Owners have filed 42 complaints
about the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport with NHTSA between 2016 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 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 — 37
Against the median year of the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 49
9.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
68% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2016 compares with every other Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Engine & Cooling
921.4%
Median failure at 12,200 miles
Transmission & Drivetrain
716.7%
Median failure at 54,411 miles
Electrical System
511.9%
Median failure at 12,000 miles
Other & Unspecified
49.5%
Brakes
37.1%
Median failure at 44,000 miles
Steering
37.1%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 17,500 mi
Doors, Latches & Locks
24.8%
Median failure at 14,156 miles
Acceleration & Cruise Control
24.8%
Median failure at 6,060 miles
Body & Structure
24.8%
Median failure at 15,700 miles
Stability & Traction Control
12.4%
Fuel & Propulsion
12.4%
Median failure at 12,400 miles
Lights
12.4%
Median failure at 80,000 miles
Suspension
12.4%
Airbags
12.4%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 16,000 mi
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
520.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1248.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
312.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
28.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
28.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
14.0%
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.
Oct 2016peak 4Jun 2025
Recalls on the 2016 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
20V741000
PARKING BRAKE
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2016 Outlander and Outlander Sport vehicles. The rust prevention coating on the rear brake operating shafts could have been peeled off during the assembly process. As a result, water entering the rear brake caliper boot may cause the parking brake operating shafts to corrode and possibly bind.
Risk: If the parking brake operating shafts bind, the parking brakes may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brakes do not engage properly, the vehicle could rollaway, 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.
17V233000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2016 Outlander and Outlander Sport vehicles. The inside door latch mechanisms may not latch securely in high temperatures, allowing the doors to open while vehicle is in motion.
Risk: If a door opens while the vehicle is being driven, it can increase the risk of injury.
16V867000
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to June 1, 2012, and 2016 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured January 11, 2016, to July 8, 2016. The lift gate support outer tube on the affected vehicles may have insufficient anti-corrosion treatment that can allow the outer tube to corrode due to salt and water penetration.
Risk: If the outer tube corrodes, there may be a rapid loss of the gas used to provide lift assistance, causing the lift gate to fall suddenly, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 16,000 milesUniveristy Park, ILCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND MAKING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FACE AND RIBS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED AT THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER (ARNIE BAUER BUICK GMC CADILLAC, 5525 MILLER CIRCLE DRIVE, MATTESON, IL 60433), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11112196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 16,000 milesUniveristy Park, ILCrash1 injured
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND MAKING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FACE AND RIBS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED AT THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER (ARNIE BAUER BUICK GMC CADILLAC, 5525 MILLER CIRCLE DRIVE, MATTESON, IL 60433), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11112196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Baltimore, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have a CVT system on my SUV and the transmission keeps slipping. A transmission light comes on and the car starts to stall. It happens mostly in stop and go traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11665436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson, NJ
POWER TRAIN
In less than one year with this car, 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT, is hesitating when accelerating then jerking forward into 4th gear, while driving at various speeds, the steering column vibrates makes loud sound, I’ve replaced the headlights at least 6x, water is getting in the vehicle somehow even a car wish will leave the floorboards soaking wet, the steering sways. This car had given me more issues in a year than all my cars throughout my lifetime combined and vehicle's vin number was NOT INCLUDED IN MANY SAFETY RECALLS. CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF THE CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #11640158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson, NJ
SUSPENSION
In less than one year with this car, 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT, is hesitating when accelerating then jerking forward into 4th gear, while driving at various speeds, the steering column vibrates makes loud sound, I’ve replaced the headlights at least 6x, water is getting in the vehicle somehow even a car wish will leave the floorboards soaking wet, the steering sways. This car had given me more issues in a year than all my cars throughout my lifetime combined and vehicle's vin number was NOT INCLUDED IN MANY SAFETY RECALLS. CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF THE CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #11640158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jackson, NJ
ENGINE
In less than one year with this car, 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT, is hesitating when accelerating then jerking forward into 4th gear, while driving at various speeds, the steering column vibrates makes loud sound, I’ve replaced the headlights at least 6x, water is getting in the vehicle somehow even a car wish will leave the floorboards soaking wet, the steering sways. This car had given me more issues in a year than all my cars throughout my lifetime combined and vehicle's vin number was NOT INCLUDED IN MANY SAFETY RECALLS. CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF THE CRASH.
NHTSA complaint #11640158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Transmission light frequently comes on, car stalls/sluggish to respond. Has occurred while driving or at rest. No change despite several transmission servicing/towing expenses. Per online research, others experiencing same issues. Often resolves temporarily by turning off engine and restarting car. Recalls issued for other Mitsubishi models, but not for this car. Needs to be addressed to prevent injury or loss of life.
NHTSA complaint #11637509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
STEERING
Transmission light frequently comes on, car stalls/sluggish to respond. Has occurred while driving or at rest. No change despite several transmission servicing/towing expenses. Per online research, others experiencing same issues. Often resolves temporarily by turning off engine and restarting car. Recalls issued for other Mitsubishi models, but not for this car. Needs to be addressed to prevent injury or loss of life.
NHTSA complaint #11637509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission light frequently comes on, car stalls/sluggish to respond. Has occurred while driving or at rest. No change despite several transmission servicing/towing expenses. Per online research, others experiencing same issues. Often resolves temporarily by turning off engine and restarting car. Recalls issued for other Mitsubishi models, but not for this car. Needs to be addressed to prevent injury or loss of life.
