehicle suddenly lost its ability to accelerate and maintain power. The engine RPM increased, but the vehicle would not respond normally, creating a significant safety hazard in traffic. The CVT transmission intermittently enters a reduced-power mode (limp mode), making it difficult to safely merge or continue driving. Diagnostic trouble codes P0776 (Pressure Control Solenoid B Performance) and P0730 (Incorrect Gear Ratio) were confirmed by an independent transmission repair shop, which diagnosed the transmission as failed and recommended replacement. This vehicle has previously been subject to CVT-related recalls, but the transmission still experienced this failure.
NHTSA complaint #11748513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saybrook, IL
POWER TRAIN
Purchased used car in July 2024 and was able to drive it maybe 2 months and the transmission would not shift and would come to a complete stop. Not a safe feeling driving in 3 lanes of traffic on a busy highway at rush hour. Transmission light on and took to mechanic and was told this make and model is notorious for transmission failure and it needs replacing. The odometer is 86316 and car has been sitting now for two years. Of course we went exactly 100 miles over the warranty and now have to pay 5000-9000 dollars for a replacement with no guarantee warranty. So now we have the car paid off and can’t drive it because it’s out of budget to replace. Thanks a lot Mitsubishi for nothing.
NHTSA complaint #11747268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Saybrook, IL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Purchased used car in July 2024 and was able to drive it maybe 2 months and the transmission would not shift and would come to a complete stop. Not a safe feeling driving in 3 lanes of traffic on a busy highway at rush hour. Transmission light on and took to mechanic and was told this make and model is notorious for transmission failure and it needs replacing. The odometer is 86316 and car has been sitting now for two years. Of course we went exactly 100 miles over the warranty and now have to pay 5000-9000 dollars for a replacement with no guarantee warranty. So now we have the car paid off and can’t drive it because it’s out of budget to replace. Thanks a lot Mitsubishi for nothing.
NHTSA complaint #11747268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fountain, CO
POWER TRAIN
Hesitation when accelerating. Has stalled while driving. Has come to a complete stop when put in reverse.
NHTSA complaint #11721989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fountain, CO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Hesitation when accelerating. Has stalled while driving. Has come to a complete stop when put in reverse.
NHTSA complaint #11721989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fountain, CO
ENGINE
Hesitation when accelerating. Has stalled while driving. Has come to a complete stop when put in reverse.
NHTSA complaint #11721989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin, PA
POWER TRAIN
Car jerks like it’s losing power when pulling off, not sure if it’s transmission issue or engine issue
NHTSA complaint #11716839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin, PA
ENGINE
Car jerks like it’s losing power when pulling off, not sure if it’s transmission issue or engine issue
NHTSA complaint #11716839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Franklin, PA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car jerks like it’s losing power when pulling off, not sure if it’s transmission issue or engine issue
NHTSA complaint #11716839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,429 milesUrbanna, VA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and while driving from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated upon depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle had failed to shift to reverse(R). The warning message "Service Transmission" was displayed. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that there were metal shavings in the transmission. The mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V563000(Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,429.
NHTSA complaint #11679170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesElk Grove, CA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing rough idling, and the failure mainly occurred while the air conditioning system was activated. Additionally, while driving at various speeds or from a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated, jerked, and responded upon depressing the accelerator pedal. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while reversing. The contact stated that the failure had caused the vehicle to bump into nearby curbs while attempting to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the cause of the failure could not be determined; however, the dealer cleaned the throttle body. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer approximately 4 to 5 times. The dealer was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #11678718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
East Stroudsburg, PA1 injured
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG EXPLODE ON IMPACT OF ACCIDENT. HURT FACE BOTH HANDES WITH BURNS. NO WARNING LIGHTS INSURANCE YES FOR PAY OUT FOR ACCIDENT SMOKE FROM AIR BAG
NHTSA complaint #11652857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rochester, NY, NY
POWER TRAIN
While driving on the highway the car did a "skip", then the CHECK TRANSMISSION LIGHT came on. I got off the highway, shut the car off, waited a while and started the car again. The light was off so I drove home. As I was driving the light came on again. The next time it came on the code was p084a. Have not had it checked by dealer yet. The mechanic said it would cost $5000-7000 to fix or replace. Every time the car sits and restart the light does not come on, sometimes I can drive for some time and nothing happens, sometimes the light comes on. Not sure what to do.
NHTSA complaint #11644355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wake Forest, NC
POWER TRAIN
-POWER TRAIN (TRANSMISSION) AND OTHER UNKNOWN PROBLEMS -THAT VEHICLE TAKEN TO BE INSPECTED AT THE WESTGATE MITSUBISH DEALERSHIP IN WAKE FOREST, NC. -UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11641901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wake Forest, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
-POWER TRAIN (TRANSMISSION) AND OTHER UNKNOWN PROBLEMS -THAT VEHICLE TAKEN TO BE INSPECTED AT THE WESTGATE MITSUBISH DEALERSHIP IN WAKE FOREST, NC. -UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11641901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Murrayville, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
N/A
NHTSA complaint #11637459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cartersville, GA
POWER TRAIN
While driving to work at approximately 6:30 am , as I was signaling to merge onto the on ramp the cars gas pedal stop controlling the speed of my car. I pulled over to the side of the road and my car would not move. I tried to put the heat shifter into park but it was stuck in drive. I had to have the towed to a mechanic which informed me that I needed a new transmission. (3 different independent shops). After being told what it would cost to repair the vehicle the vehicle is still parked in my driveway.
NHTSA complaint #11619231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cartersville, GA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
While driving to work at approximately 6:30 am , as I was signaling to merge onto the on ramp the cars gas pedal stop controlling the speed of my car. I pulled over to the side of the road and my car would not move. I tried to put the heat shifter into park but it was stuck in drive. I had to have the towed to a mechanic which informed me that I needed a new transmission. (3 different independent shops). After being told what it would cost to repair the vehicle the vehicle is still parked in my driveway.
NHTSA complaint #11619231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roaring Spring, PA
POWER TRAIN
Was driving up highway and all of a sudden it felt like the car was hesitating and had hard time shifting gears, when you pushed on the gas the Rpms would go up and down but it seemed like the car wouldn’t go anywhere. I was in the left lane and traffic if going 70, 80 mph and the car would not go anywhere. It had to be towed to a garage. We was almost rear ended because we couldn’t get the car to go to get it off the I do have a text message from the machine from garage
NHTSA complaint #11602462 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesMesa, AZ
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the front wheels lost traction. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V563000 (Power Train) however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
NHTSA complaint #11597586 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 79,000 milesBrowns Mills, NJ
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the gear independently shifted causing the engine to rev up and then immediately shifted back into the intended gear and stabilized. The vehicle failed to accelerate without a slight hesitation at a rate slower than intended. The Service Engine and Transmission Failure warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the VIN not being included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V563000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,000.
NHTSA complaint #11591043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,979 milesHixson, TN
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated; however, the contact stated that the warning light was due to a failed O2 sensor. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 105,979.
NHTSA complaint #11590523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 105,979 milesHixson, TN
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated; however, the contact stated that the warning light was due to a failed O2 sensor. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 105,979.
NHTSA complaint #11590523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seguin Tx 78155, TX
POWER TRAIN
The car started using more fuel, hesitatingly, slipping gears wouldn’t go in gear, died while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11580590 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
