Outlander Sport (1st)
Verdict Prioritize a car still inside Mitsubishi's powertrain warranty, which covers the CVT, the component most likely to bring a large repair bill. Check the CVT for shudder and confirm fluid service.
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
DOHC MIVEC
2.0LView details
Complaint Breakdown
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
MIVEC
2.0L 4-cyl / 148 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Reliability Overview
The Outlander Sport had one of the longest single-generation runs in the modern market, sold with only facelifts from 2011 through 2025. Across that span it accumulated 472 NHTSA complaints, and one system dominates: the transmission, at 178 reports, more than any other category by a wide margin. That is the continuously variable transmission, the Outlander Sport's defining reliability concern, and it colors the whole ownership case.
Mitsubishi paired the CVT with a pair of four-cylinder engines, a 2.0-liter used through 2020 and a 2.4-liter offered from 2014. Neither engine is the problem; the transmission is. CVT complaints on these vehicles range from shudder and hesitation to outright failure, and on a vehicle sold largely on a low price and a long warranty, a failed CVT is the expensive scenario buyers most need to avoid.
Engine complaints follow at 93 and electrical at 88. The 26 recalls span the long production run and skew toward older campaigns, including several visibility recalls on 2011-2016 cars and structure and engine-cooling issues. The high recall count reflects the sheer number of years in production more than an unusually troubled design.
The rest of the record is unremarkable for the class. Electrical, safety-systems, and brake complaints all sit under 100, and the generation records 32 crashes and a single death across 14 model years. For a design this old, the absence of a second major failure mode beyond the CVT is itself a modest point in its favor, though dated crash structure and older safety technology are the trade-off for the low price and the long warranty.
The Outlander Sport appeals to budget buyers drawn to its low price and Mitsubishi's long powertrain warranty. It is dated in every respect, and the reliability case rests almost entirely on the condition of the CVT. A well-maintained example inside the powertrain warranty is a very different proposition from a high-mileage one out of coverage.
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
Buyer's Guide
The buying decision is dominated by the transmission. Prioritize an Outlander Sport still inside Mitsubishi's powertrain warranty, which is among the longest in the industry and covers the CVT, since that is the component most likely to generate a large repair bill. Engine choice matters less; neither four is the main concern.
Center the inspection on the CVT. On the test drive, accelerate from a stop and again at highway speed, feeling for shudder, hesitation, or unusual noise, and confirm the transmission fluid has been serviced. Check the recall history through the NHTSA VIN lookup, particularly the older visibility and structure campaigns. Have the engine and electrical systems scanned for stored codes.
On a vehicle this affordable, the temptation is to skip the inspection, but the CVT makes that a false economy. Confirm the transmission's condition and warranty status before committing, because it is the one component whose failure can cost more than the car is worth.
What to check on a used 2011-2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
On a used 2011-2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the transmission and drivetrain (178), the engine (93) and the electrical system (88). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 178 owner complaints on the 2011-2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport about the transmission and drivetrain.
- Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 93 owner complaints on the 2011-2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport about the engine.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 88 owner complaints on the 2011-2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport about the electrical system.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 67 owner complaints on the 2011-2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 46 owner complaints on the 2011-2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport about the brakes.
Recalls (26)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Show 21 older recalls
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2011-2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport complaints?
Owners have filed 472 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011-2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The systems they name most often are the transmission, the engine and the electrical system.
Is the 2011-2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 472 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011-2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011-2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have?
NHTSA has 472 owner complaints on file for the 2011-2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2011-2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
NHTSA lists 26 recalls covering some 2011-2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the transmission, the engine and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and 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. 472 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.