2021 Mitsubishi Outlander sport problems
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.
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Common 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander sport problems
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, a variant of the popular Mitsubishi Outlander, is known for its upgraded and more outdoors-oriented design. However, some model years have been identified as problematic, with electrical issues being a significant concern.
The worst year for the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is considered to be 2013, due to widespread electrical problems. The most common issue reported is a dead battery, which can be a result of software issues that prevent safety features from functioning properly.
Faulty forward collision mitigation is another common problem, which can lead to sudden stalling. This issue, along with the dead battery problem, can be particularly concerning for drivers, as they can pose safety risks and result in costly repairs.
In addition to electrical problems, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has also been known to have issues with its brakes. Some drivers have reported that the brakes can fail to work properly, which can be a serious safety concern.
The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, in particular, has been criticized for its lack of creature comforts, despite having some redeeming features. The base model, for example, has a plastic steering wheel, cloth seats, and a basic display that resembles early cell phones in quality
In terms of reliability, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport scores 4 out of 5, placing it towards the top of the pack in the compact SUV category. However, it's important to note that there are some poor choices among the different model years, and it's crucial to do thorough research before making a purchase.
In conclusion, while the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has some redeeming features, it's important to be aware of the potential issues that have been reported by drivers. Electrical problems, faulty forward collision mitigation, and brake issues are among the most common concerns, and it's crucial to do thorough research before making a purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
J.D. Power gave the 2021 model a reliability score of 85 out of 100. It also boasts a four-star crash-test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Common problems found in the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport include software issues, faulty forward collision mitigation, and sudden stalling.
How reliable is Mitsubishi Outlander 2021?
As an easily approachable, no-nonsense car, the Outlander Sport appeals to those who prioritize a low price above any kind of driving satisfaction. It's not the most charismatic car you'll meet on the road, but thanks to its warranty and roadside assistance, it is dependable.
What is the recall on the Outlander Sport 2021?
(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.
Is Mitsubishi Outlander Sport a reliable car?
The average annual repair cost is $498 which means it has lower than average ownership costs. The severity of repairs is low, and these issues are less frequent than average, so the Outlander Sport is one of the more reliable vehicles on the road.
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander sport car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mitsubishi Outlander sport problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Forward collision avoidance problems
- Power train problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander sport vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander sport complaints
The NHTSA has received 12 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander sport.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- VIN: JA4ARUAUXMU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Multiple and random Cylinder misfires. fixed more than three times and continuously, same issue. many issues with revving up. safety risk while driving due to stalling.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-05
- VIN: JA4APUAU4MU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Infotainment system failed. Touchscreen does not work incurring a major distraction when trying to change to navigation or utilize android auto.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-12
- VIN: JA4APUAU2MU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the Service Engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local AutoZone where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-14
- VIN: JA4ARUAU8MU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I had a recall on this vehicle for the CVT software update which i got fixed by mitsubishi at the dealership but now its doing the same thing and seems worse, everytime I push on the gas it does not excelerate and usually gets stuck at 30-45MPH no matter how much i press on the gas, and the rpms get stuck at 3-4 thousand rpms which causes a safety threat when we are driving. I did some research and found out that this a well known issue with mitsubishi and its outlander sports vehicles I’m not sure what to do from here.
SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-15
- VIN: JA4ARUAU9MU
- Components: SEAT BELTS
- Summary: Driver side seat belt is not locking.
LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-23
- VIN: JA4ARUAU0MU
- Components: LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: The software system in regard to the BSW and FCM. The car tried to put itself in reverse while we were driving. Yes, the problem has been reproduced on the computer only. The vehicle is currently at the dealership being looked at now. The transmission service light came on, the FCM temporarily not available, came on, and the BSW light came on.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-26
- VIN: JA4APVAU9MU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the automotive power started fluctuating, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle coasted off the roadway and was shifted into park; however, several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle would not accelerate above 30 MPH with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been intermittent but gradually became a recurring failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V563000 (Power Train). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-17
- VIN: JA4APUAU3MU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Since March 2023 my car has being to Bell Mitsubishi for AC problems the compressor stops working starts making noises and every time the compressor the failed the vehicle stalled. As of right now Mitsubishi does not know why this is happening I have not being provided with a loaner car or rental. today 6/8/2023 my car has being at the dealer for almost 2 weeks they claimed they put a brand new A/C system but is not working. They don't have an ETA for my car to be done. I depend on my vehicle to commute to work. I commute every day 17 miles each trip.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-01
- VIN: JA4APUAU0M
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine misfired and the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was notified of the failure but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V563000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 900.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-06
- VIN: JA4APVAU6MU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: I was driving approximately 35MPH on a 4-lane road with no vehicles in front of me. The car came to a hard stop. The stop was so hard that my purse flew from the passenger seat to the floor. I was wearing my seat belt which tightened up but my body still moved forward causing me neck pain. I did notice briefly that a flashing yellow light was on the dashboard. There were no objects in front of me. The driver of the car behind me had to slam on their brakes and almost hit my car. My car stayed still for about 15 seconds and then the automatic brake was released.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-13
- VIN: JA4APUAU7MU
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was stalling and not accelerating as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an unknown recall repair. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-05-11
- VIN: ja4apvau0mu
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: This was in a rental from National Car Rental from the Las Vegas airport. I was driving down the road at about 65-70 MPH when the vehicle's brakes just slammed on, and everything about the car just died. There was a huge groaning sound as it happened - kind of like when you are in 'park' and push the gas pedal and it revs really high. I tried shifting into neutral, nothing changed, and all the lights and functions of the car went out. I did my best to "direct" (couldn't steer) the car to the edge of the road. It was a busy remote highway, I was in the 'fast' lane. so could move over as far as I could to the other side of the white line while basically groaning to a halt. When I stopped all of the power shut down, the car would not restart and at first the battery and "service engine now" lights came off, then everything stopped. After a bit the battery came back on so I could at least charge my phone to use it to call for assistance. I have an email from National saying it appeared to be an engine malfunction. When this happened I was on Highway 93 between Las Vegas and Kingman Arizona (right around mile marker 30). It is a split highway with a dirt median. I was on the inside of the median. Fortunately when it happened there was no one directly behind me or they would have hit me. This is the main thoroughfare between NV and northern AZ here, so it is basically semi trucks going >70 mph the whole stretch. I had to sit in the car for 2 hours waiting for the tow truck to arrive. I did not get out of the car because I was more scared of distracting a driver and veering into me, whereas sitting in the car I was just as scared, but I thought at least I had an airbag if I was crashed into. I was honestly terrified the whole time. I sent numerous emails and made numerous calls that document all of this. I have pictures and video of the situation. The car was picked up by Jone's Towing from Kingman AZ.
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander sport recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander sport.
- 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.
Negative 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander sport car reviews
Positive 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander sport car reviews
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I had something in mind when I began my search, but the Outlander checked all the boxes for me. 4WD was mandatory for living in Colorado, and I wanted lots of room, but something good on gas mileage. My Highlander has everything I wanted and more, and I couldn't be happier! 😊
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Congratulations on your purchase of the 2019 Outlander Sport LE 2.0 Auto AWC! It's great to hear that you've noticed some improvement in the transmission as it learns your driving habits. With over 7000 miles on the clock, it sounds like you're really enjoying your SUV. However, I understand that the cargo size may be a bit small for your needs. Thank you for sharing your experience with us!
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to mention that I really like the vehicle.
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Hey there! Why don't you go and see for yourself? :)
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Many people who are used to driving regular geared automatic cars often do not take the time to learn how to drive a fly by wire CVT system, which can lead to disappointment. However, with a little bit of practice, this system can be very rewarding. The car can achieve 0-60 mph in under 9 seconds, a feat that was only possible with sports cars 20 years ago. Additionally, it consistently gets over 30 MPG in mixed driving, thanks in part to its FWD and lighter weight. To properly drive the fly by wire CVT, you need to understand that the accelerator pedal determines how fast you want to accelerate, rather than controlling the engine air and fuel flow. The engine and transmission computer work together to balance acceleration and fuel economy, depending on the current speed, load, and how far down the pedal is pressed. Once you get past the first 10 MPG, which is where it works to maintain the highest MPG, it can launch very fast with the pedal pressed to the floor. While the car may be a little jiggly due to its tight suspension, it provides firm feedback control on poor road conditions. It may also be a little noisier than other cars, but this can be an advantage as it gives a clear indication when tires are starting to hydroplane or lose traction on ice and snow, reducing the risk of accidents. The seats are comfortable enough, as long as they are adjusted carefully. What I love about this car are its big mirrors, high and visible seating position, and massive cargo space. Essentially, this car offers the same features as most compact cars, but in a more useful size and at a similar price point. During the new car shortage, the Mitsubishi dealer was a few hundred below MSRP, making it $5K less than a comparably equipped Kia Soul, which was priced thousands over MSRP.
