CSR

Mitsubishi · NHTSA safety record

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

30

Complaints

3

Crashes

0

Fires

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have filed 30 safety complaints with NHTSA between October 2014 and June 2025. The most complained-about system is the engine, named in 8 of them (27%). The typical failure was reported at 83,302 miles, the median across the 20 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 10 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (10)

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

20V279000 · May 18, 2020

The defect
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, 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.
The risk
A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. · up to 141,200 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

18V103000 · February 9, 2018

The defect
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles. Water may enter between the hood and windshield and cause the front wiper link ball joint to corrode, possibly resulting in the wiper link separating and the wipers becoming inoperative.
The risk
Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rod of the wiper link and the wiper motor crank arm, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 10, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-004.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. · up to 158,651 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

18V069000 · January 26, 2018

The defect
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive belt to detach.
The risk
If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-001.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. · up to 141,053 vehicles across all model years covered

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

16V867000 · December 2, 2016

The defect
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to June 1, 2012, and 2016 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured January 11, 2016, to July 8, 2016. The lift gate support outer tube on the affected vehicles may have insufficient anti-corrosion treatment that can allow the outer tube to corrode due to salt and water penetration.
The risk
If the outer tube corrodes, there may be a rapid loss of the gas used to provide lift assistance, causing the lift gate to fall suddenly, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lift gate supports, free of charge. The recall began on January 20, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-011.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. · up to 50,228 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

16V792000 · October 31, 2016

The defect
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to January 5, 2015. In the affected vehicles, water may drop between the hood and the windshield and leak into the wiper motor breathing hole. The water may cause internal corrosion of the windshield wiper motor and the possible failure of the motor.
The risk
Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The manufacturer has begun the recall, but parts are not yet available; a second notice will be sent when parts are available. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-010.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. · up to 93,801 vehicles across all model years covered

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

15V579000 · September 21, 2015

The defect
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured on December 3, 2010. The affected vehicles are equipped with incorrect certification labels that were installed during manufacturing. The incorrect labels do not have the correct vehicle identification numbers (VIN) printed on the label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."
The risk
A vehicle must comply with all regulatory requirements to ensure that it is safe.
The remedy
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will install corrected certification labels, free of charge. The recall began on October 8, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-010.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. · up to 2 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR

15V233000 · April 20, 2015

The defect
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Lancer vehicles manufactured March 16, 2009, to March 30, 2011, 2010-2011 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to December 1, 2010, 2010-2011 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to January 7, 2011, 2009-2011 Outlander vehicles manufactured February 10, 2009, to June 22, 2011, and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to November 19, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the blower motor may fail.
The risk
Failure of the blower motor may reduce the performance of the windshield defroster, diminishing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-003.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. · up to 76,958 vehicles across all model years covered

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

14V562000 · September 12, 2014

The defect
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4B1 engines, have an engine pulley and belt arrangement for turning the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (if equipped). These pulleys may experience unusual wear and allow for belt detachment.
The risk
If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-009.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. · up to 165,923 vehicles across all model years covered

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

14V560000 · September 12, 2014

The defect
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured on September 3, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the switch sleeve in the brake booster may crack and prevent the brake pedal from returning properly.
The risk
If the pedal is unable to move back to the proper position, the vehicle may not move as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-008.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. · up to 2 vehicles across all model years covered

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

13V255000 · June 20, 2013

The defect
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, through March 29, 2011. The panoramic glass roof may have been installed without primer being applied before the adhesive.
The risk
Without primer being used, the panoramic glass roof may have reduced adhesion, possibly allowing the glass roof to detach from the vehicle, resulting in a road hazard to other vehicles.
The remedy
MMNA will notify owners and dealers will inspect the panoramic glass to see if primer was installed. If primer is not present, the glass will be reinstalled. The recall began on July 8, 2013. MMNA's recall number is SR-13-007. Customers may contact MMNA at 1-888-648-7820.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. · up to 3,181 vehicles across all model years covered

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 30.

ENGINE 8 27%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 6 20%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 5 17%
AIR BAGS 4 13%
SERVICE BRAKES 4 13%
POWER TRAIN 3 10%
SEAT BELTS 3 10%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 2 7%
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 2 7%
STEERING 2 7%
STRUCTURE 2 7%
SUSPENSION 2 7%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2017 at 6.

