Mitsubishi Outlander sport problems

mitsubishi logo

The Mitsubishi Outlander (Japanese: 三菱・アウトランダー, Hepburn: Mitsubishi Autorandā) is a compact crossover SUV manufactured by Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors since 2001. It was originally known as the Mitsubishi Airtrek (Japanese: 三菱・エアトレック, Hepburn: Mitsubishi Eatorekku) when it was introduced in Japan.

The original Airtrek name was chosen to "describe the vehicle's ability to transport its passengers on adventure-packed journeys in a 'free-as-a-bird' manner", and was "coined from Air and Trek to express the idea of footloose, adventure-filled motoring pleasure." The Outlander nameplate which replaced it evoked a "feeling of journeying to distant, unexplored lands in search of adventure."

The second generation of the vehicle was introduced in 2006 and all markets including Japan adopted the Outlander name, although production of the older version continued in parallel. It was built on the company's GS platform, and used various engines developed by Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, and PSA Peugeot Citroën. PSA's Citroën C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007, which were manufactured by Mitsubishi in Japan, are badge engineered versions of the second generation Outlander. Global sales achieved the 1.5 million unit milestone in October 2016, 15 years after its market launch.

As part of the third generation line-up, Mitsubishi launched in January 2013 a plug-in hybrid model called Outlander PHEV. As of January 2022, global sales totaled about 300,000 units, and according to JATO Dynamics, the Outlander PHEV is the world's all-time best selling plug-in hybrid since December 2018. As of 2019, Europe is the leading market with over 126,000 units sold through January 2019, and the Outlander plug-in hybrid listed as Europe's best-selling plug-in hybrid car for five years running, 2015 to 2019.

The fourth-generation model was released 2021. Following Mitsubishi's entry to Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance, the fourth-generation Outlander is based on the Rogue/X-Trail, which is built on the CMF-CD platform.

photo of Mitsubishi Outlander sport car production

Social links

Mitsubishi Outlander sport model years

mitsubishi outlander sport 2023 photo
Outlander sport 2023
Mitsubishi

4

0

21

3.6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mitsubishi outlander sport 2022 photo
Outlander sport 2022
Mitsubishi

8

1

22

3.6
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mitsubishi outlander sport 2021 photo
Outlander sport 2021
Mitsubishi

12

1

16

3.8
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mitsubishi outlander sport 2020 photo
Outlander sport 2020
Mitsubishi

23

1

21

4
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mitsubishi outlander sport 2019 photo
Outlander sport 2019
Mitsubishi

36

1

18

3.9
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mitsubishi outlander sport 2018 photo
Outlander sport 2018
Mitsubishi

14

2

21

3.7
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mitsubishi outlander sport 2017 photo
Outlander sport 2017
Mitsubishi

69

0

15

3.7
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mitsubishi outlander sport 2016 photo
Outlander sport 2016
Mitsubishi

157

8

21

4.5
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mitsubishi outlander sport 2015 photo
Outlander sport 2015
Mitsubishi

219

9

22

3.8
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mitsubishi outlander sport 2014 photo
Outlander sport 2014
Mitsubishi

82

6

17

4.1
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mitsubishi outlander sport 2013 photo
Outlander sport 2013
Mitsubishi

65

10

16

4
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mitsubishi outlander sport 2012 photo
Outlander sport 2012
Mitsubishi

35

6

25

3.9
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
mitsubishi outlander sport 2011 photo
Outlander sport 2011
Mitsubishi

83

10

12

3.7
  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

Common Mitsubishi Outlander sport problems

Based on complaints from owners of the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, several common problems have been reported:

  • Software Issues: Owners have reported software issues that prevent safety features from functioning correctly. These issues can compromise the overall safety of the vehicle and may require software updates or repairs to resolve.
  • Faulty Forward Collision Mitigation: Another common problem is faulty forward collision mitigation. This safety feature is designed to prevent or reduce the severity of frontal collisions, but when it malfunctions, it can pose a risk to the driver and passengers.
  • Sudden Stalling: Some owners have experienced sudden stalling while driving the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. This can be a dangerous issue, especially if it occurs while the vehicle is in motion, leading to potential accidents or breakdowns on the road.
  • HVAC Temperature Knob Hard to Turn: Apart from the issues specific to the Outlander Sport, general problems reported with the Mitsubishi Outlander include HVAC temperature knob being hard to turn. This can affect the comfort and functionality of the vehicle's heating and cooling system.
  • Automatic Transmission Failure: Premature failure of the automatic transmission has been reported by some owners. Transmission issues can be costly to repair and can significantly impact the drivability of the vehicle.
  • AC Not Cold Due to Failed Pressure: Another common problem is the air conditioning not blowing cold air due to failed pressure. This can lead to discomfort for the occupants, especially in hot weather conditions, and may require repairs to restore proper functionality.