Other years of Mitsubishi Outlander sport
Are you having problems with your 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander sport?
Barney Watsica 2024-09-15
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.
Kurt Kris 2024-09-08
Hey there! I just got back from a week-long trip to Seattle, WA, where I had the pleasure of driving a 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ES as my rental car. I chose it over other options because it's not a car you see every day. While it may not be a segment leader, it definitely gets the job done. The base model I rented had a few nice touches that you might not find in other cars in this segment. The cloth seats were especially comfortable and provided plenty of cushion. The car may not be the fastest, with only 148hp in the base 2.0 engine, but it's still peppy off the line. Just be sure to keep a firm grip on the steering wheel when you hit the gas, as the tires can spin a bit. The steering can take some getting used to, but it's not a major issue. Overall, the Outlander Sport ES is a reliable car that will get you where you need to go. Thanks for reading!The adjustability of the seat and steering wheel allowed me to find a comfortable driving position. Although, getting into the rear seats for elderly people can be a challenge due to the narrow gap between the lower seat cushion and the B-pillar. The ride comfort is okay, but there is a high amount of road and wind noise when driving at highway speeds. However, considering the class and price, luxury noise levels should not be expected. In terms of reliability, I gave it 4 stars because it never gave me any troubles, but I wouldn't expect much from a Mitsubishi. Their reliability isn't amazing from what I've heard. The interior is not the best quality, but it gets the job done. There is soft touch on the majority of the dash and the tops of the front doors, and there are some nice knee pads with contrast stitching that help a bit with the visual aspect. The cabin design is functional, but not exciting. If you opt for a higher trim, the leather may improve the area. In terms of safety features, there's not much to say as I luckily never crashed it. The vehicle has standard features like airbags and antilock brakes, but no pre-collision, lane keep assist, auto lights, etc. And obviously, in the base model, no fancy features like adaptive cruise or lane-centering, things that may not even be available. However, it kept me alive, so thank you Mitsubishi. The technology in the base model is limited, but it has automatic single-zone climate control, a 7ish” touchscreen without phone integration, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, buttons on the steering wheel for the infotainment, a 4ish” driver MID between the analog gauges, keyless entry (no push-button start), a backup camera (federally mandated so, obvi), variable intermittent windshield wipers, and a one-touch up-down driver window. Not surprising, you get what you pay for. Overall, the value is decent as it is a cheap car, but it does show.It looks like you're in the market for a new car! While this one may not be the most exciting option out there, it's definitely a reliable choice. If you're on a tight budget and need a crossover, this car will definitely get you where you need to go. Don't worry, there are plenty of other options out there if you're looking for something a bit more exciting!
Wilford Williamson 2024-07-11
The transmission went out at 75,000 miles. I only had it for a year and a half, but I did regular maintenance.
Rex Witting 2024-06-20
The Mitsubishi 4-cylinder motor has a fuel consumption similar to a V6, but unfortunately lacks power. The interior is a combination of cheap plastic materials (found on the steering wheel, dash, seats, etc.) and some attention to detail, such as the shifting knob. It would be a great car if it had more power. However, the depreciation rate is high, and it may not resell well. The most annoying thing is the remote control - you need to press 'Open' twice to open the passenger's door, as pressing it once will only open the driver's door, accompanied by an annoying horn noise. Despite these issues, the Mitsubishi dealer was happy to take my old car as a trade-in. Now, I am looking for a car that I really want and will trade in my Outlander Sport (which is not very sporty).
Austin Medhurst 2024-05-17
I recently purchased the 2021 Outlander Sport, although it wasn't my first choice, it was the only car I was approved for. While it's a nice SUV, it's not extraordinary. The engine can be a bit noisy and the ride isn't as smooth as I would like. Unfortunately, the base model, which was the only one available at my dealer, lacks some important features that the new 2022 model has, such as lane departure warning, automatic windshield wipers, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, all-wheel drive, and more. For the price of $26,000, it's a bit plain. However, I'm hopeful that I can upgrade to a better model in the future.