NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The front cross member can corrode from road salt exposure, which may cause the front lower control arms to detach.
This page covers 10 recalls, 179 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
23–26 mpg combined
9–10.2 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
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport centers on the powertrain, which accounts for roughly half of all reports filed. Owners most frequently describe hesitation when pressing the accelerator, whether pulling away from a stop or accelerating at speed, many report the vehicle jerking, surging, or feeling like it's losing power during these moments. Transmission behavior draws consistent complaints as well: owners describe difficulty engaging reverse, delayed or rough shifts, and in some cases a "Service Transmission" warning appearing on the dash. Several owners also note the vehicle stalling while underway. Vehicle speed control complaints follow at a distance, often describing similar hesitation and response issues that may overlap with the powertrain reports. A smaller cluster of engine complaints includes rough idle, particularly when the air conditioning is running.
179
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has 10 recalls, with the most serious involving a front control arm that can detach from the chassis, causing sudden loss of steering control.
On the drivetrain side, vehicles with the 2.0L engine and CVT transmission face two separate concerns: a transmission cooling hose can detach and leak fluid until the transmission fails, and a software issue can cause the CVT to hesitate before accelerating. A defective starter relay can also cause the engine to stall, lose power, or overheat while driving.
The parking brake can seize in either the engaged or released position when water corrodes the rear caliper actuator shafts, making it unreliable for holding the vehicle on a slope. A front passenger seatbelt anchor bolt may not have been tightened to spec at the factory and can loosen over time, reducing the belt's ability to restrain the occupant in a crash.
Two visibility concerns involve the wiper system: water intrusion can corrode the wiper motor until it fails, or corrode the wiper linkage until it separates, leaving the driver without wipers in rain. There is also a liftgate support strut that can corrode and suddenly lose pressure, dropping the hatch onto anyone standing beneath it.
At a glance
What can fail
The front cross member can corrode from road salt exposure, which may cause the front lower control arms to detach.
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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 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
Defective relays may cause the engine to stall, lose power, or overheat while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the defective relays at no cost to you.
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 continuously variable transmission may delay acceleration response in certain driving conditions.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the transmission control unit software at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A clamp securing a CVT hose may not be properly fastened, allowing the hose to detach and leak transmission fluid.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and correct the hose clamp installation as needed at no cost.
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.