These issues highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any signs of trouble to ensure the safety, reliability, and longevity of the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.

Mitsubishi Outlander sport

Is the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport a reliable car?

While the Outlander Sport doesn't have great fuel economy and strong engine options, it has proven to be quite reliable. J.D. Power gave the 2021 model a respectable reliability score of 85 out of 100. The 2021 Outlander Sport has a basic 5-year warranty and a 10-year powertrain warranty.

What is the biggest problem with the Mitsubishi Outlander?

Top Mitsubishi Outlander Problems

  • HVAC Temperature Knob Hard to Turn. ...
  • The automatic transmission may fail prematurely. ...
  • AC Not Cold Due to Failed Pressure Switch. ...
  • Erratic Blower Motor Operation Due to Failed Resistor and/or Fan Motor. ...
  • Engine Overheating Due to Failed Cooling Fan Controller.

Does the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have transmission problems?

Many Mitsubishi Outlander owners are experiencing transmission problems such as hesitation and shuddering when accelerating, as well as hearing loud banging noises when slowing down.

How long do Mitsubishi Outlander sports last?

Fortunately, the reliability of the Outlander has served its life expectancy rather well. Due to the reliable nature of the SUV, it's more likely to have major issues later rather than sooner. With that said, The Mitsubishi Outlander can last between 200,000 to 300,000 miles if it's well-maintained.

Percentage distribution of complaints by Mitsubishi Outlander sport years

We have researched Mitsubishi problems and analysed all the complaints filed against Mitsubishi Outlander sport cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Mitsubishi Outlander sport model years:

Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Mitsubishi Outlander sport model years.

Distribution of the number of complaints by Mitsubishi Outlander sport years

We've also compiled a chart for you with the number of complaints about Volkswagen Jetta cars of certain model years:

Mitsubishi Outlander sport car problems categorized by type of issue

After analysing all complaints related to Mitsubishi Outlander sport , it was concluded that the most common issues with these cars are:

  • Power train problems
  • Engine problems
  • Electrical system problems
  • Unknown or other problems
  • Service brakes problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Mitsubishi Outlander sport vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Outlander sport model years

A total of 64 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Outlander sport model years

There were a total of 3 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Outlander sport model years

There were a total of 61 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Outlander sport model years

There were a total of 1 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model year.

The NHTSA has received 807 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Mitsubishi Outlander sport . Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Mitsubishi Outlander sport vehicles.