2014 2017 2025
2014 to 2025

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

AIR BAGS

2 injured · crash · towed · 110,000 miles

I WAS RETURNING HOME FROM WORK AND WAS AT A STOP SIGN WAITING TO TURN LEFT. CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP. WHEN BELIEVING I WAS CLEAR I BEGAN MY LEFT TURN WHEN A CAR CROSSED IN FRONT OF MINE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. I ATTEMPTED TO STOP BUT THE TWO CARS COLLIDED AND THE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY TORN OFF AND MY FRONT HOOD WAS BUCKLED BACK TOWARDS THE WINDSHIELD. WHEN EMERGENCY RESPONSE ARRIVED, THEY FELT VERY STRONGLY THAT THE AIR BAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AND THEY MOVED ME TO THE BACK SEAT FOR FURTHER OBSERVATION BECAUSE THEY WERE AFRAID THE AIR BAG MAY STILL DEPLOY AND CAUSE FURTHER INJURY. I WAS SUBSEQUENTLY TRANSPORTED TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL FOR EVALUATION AND AFTER TESTING AND

NHTSA complaint 11063381, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · 100,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER'S HEAD STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS WAS A CONTUSION INVOLVING THE RIGHT GYRUS RECTUS WITH TISSUE LOSS AND GLIOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 04/04/16*LJ

NHTSA complaint 10823971. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SEATS

1 injured · 58,757 miles

THE SEAT HEATING BURNED THE SEAT( DRIVER SEAT) REACHING BURNING ME ON MY UPPER LEG

NHTSA complaint 11180666. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

crash · 39,266 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A BRICK BOULDER. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. ALSO, WHILE DESCENDING DOWN A HILL AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE MESSAGE "VEHICLE IMMOBILIZED" SUDDENLY DISPLAYED AND THE BRAKES WOULD NOT OPERATE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE

NHTSA complaint 10723353, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

VISIBILITY

113,000 miles

The contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH in the rain, the windshield wipers were fully engaged; however, wiper motor failed to operate as intended. The failure obstructed the driver's visibility, preventing the driver from safely operating the vehicle, creating a visibility hazard. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after a while the windshield wipers started to function as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V461000 (VISIBILITY); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was

NHTSA complaint 11667422, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

STRUCTURE:BODY
Not starting due to corrosion issues

NHTSA complaint 11591869. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

towed · 133,025 miles

The contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 25–30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the check engine, 4-WD, ABS, traction control, and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure was due to the control arm, engine cradle, oil seal, tie rod, starter, and serpentine belt. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 133,025.

NHTSA complaint 11567714. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SUSPENSION

towed · 43,000 miles

The contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V279000 (Structure, Suspension) however, the contact was unable to schedule the recall repair because she was unable to get a response from the dealer. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, she heard an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The automatic braking system warning light is illuminated. The contact stated that the driver’s side front wheel was facing sideways. The contact stated the vehicle was towed out of the highway. Then, the vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic who diagnosed that the lower control arm was severely

NHTSA complaint 11435017, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE
I KNOW THIS CAR HAS FOUR RECALLS ON IT. BUT I'M HAVING ISSUES WITH WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE THE TRANSMISSION. I HAVE BEEN GOOGLING SLOW OR SLUGGISH ACCELERATION ISSUES AND OTHER PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THEN I CAME ACROSS A RECALL FOR THE OUTLANDER SPORT INVOLVING THE CVT IN NEWER MODELS. I DON'T KNOW IF THOSE CVT ISSUES ARE THE SAME ONES MY CAR IS HAVING. BUT IS BECOMING A PAIN IN THE BUTT TO TRY AND ACCELERATE FAST ENOUGH ON THE ROAD OR THE HIGHWAY TO GET OUT OF PEOPLES WAY OR TO MOVE JUST NOTICING PEOPLE GOING AROUND ME BECAUSE OF MY SLUGGISH ACCELERATION. I HAVE TO PRESS ON THE GAS PRETTY HARD TO EVEN GET UP TO ABOUT 20 OR 30 NOT TO MENTION WHAT SOUNDS LIKE MY MUFFLER

NHTSA complaint 11220449, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

166 miles

I NOTICED JUST RECENTLY WHEN I WAS ON A LONG DISTANCE ROAD TRIP THAT MY TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING LIGHT WAS COMING ON? I HAD TO PULL OVER A COUPLE TIMES AND LET IT COOL DOWN BEFORE I COULD CONTINUE... IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND NO ONE AT MITSUBISHI OR OTHER SHOPS KNOWS WHATS WRONG? PLEASE HELP

NHTSA complaint 11193105. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2022 11 1
2021 17 1
2020 26 1
2019 26 1
2018 21 2
2016 26 8
2015 182 9
2014 40 6
2013 42 10
2012 14 6 1

Other 2011 Mitsubishi models

Every Mitsubishi on this site — 45 vehicles, 119 recall campaigns and 0 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst