Mitsubishi

Outlander Sport (1st)

2011-2025 · Compact SUV ยท 4 engines
Best Engine โœ… Recommended (4.4)
862 NHTSA Complaints
26 Recalls
3 Fire Reports
68 Crash Reports
๐Ÿ“‹ Inspection checklist

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Optional LDW: Optional
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
4/5
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
4/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
4/5
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
4/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
4/5
Rollover
4/5 (16.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No
Overall โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜…โ˜… 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
4/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.1% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: No LDW: No

Engine Reliability Ratings

SOHC MIVEC

3.0L
โœ… Recommended (4.4)
16 complaints 3.2 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

brakes
5
other
4
body
4
electrical
3
safety systems
1

Known Issues

Brakes Issues (5 complaints)
Body/Trim Issues (4 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (3 complaints)

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Unidentified Engine

โš ๏ธ Caution (3.4)
249 complaints 22.6 per year
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
69
engine
59
electrical
44
other
38
safety systems
28

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (69 complaints)
Engine Issues (59 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (44 complaints)

MIVEC

2.4L
โš ๏ธ Caution (3.1)
243 complaints 26.6 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
80
safety systems
43
electrical
35
brakes
33
engine
32

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (80 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (43 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (35 complaints)

DOHC MIVEC

2.0L
โš ๏ธ Caution (2.3)
352 complaints 35.2 per year Gasoline
2 fire reports 1 fatality
View details

Complaint Breakdown

transmission
139
engine
70
electrical
51
brakes
45
safety systems
42

Known Issues

Transmission Issues (139 complaints)
Engine Issues (70 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (51 complaints)
Show 2 additional engine variants with limited data
These engines appear in fewer than 10 owner complaints and aren't included in the main ratings above. Low counts can mean a genuinely clean record, but they can also reflect VIN-decode anomalies in NHTSA data. Treat as informational, not as a confident rating.

S61-Y61

2.4L 4-cyl / 126 hp
โœ… Recommended (5.0)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Electric
View details

Complaint Breakdown

other
1

S61 - Y61

2.0L / 117 hp
โœ… Recommended (5.0)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Electric
View details

Complaint Breakdown

electrical
1
fuel system
1

Known Issues

Electrical System Issues (1 complaints)
Fuel System Issues (1 complaints)

Same engine used in

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport regardless of engine variant.

Transmission Issues (288 complaints)
transmission critical
Engine Issues (161 complaints)
engine critical
Electrical System Issues (134 complaints)
electrical critical
Safety Systems Issues (113 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Brakes Issues (102 complaints)
brakes critical

Recalls (26)

22V563000Feb 7, 2022serious
Powertrain

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with continuously variable transmissions and mechanical key ignition systems. A software error in the transmission control unit (CVT-ECU) may incorrectly reduce the transmission gear ratio at high speeds, which can result in an engine stall.

21V144000May 2, 2021serious
Suspension

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.

20V741000Nov 29, 2020serious
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.

20V279000May 17, 2020serious
Structure

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.

18V069000Jan 25, 2018serious
Engine & Cooling

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive belt to detach.

18V070000Jan 25, 2018serious
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.

18V620000Sep 13, 2018moderate
Electrical System

Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Outlander Sport, 2018-2019 Eclipse Cross, and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system that detects pedestrians. Due to incorrect software, the FCM-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) may apply braking for longer than needed, even after a pedestrian is no longer detected.

18V621000Sep 13, 2018serious
Forward Collision Avoidance

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system and 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross vehicles and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system and/or an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) system. The software for the Hydraulic Unit Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may be incorrect, possibly preventing the intervention of a safety system such as automatic emergency braking, Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), or the Brake Auto Hold (BAH) function when any of these systems are in use.

18V103000Sep 1, 2018serious
Visibility

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.

17V609000Sep 28, 2017serious
Electrical System

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.

17V233000Jun 3, 2017serious
Latches/Locks/Linkages

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.

16V792000Oct 30, 2016serious
Visibility

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.

16V563000Jul 27, 2016serious
Powertrain

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.

16V548000Jul 21, 2016serious
Powertrain

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.

16V867000Feb 11, 2016serious
Structure

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.

15V579000Sep 20, 2015cosmetic
Equipment

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured on December 3, 2010. The affected vehicles are equipped with incorrect certification labels that were installed during manufacturing. The incorrect labels do not have the correct vehicle identification numbers (VIN) printed on the label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

15V233000Apr 19, 2015serious
Visibility

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Lancer vehicles manufactured March 16, 2009, to March 30, 2011, 2010-2011 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to December 1, 2010, 2010-2011 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to January 7, 2011, 2009-2011 Outlander vehicles manufactured February 10, 2009, to June 22, 2011, and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to November 19, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the blower motor may fail.

14V744000Nov 20, 2014serious
Seat Belts

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured July 20, 2012, to July 23, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the front passenger seat belt lap end attachment fastener may not be torqued to specification, and the fastener may loosen with time.

14V562000Dec 8, 2014serious
Engine & Cooling

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4B1 engines, have an engine pulley and belt arrangement for turning the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (if equipped). These pulleys may experience unusual wear and allow for belt detachment.

14V560000Dec 8, 2014serious
Service Brakes

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured on September 3, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the switch sleeve in the brake booster may crack and prevent the brake pedal from returning properly.

14V031000Apr 1, 2014serious
Air Bags

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured July 20, 2012, through May 29, 2013 and equipped with leather seats. In the affected vehicles, the driver side seat mounted air bag wiring may have been improperly routed during the leather seat cover installation process.

13V116000Mar 28, 2013serious
Powertrain

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured June 11, 2012, through September 11, 2012. These vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," and FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection." The brake stop lamps may illuminate continuously or intermittently. The shift lever could also be moved out of Park without depressing the brake pedal.

13V112000Mar 28, 2013serious
Fuel System

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander Sport AWD vehicles manufactured June 11, 2012, through December 11, 2012. These vehicles may have been built without a fuel sending unit harness for the sub-sending unit. This may result in a false fuel tank level reading.

13V255000Jun 19, 2013cosmetic
Visibility

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, through March 29, 2011. The panoramic glass roof may have been installed without primer being applied before the adhesive.

13V300000Aug 6, 2013serious
Suspension

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured January 17, 2013, through January 25, 2013. The stabilizer link bracket on the left front strut was improperly welded. As a result, the link may detach and cause damage to the tire and/or brake hose.

12V001000Feb 29, 2012serious
Exterior Lighting

MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 OUTLANDER SPORT VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 16, 2011. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE TURN SIGNAL LEVERS IN THE VEHICLE WERE NOT MANUFACTURED CORRECTLY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE AUTO-CANCEL FUNCTION OF THE TURN SIGNAL BECOMING INOPERATIVE.

Alternatives in Compact SUV

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2011-2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems?

The 2011-2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has accumulated 862 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Engine, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Mitsubishi Outlander Sport engine is most reliable?

The 2011-2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport was offered with 6 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.0L ?-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2011-2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport a good used car?

The 2011-2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 862 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011-2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have?

The 2011-2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has 862 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2011-2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?

There are 26 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2011-2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN โ€” check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?

Before buying a used Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Transmission, Engine, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Outlander Sport?

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (16.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 862 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-05-23.

© 2026 The Weekly Driver