Latest 25 complaints

Mitsubishi Outlander sport 2019
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-02
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-18
  • VIN: JA4AP3AUXKU
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: I bought this car used less than 30 days ago. It had 21362 miles on it. It made a weird nose when putting it into drive. Thought it might be a heatshield. Took it to a mitsubishi dealership for an outstanding recall. Ask them to check underneath. The exhaust pipe was rusted out. 3000 dollars to repair. The dealership didn't believe it cost that much so they used a mechanic they new to fix the issue 10/15/2024. We are not impressed with that repair. It seems the exhaust is not covered under the extended warranty. We feel that mitsubishi should cover this because they do have a warranty of 5-6 years for the exhaust system. A car with this low mileage should not already have the exhaust rusted out.
Mitsubishi Outlander sport 2013
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-14
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-14
  • VIN: 4A4AR3AU7DE
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: AIRBAG SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED message appears on dash. Occurred on 09/20/2018 and again on 09/29/2023. Both times required service to fix. Has now happened again on 10/14/2024. Secondary issue was reported by another driver for same vehicle for NHTSA ID Number: 11339357 and NHTSA ID Number: 11567379
Mitsubishi Outlander sport 2015
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-05-14
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-10
  • VIN: 4A4AP3AU0FE
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: 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.
Mitsubishi Outlander sport 2020
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-08-29
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-10
  • VIN: JA4AP4AU7LU
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
  • Summary: So my push to start has to be pushed twice in order to crank the vehicle and when I first got the car about 9 months ago it didn’t do that and about since January the computer system failed twice and it showed a message about the computer system don’t remember exactly what it said and took a 1/2 to a hour to get it to come back one
Mitsubishi Outlander sport 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-02
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-10
  • VIN: JA4AR4AW0HZ
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: Air bag system malfunction warning
Mitsubishi Outlander sport 2018
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-01
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-08
  • VIN: JA4AP3AW0JU
  • Components: VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that the message "Air Bag System Service Required" was displayed. Additionally, the message "Window Washer Fluid Low" was displayed while there was sufficient washer fluid in the reservoir. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V621000 (Forward Collision Avoidance, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical System). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 62,366.
Mitsubishi Outlander sport 2020
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-01-11
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-07
  • VIN: JA4AR3AU6LU
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle almost stalled. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted to schedule an appointment for a recall repair; however, the contact was unable to take the vehicle to a dealer to have the vehicle diagnosed. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V563000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,551.
Mitsubishi Outlander sport 2017
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-10-07
  • Date Complaint: 2024-10-07
  • VIN: JA4AD2A39HZ
  • Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
  • Summary: I would that it's too early for my vehicle with 64900 miles already has an oil pan gasket that causes a leak to my vehicle every time I do oil change on time and also that I have a cooler hose of the transmission leaked and for the transmission to be in service every 60000 miles. So I filed a complaint against the manufacturer who is the cause for this model for the same year to have the same problem for having any leaks too early. So I need your help that the manufacturer should recall the same model from this year based on the mileage of the vehicle.
Mitsubishi Outlander sport 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-28
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-29
  • VIN: JA4AR4AW9GZ
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: 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.
Mitsubishi Outlander sport 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-06-28
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-29
  • VIN: JA4AR4AW9GZ
  • Components: SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: 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.
Mitsubishi Outlander sport 2016
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-29
  • VIN: JA4AR3AUXGZ
  • Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
  • Summary: 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.
Mitsubishi Outlander sport 2015
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-15
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-20
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JA4AD3A38FZ
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: The contact owned a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, a warning message displayed reading "Transmission Failure Reduced Power', prompting the contact to pull to the shoulder of the roadway. After which the contact observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment. By the time the contact and her family were able to exit the vehicle and move to a safe distance, the vehicle had become engulfed in flames that were originating from the engine compartment. Local emergency services arrived and were able to extinguish the fire. All warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard but had yet to be deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A fire report was filed. A police report was filed with no injuries reported. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Mitsubishi Outlander sport 2019
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-20
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-20
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • VIN: JA4AZ3A38KZ
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: I was approaching my car and used my keyfob to open the trunk. As it was opening, I was thankfully facing away from the trunk when the rod from the right tailgate lift support flew off, hitting me in my shoulder blade. It sounded like a gunshot. While there was no puncture, due to my thick t shirt and the rod hitting the bone of my right shoulder blade, the pain was severe. Before I realized it was the tailgate support strut, i genuinely thought I had been shot, due to the sound and the pain. Had I been facing my car, the rod would've gone through my face. Had it hit my eye, I indubitably would have lost that eye or my eyesight. There was no warning. I have never experienced anything out of the ordinary with my trunk door or the mechanisms to lift it. This easily could've severely injured me or someone else, or damaged property significantly. Upon inspection visually, the non-threaded end of the rod appears to have snapped off. The hydraulics were so strong that the 5mm thick metal snapped in half within milliseconds. I have an appointment at the Mitsubishi dealership where I got the car to get to the root cause. They confirmed over the phone that my car is too new to have tailgate lift support failure.
Mitsubishi Outlander sport 2014
  • Date Of Incident: 2024-09-12
  • Date Complaint: 2024-09-12
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: 4A4AP3AU8EE
  • Components: AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES
  • Summary: I picked up my vehicle from having a recall service done. but when i was unloading the rental car my car began to roll due to ebrake recall that has not been properly addressed. have warning lights indicating airbag service and that passenger airbag is off when it is occupied. Airbags should never fail, nor should brakes. no matter miles or salt on road. if salt corodes a certain part than it must be an aloy that will not corrode. also brake lines should not ever rust they too should be coated with epoxy or alloy metals that are impervious to salt...
Mitsubishi Outlander sport 2012
  • Date Of Incident: 2023-03-25
  • Date Complaint: 2024-08-15
  • VIN: JA4JS4AX0CU
  • Components: SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, she observed a rubbing noise emanating from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that on one of those occasions, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, while driving over bumps in the roadway the vehicle was not driving smoothly. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the drive belt was cracked on the ribs of the belt, the sway bar links, and front and rear CV boots were torn, the tie rod end replacement boots were torn, and the lower front and lower control arms, ball joints, and rear bushings were torn, the motor mount front bushings had started to tear, motor mount was torn, and the shock absorbers needed to be replaced due to rear shocks leaking and that all the listed parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,148.

