178 of the
737 complaints filed about the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
are about the transmission —
24% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2015.
178
Complaints
24%
Share of all complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
Transmission & Drivetrain complaints by model year
lower control arm broke due to recall #21v144 resulting in transmission cv axles lower control arms front steering components and drive train failure. emergency tow bill etc vihicle is at burdick mitsubishi in cicero ny and dealer says mitsubishi has denied as secondary damage as per recall. waiting on dealership for denial letter.
NHTSA complaint #11758853 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
Each time for the last year and a half that I have taken my car in for service or just stopped in and showed them that my radio is saying overheated current, they would test it and say that they couldn't recreate the error despite me showing that it would not connect my phone to the car or charge. I also reported having a random warning that my car was unleveled when driving and they said the computer shows no errors. When I last took my car in for an oil change 1/30/26 I had a break check done because my brakes acted like they didn't want to stop and were making a sound. They told me that my breaks and rotors were find and probably needed to be washed. The sound is louder now so i went to schedule my oil change and make the reports again to find out that the company closed down and there is no dealer close to my location. I filed a CFPB complaint due to the Mitsubishi telling me there is nothing they can do.
NHTSA complaint #11738062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and failed to accelerate as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure persisted after driving for more than an hour. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle received a tune-up, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V563000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
NHTSA complaint #11721643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My car is stalling, shaking, shuddering, not accelerating and downshifting while I am on the highway almost killing me while attempting to inch my way across the lanes to the shoulder. With NO WARNING my vehicle completely broke down with my children in the car one is Non Verbal and on the Autism Spectrum with a serious heart condition- I myself am clinically diagnosed with PTSD and the terror I have experienced is absolutely devastating! I have made multiple calls with no help and no assistance whatsoever!
NHTSA complaint #11714737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle has exhibited recurring ignition-system and powertrain malfunctions involving repeated ignition-coil failures, engine misfires, and catalyst-system efficiency faults. These issues cause intermittent loss of power, hesitation during acceleration, and unstable engine performance. The malfunction has occurred multiple times since the date of purchase and has been confirmed through diagnostic trouble codes related to misfire events and catalyst-system operation. A certified Mitsubishi dealership confirmed that the failure pattern aligns with an active manufacturer recall and corresponding Technical Service Bulletin affecting the same model year, engine type (4B11), and vehicle platform. I was informed that the vehicle “falls under” the same defect pattern listed in the current recall/TSB; however, because the vehicle no longer has an active factory warranty, the dealership stated they would have to sell the repair parts rather than process the issue under recall or warranty coverage. Despite this, the same safety-related symptoms described in the recall and TSB continue to occur. The defect presents a safety hazard because the vehicle may lose power or fail to accelerate when entering traffic, merging, or navigating intersections. Warning indicators have appeared repeatedly, including the check engine light and catalyst-system warnings. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by authorized service personnel on multiple occasions. All components and diagnostic documentation are available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11701428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
Car during acceleration feels very jerky, safety issue as during turns if acceleration it might jerk make it feel a bit unknown of what speed it might be. additionally such jerkiness might cause driver to be kicked back into seat and head rest potentially causing injury. Feel like it might be CVT slipping at times.
NHTSA complaint #11668366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
WITHIN 16,000 MILES OF OWNING MY I NOTICED IT WOULD RANDOMLY STALL SOMETIMES AT THE STOP LIGHT OF AN INTERSECTION. IT DOESN'T TAKE LONG TO START BACK UP EVEN ACCELERATING . SEVERAL MONTHS WENT BY WHERE THE ISSUE WAS NO LONGER PRESENT BUT OVER THE PAST FEW MONTH IT STARTED AGAIN. I GET TUNE UPS TWICE A YEAR
NHTSA complaint #11646639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Took the car in for routine cvt fluid and filter change. Mechanic completed the task Took the vehicle for a road test and at highway speed the cvt transmission shifted to a higher gear and revved the motor rpms immediately over 6000 to 7000. Threw it into neutral and took back to the shop. It was diagnosed from their the transmission was ruined.
NHTSA complaint #11644423 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
-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.
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.
The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) system failed. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The failure caused the vehicle to lose acceleration, delay response to the gas pedal, and jerk while driving. These issues made it unsafe to drive, as the car could not maintain a consistent speed, risking accidents, especially in traffic or during merging. Yes, the issue was confirmed by the dealer, Jim Shorkey Mitsubishi North Huntingdon, after inspection. They verified the problem and provided diagnostic codes indicating internal transmission failure (P0776, P0868, P0446). 01-16-25 The vehicle was inspected by the dealership’s service department. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Yes, warning lamps or messages were displayed prior to the failure about 7-14 days prior. The symptoms, including delayed acceleration, jerking motions, and loss of power, appeared suddenly on [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11636737 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am filing this complaint regarding serious safety issues with my 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, VIN: [XXX] , purchased from Carvana in 2019. Recurring transmission problems have created a significant safety risk for me and others. About a year after purchase, the vehicle’s transmission began failing, and I replaced it in 2021. Despite this, the transmission warning light activates intermittently in stop-and-go traffic, and now the vehicle has started stalling on highways, creating a critical hazard by suddenly losing power. In 2021, I took the vehicle to a now-closed Mitsubishi dealership in Brooklyn, where I was informed that this transmission issue was not covered, despite it being a drivetrain problem that should have been under the 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. My research suggests this model may have a Transmission Control Unit (CVT-ECU) defect, potentially causing stalling. Carvana has stated this issue is Mitsubishi’s responsibility, as it is likely manufacturing-related rather than due to prior use. Given Carvana’s stance and the severe safety implications of stalling, I urge NHTSA to investigate if this vehicle, or others with similar transmissions, pose a broader safety risk. Summary of Safety Concerns: 1. Recurring Transmission Problems: Transmission was replaced in 2021, yet the warning light persists, indicating unresolved issues. 2. Stalling on Highways: Vehicle loses power without warning, posing a major hazard in high-speed traffic. 3. Potential Manufacturing Defect: Research suggests a CVT-ECU defect, likely explaining the stalling. These issues leave me unable to rely on my vehicle safely. For my safety and others, I request an investigation into these transmission issues in the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport to determine if there is a larger safety concern. Thank you for your attention. I am available to provide further information as needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11624824 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.