This page covers 8 recalls, 26 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
22–26 mpg combined
9–10.7 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
Complaints about the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport cluster most heavily around the CVT transmission and, to a lesser extent, the brakes. On the transmission side, owners frequently report the transmission warning light illuminating alongside sluggish or stalled acceleration, particularly in stop-and-go driving. A recurring detail is that the symptom temporarily clears after shutting off and restarting the engine, though it returns. Some owners note the issue persisted even after multiple transmission service visits. The powertrain complaints overlap with reports of hesitation and jerking during acceleration at various speeds. On the brake side, a smaller group of owners describes the parking brake sticking while the vehicle is in motion or failing to hold the vehicle stationary when engaged. A handful of reports also mention water intrusion into the cabin and steering vibration, though these appear less frequently than the transmission-related pattern.
26
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has 8 recalls, the most serious involving a front control arm that can detach from the vehicle and cause a complete loss of steering control, and a defective electrical relay that can stall the engine or cause it to overheat.
Two recalls address the parking brake: water can enter the rear brake calipers and corrode the parking brake actuator shafts, leaving the parking brake unable to fully engage or release. On the structural side, a liftgate strut's outer tube can corrode and lose its gas charge suddenly, dropping the hatch without warning. The inside door latches can also fail in high temperatures and allow a door to swing open while the vehicle is moving. The CVT transmission can hesitate when the driver accelerates, creating a gap in power that raises crash risk in certain driving situations. Finally, water can work into the front wiper linkage, corrode the ball joint, and cause the wiper arms to stop moving entirely, eliminating forward visibility in rain.
At a glance
What can fail
The rust-prevention coating on rear brake operating shafts may have peeled off during assembly. Water can then enter the brake caliper, causing the shafts to corrode and stick.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear brake caliper assemblies at no cost to you.
Looking to upgrade?
Find accessories for your 2016 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 →
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 inside door latch mechanisms may fail to latch securely in high temperatures, allowing doors to open while the vehicle is moving.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the door latches 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
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.