Latest 5 recalls Mitsubishi Outlander sport

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 55 recalls for different components of the Mitsubishi Outlander sport.You can explore the year of the Volkswagen Jetta you are interested in by selecting it from the list.

  • Model: Mitsubishi Outlander sport 2019
  • Report Received Date: 2022-08-02
  • Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
  • Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will update the CVT-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-22-004.
  • Model: Mitsubishi Outlander sport 2021
  • Report Received Date: 2022-08-02
  • Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
  • Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will update the CVT-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-22-004.
  • Model: Mitsubishi Outlander sport 2020
  • Report Received Date: 2022-08-02
  • Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
  • Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will update the CVT-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-22-004.
  • Model: Mitsubishi Outlander sport 2022
  • Report Received Date: 2022-08-02
  • Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
  • Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: Dealers will update the CVT-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-22-004.
  • Model: Mitsubishi Outlander sport 2014
  • Report Received Date: 2021-03-05
  • Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
  • Components: SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
  • Summary: 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.
  • Consequence: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied, or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one, free of charge. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-21-001. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-279. Owners not previously notified under 20V-279 were notified on March 22, 2021.

Latest negative Mitsubishi Outlander sport car reviews

  1. Wayne Buckridge 2024-11-19

    Vehicle year: 2018

    This is an updated review after 28000 miles. While I had some issues with the car, I found that it didn't quite meet my expectations in terms of performance and space. However, I understand that everyone's needs are different and this car may work well for others. I have since sold it and am now looking into purchasing a used Lexus or Toyota SUV. Thank you for reading my review.

  2. Demond Ruecker 2024-11-11

    Vehicle year: 2013

    After driving this vehicle for 90,000 miles, I can say that the styling is the best thing about this SUV. It gives the vehicle a much nicer look than it actually is. The mechanical reliability is also great. The engine and transmission work perfectly without any issues. Oil changes are extremely easy due to the ground clearance and simple engineering. The controls in the vehicle are pretty easy and basic. My vehicle had automatic windshield wipers and automatic climate control, which were convenient. Although the gas mileage is nothing special, I've never achieved more than 22mpg in suburban driving, and I could get 28mpg on the highway if I just drove the speed limit. The handling is okay, but it could be better. The vehicle seems to be a bit difficult to control on the highway, but it's not a major issue. In contrast to the mechanical components, the rest of the vehicle wasn't built to last. This vehicle has more dings and dents than any other vehicle I have ever driven. However, after six years, there is no rust, which is impressive considering I live in the salt belt. The interior plastics of this vehicle are covered with light scratches, but it's not a big deal. Overall, this SUV is a reliable and easy-to-use vehicle that gets the job done.The radio has a LOAD button, which gave me the impression that the vehicle had a CD changer, but unfortunately, it did not. However, it does have a Bluetooth voice command system that was probably ahead of its time when it was released, but it does not recognize my voice and often makes mistakes. For example, when I say 'Call Mom', it responds with 'Okay, calling 911'. The adjustable HID headlights are amazing to use, but every other car that passes me thinks I have my high beams on, so they can be a bit annoying. The big wheels look nice, but the tire size is unusual, and the tires are expensive. That's actually the reason I traded the vehicle in; I didn't want to invest $1K on tires for a vehicle that had a rapidly depreciating value. All in all, it's an honest vehicle that I won't miss.

  3. Jerome Bergstrom 2024-11-04

    Vehicle year: 2019

    The transmission went out at 75,000 miles. I only had it for a year and a half, but I did regular maintenance.

  4. Merl Schroeder 2024-10-24

    Vehicle year: 2023

    I rented this vehicle for a 10-day tour of the Southwest, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. Unfortunately, I found that the 2.0L 148HP engine was very sluggish and always in ECO mode, making acceleration difficult. Additionally, the Android Auto connection to my phone was not very reliable and would often disconnect after a couple of hours of driving. Despite these issues, I did appreciate the blind-spot warning system, which worked well. However, the suspension was soft with some body roll, which did not inspire confidence. Overall, while I would not choose to rent or buy this vehicle again, I did find some features to be helpful.

