NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
This page covers 11 recalls, 42 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
21–24 mpg combined
9.8–11.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Airbag warnings lead the complaint picture for the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Owners frequently report a service-required airbag warning light appearing on the dash, with some describing the message returning multiple times over several years even after dealer service. The electrical system draws the next-highest complaint volume, with owners describing failed lighting circuits, instrument cluster display issues, and in at least one case melted wiring traced to a faulty connection rather than a burned-out bulb. Structural complaints center on undercarriage and suspension support rust, with several owners describing components that had corroded to the point where repair wasn't possible or where a rusted part eventually failed during driving.
42
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has 11 recalls, the most serious involving the front control arm, which can detach from the vehicle and cause a sudden, complete loss of steering control.
A related suspension issue affects certain vehicles where a front strut bracket can break free and strike the tire or brake hose, making the vehicle harder to steer and extending stopping distance. The parking brake on this model can also become unreliable: water intrusion causes corrosion in the rear brake calipers, and the parking brake may fail to fully engage or release. On the seatbelt side, the front passenger lap belt attachment bolt may not have been tightened properly and can loosen over time, leaving the occupant poorly restrained in a crash. Vehicles with leather seats have a separate concern where the driver-side airbag wiring runs too close to the seat height adjustment mechanism and can be damaged, disabling the airbag without warning. Brake lights on some early-production vehicles may not illuminate correctly, and certain AWD models may show a falsely high fuel level, causing the engine to stall unexpectedly when the tank runs dry. Two recalls cover wiper failures caused by water and corrosion, affecting both the wiper motor and the linkage, either of which can leave the driver without wipers in wet conditions. The liftgate on certain vehicles uses a gas strut that can corrode and suddenly lose pressure, dropping the hatch without warning.
At a glance
Looking to upgrade?
Find accessories for your 2013 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT at Amazon.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
The front cross member can corrode from road salt exposure, which may cause the front lower control arms to detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front cross member and either apply a sealing/anti-corrosion agent or replace it with a new one.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front cross member can corrode from road salt exposure in certain regions, which may cause the front lower control arms to detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front cross member and either apply a sealing agent or replace it with a new one, free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water seeps between the hood and windshield, corroding the front wiper link ball joint. The corroded joint may separate, causing the wipers to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the wiper link rod and wiper motor crank arm at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can enter the rear brake calipers, causing the parking brake actuator shafts to corrode and possibly stick or bind.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the rear brake calipers and replace the parking brake boot, lever, caliper body, and piston assembly as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The lift gate support outer tube may lack sufficient rust protection, allowing corrosion from salt and water exposure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the lift gate supports at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can seep between the hood and windshield into the wiper motor's breathing hole, causing internal rust and potential motor failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the wiper motor at no cost once parts become available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat belt lap end attachment fastener may not be tightened to the correct specification and can loosen over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the front passenger seat belt lap end attachment fastener at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver side seat-mounted airbag wiring may have been routed incorrectly during leather seat cover installation, potentially causing damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the driver airbag wiring and re-route it if needed. If damaged, the airbag will be replaced. Both services are free.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The stabilizer link bracket on the left front strut was improperly welded and may detach, potentially damaging the tire and brake hose.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front left strut assembly and replace it if necessary at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The brake stop lamps may turn on continuously or flicker. The shift lever can move out of Park without pressing the brake pedal.
What the fix does
Dealers will reinstall the stop lamp switch at no cost to correct both issues.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The fuel sending unit harness for the sub-sending unit may be missing, causing the fuel gauge to display an incorrect tank level.
What the fix does
Dealers will install the proper fuel sending harness at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.