NHTSA complaint #11637509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown. The transmission service light comes on and the vehicle drags until you turn the car off and restart it. I noticed online there's a CVT transmission recall and was wondering if this is what is happening to my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11617093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Baltimore, MD
ENGINE
Unknown. The transmission service light comes on and the vehicle drags until you turn the car off and restart it. I noticed online there's a CVT transmission recall and was wondering if this is what is happening to my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11617093 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hyde Park, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
The parking brake is sticking when the vehicle is in motion, and it fails to keep the vehicle stationary when engaged. The car cannot operate correctly with the emergency brake engaged. Also it’s not safe since the car cannot be secured. There is an open recall for this issue however my VIN isn’t included but the issue is the same. This has been occurring for a few months, we just were able to figure out the issue last night and then I found the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11617095 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hyde Park, PA
SERVICE BRAKES
The parking brake is sticking when the vehicle is in motion, and it may fails to keep the vehicle stationary when engaged. It has been occurring for a few months. There is a current recall for this issue but my VIN is not included even though it’s the same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11617097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 51,000 milesEaston, PA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed catalytic converter. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the current catalytic converter was not the correct part for the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
NHTSA complaint #11564632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,700 milesDennis Port, MA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle hesitated upon depressing the accelerator pedal, and the engine revved. The transmission warning light illuminated and the message "Transmission Hot" was displayed. The contact continued driving, and the message "Transmission Fluid Low" was displayed. The contact pulled to the side of the road and allowed the vehicle to cool down. The contact then checked the transmission fluid level and noticed that there was enough transmission fluid in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the failure was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V563000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,700.
NHTSA complaint #11544279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 78,000 milesClovis, CA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while accelerating at various speeds, the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear. The contact then stated that the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The check engine and the transmission warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V563000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
NHTSA complaint #11507487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesDade City, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that the passenger side headlight was inoperable and upon inspection it was discovered that the inside headlight assembly casing had melted and was damaged and the light bulb could not be replaced. Repairing the failure required replacing the entire headlight assembly. The contact indicated that approximately three weeks later the same failure occurred on the driver side headlight. The cause of the failure was not determined. the local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 80,000.
NHTSA complaint #11459504 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 119,000 milesHomestead, FL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the service transmission warning light illuminated. The failure caused the gear to downshift inadvertently from 4th gear to 1st gear within seconds. The contact managed to pull over to attempt to regain control however, the transmission failed intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the vehicle needed valve body replacement. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that due to the vehicle not being included under recall, and the warranty was expired, they were unable to assist. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.
NHTSA complaint #11429237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 41,122 milesHouston, TX
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the transmission warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that while at a complete stop, a slight hesitation would occur upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and the mechanic discovered a defect in the transmission solenoid valve. The dealer was contact about the failure and offered no assistance. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 41,122.
NHTSA complaint #11428064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,700 milesNaugatuck, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE STALLED ON CITY ROAD, WAS ABLE TO RESTART. AND PULL INTO PARKING LOT WHEN IT STALLED AGAIN, ALL WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED IN VEHICLE. WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART THIS TIME, VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DEAD.COULD NOT MOVE SHIFTER TO ANY POSITION, STUCK IN PARK VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP. VEHICLE WAS AT DEALERSHIP FOR 7 DAYS, DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A BAD RELAY THAT PREVENTED COMMUNICATION WITH COMPUTER.
NHTSA complaint #11219579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
LOCKS STOPPED WORKING 1 YEAR AFTER PURCHASING MY VEHICLE, THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT AND BANK LOCKS STOPPED WORKING FIRST THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT DOOR LOCK STOPPED WORKING
NHTSA complaint #11208419 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 44,000 milesThree Mile BAY, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
EMERGENCY BRAKE DOES NOT ENGAGE DUE TO ACTUATOR LEVER ON CALIPER BEING STUCK. THERE IS AN OPEN RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE WITH VEHICLES MATCHING MY MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR BUT MY VEHICLE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE INCLUDED IN SAID RECALL. THIS ISSUE WAS NOTICED WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS LIFTED BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO BE ABLE TO ROLL WHILE IN MY DRIVEWAY.
NHTSA complaint #11195953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,400 milesDES Plaines, IL
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WHEN IT RAINS OR AFTER CAR WASH GAS FILL COMPARTMENT IS FULL OF WATER. THERE IS NO DRAIN IN THERE AND THE WATER SLOSHES AROUND UNTIL IT FINALLY EVAPORATES. WORRIED ABOUT WATER ENTERING FULL TANK. MY GUESS IS THAT THEY FORGOT TO INSTALL A DRAIN HOLE OR TUBE. SINCERELY:[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11194467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,400 milesDES Plaines, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
WHEN IT RAINS OR AFTER CAR WASH GAS FILL COMPARTMENT IS FULL OF WATER. THERE IS NO DRAIN IN THERE AND THE WATER SLOSHES AROUND UNTIL IT FINALLY EVAPORATES. WORRIED ABOUT WATER ENTERING FULL TANK. MY GUESS IS THAT THEY FORGOT TO INSTALL A DRAIN HOLE OR TUBE. SINCERELY:[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11194467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 12,400 milesDES Plaines, IL
ENGINE
WHEN IT RAINS OR AFTER CAR WASH GAS FILL COMPARTMENT IS FULL OF WATER. THERE IS NO DRAIN IN THERE AND THE WATER SLOSHES AROUND UNTIL IT FINALLY EVAPORATES. WORRIED ABOUT WATER ENTERING FULL TANK. MY GUESS IS THAT THEY FORGOT TO INSTALL A DRAIN HOLE OR TUBE. SINCERELY:[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11194467 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
HESITATIONS DURING ACCELERATION, ENGINE STALLS, ELECTRICAL DOESNT WORK PROBERLY LIKE USB
NHTSA complaint #11180065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chandler, AZ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HESITATIONS DURING ACCELERATION, ENGINE STALLS, ELECTRICAL DOESNT WORK PROBERLY LIKE USB
NHTSA complaint #11180065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.