  5. Howard Terry 2024-10-04

    Vehicle year: 2012

    Over the past few years, I have experienced a whining sound from the transmission after driving for long periods of time on the freeway. The issue gradually worsened and started happening after driving for shorter periods of time on the freeway, then after driving up any hill, and eventually after just driving a few miles in the city. I received a warning that said 'Transmission Overheating, Slow Down.' Despite taking the car to the dealership, they assured me that this was a normal complaint with this year and model and would go away after changing the CVT fluid at the 60,000 mile service. I had the 60k service done at 57,000 miles because I couldn't stand the transmission noise anymore, but the issue continued to persist. After taking the car back to the dealership, they still insisted that it was normal. However, I knew that this was not the case. The next time I took it in, they said it was because I was driving in 4wd mode. When the problem happened in 2wd mode, I took it back and they said they couldn't reproduce the issue and decided that it must not be a problem. Unfortunately, the final straw was when I experienced the issue after an easy 30-minute trip on the freeway. I received the warning and couldn't pull off to let the transmission cool down, and the car completely lost power, leaving me stranded. Although the transmission eventually cooled down and I was able to drive it again, the dealership still insisted that it was either a normal issue or that the problem didn't exist. As a result, I decided to sell the car and will be purchasing a more reliable SUV from a brand with better dealer service.

Latest positive Mitsubishi Outlander sport car reviews

  1. Furman Walker 2024-11-28

    Vehicle year: 2015

    I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with my 2015 Outlander Sport. I purchased it new at the end of 2015 for around $16k before taxes and fees. The main selling point for me was the warranty and the fact that I could find one with a manual transmission. I'm happy to report that I've put 107k miles on it and have had zero issues! While it may not be the fastest or most feature-packed car out there, mine is the base model (ES, 2wd, 5 speed), and I would definitely buy one of these again for how reliable it's been. The only downside I've experienced is that it wasn't great in the first winter I had it, but a decent set of winter tires solved that problem. Thanks for listening!

  2. Thurman Green 2024-11-25

    Vehicle year: 2015

    I purchased this vehicle brand new in January of 2016 and have had no issues until encountering snowy conditions. Unfortunately, the car slipped and slid down the road less than a mile from my home towards my destination. Despite the anti-lock system engaging, I was unable to control the car. It is my opinion that the factory-installed tires are not suitable for snowy conditions, particularly given that my car was built in Normal, IL where snow is a common occurrence. It would have been more appropriate for the vehicle to be equipped with all-terrain tires.

  3. Damion Greenholt 2024-11-24

    Vehicle year: 2012

    My CUV has a noisy CVT transmission and a low-powered 145 hp engine, but it also has a convenient USB music port and an efficient MPG monitoring system. In fact, my CUV can get up to 36 MPG and can go up to 2 or 3 weeks without refueling! Despite costing less than most CUVs, it has more standard features than most in its class. My CUV has taught me how to drive during these high gas prices and it looks great too! I have never had a repair issue with my 2012 Outlander Sport, and it can even go beyond the posted speed limit. I am a loyal Mitsubishi customer and have bought 6 cars from them, including this CUV. I plan to keep this Outlander Sport forever!

  4. Morgan Lindgren 2024-11-22

    Vehicle year: 2012

    I've been driving my Outlander Sport ES with CVT for just over 2 months now, and I must say, it's a pretty nice little car/SUV/wagon - whatever you want to call it! I really like the way it looks, and the power seems more than adequate. It rides smooth and quiet, with hardly any tire or wind noise. The handling is great, and it gets good mileage too. At 1400 plus miles, my MPG has ranged from 24.3 right after I took delivery to 27.4 on my last fill up in mixed driving, probably 35/65 City/Hwy. I've taken my car up to the mountains twice since I got it, and the ability to shift it manually in the 6 power ranges of the CVT transmission made going up the hills and back down a lot of fun! There are a lot of other nice features too, like the electronics, storage space, dash display, great warranty, etc. Overall, I'm very happy with the deal I got and the car.

  5. Monte Schaden 2024-11-19

    Vehicle year: 2012

    My wife and I are really enjoying this car! She thinks it's awesome, and I have to agree that the features are above our expectations. While I personally feel that the engine could use a bit more power given the weight of the vehicle, I've found that using the paddle shifters compensates for this. Ultimately, the driving style plays a big role in how the car performs. Additionally, the Bluetooth connectivity is a great feature, and the car is spacious and priced just right. Overall, we think this car was designed with a female target audience in mind, and they definitely got it right!

Are you having problems with your Mitsubishi Outlander sport?

Add car complaint
Mitsubishi Outlander sport photo