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Mitsubishi · NHTSA safety record

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

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

42

Complaints

3

Crashes

0

Fires

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have filed 42 safety complaints with NHTSA between January 2015 and June 2025. The most complained-about system is the air bags, named in 11 of them (26%). The typical failure was reported at 61,009 miles, the median across the 30 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 10 recalls covering this vehicle.

Recalls (10)

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

21V144000 · March 5, 2021

The defect
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold, 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, free of charge. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-21-001. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-279. Owners not previously notified under 20V-279 were notified on March 22, 2021.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. · up to 15,347 vehicles across all model years covered

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

PARKING BRAKE

18V070000 · January 26, 2018

The defect
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Outlander and 2013-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles. Water may enter the rear brake calipers causing the parking brake actuator shafts to corrode and possibly bind.
The risk
If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear brake calipers and replace the parking brake boot and lever or the brake caliper body, as necessary. Dealers will also replace the piston assembly of the rear brake caliper. These repairs will be performed 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-18-002.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. · up to 170,354 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

SEAT BELTS

14V744000 · November 21, 2014

The defect
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured July 20, 2012, to July 23, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the front passenger seat belt lap end attachment fastener may not be torqued to specification, and the fastener may loosen with time.
The risk
A loosened and weakened fastener may not be capable of withstanding the load forces associated with a vehicle crash, leaving the seat occupant insufficiently restrained and increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt lap end attachment fastener, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-714-372-6000. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-011.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. · up to 54,779 vehicles across all model years covered

AIR BAGS

14V031000 · February 4, 2014

The defect
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured July 20, 2012, through May 29, 2013 and equipped with leather seats. In the affected vehicles, the driver side seat mounted air bag wiring may have been improperly routed during the leather seat cover installation process.
The risk
If the wiring is routed incorrectly, using the seat height adjustment may damage the wiring resulting in illumination of the air bag warning light. Subsequently, in the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, the driver side seat mounted air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
The remedy
Mitsubishi will notify owners and dealers will inspect the wiring of the driver side seat mounted air bag and re-route the wire if necessary, free of charge. If the wire is damaged, the seat mounted airbag will be replaced, free of chagre. The recall began on February 28, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-001.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. · up to 733 vehicles across all model years covered

SUSPENSION:FRONT

13V300000 · July 8, 2013

The defect
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured January 17, 2013, through January 25, 2013. The stabilizer link bracket on the left front strut was improperly welded. As a result, the link may detach and cause damage to the tire and/or brake hose.
The risk
If the stabilizer link bracket damages the tire and/or brake line, the driver may have more difficulty controlling the steering of the vehicle, or the vehicle may require a longer stopping distance to come to a complete and controlled stop. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.
The remedy
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the front left strut assembly free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2013. Owners may contact MMNA at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's recall number is SR-13-008.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. · up to 305 vehicles across all model years covered

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

13V116000 · March 29, 2013

The defect
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured June 11, 2012, through September 11, 2012. These vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment," and FMVSS number 114, "Theft Protection." The brake stop lamps may illuminate continuously or intermittently. The shift lever could also be moved out of Park without depressing the brake pedal.
The risk
If the brake lamps do not illuminate properly other vehicles may not know when the vehicle is stopping. This could increase the risk of a crash. If the shift lever is moved from park without using the brake, the vehicle may roll causing personal injury.
The remedy
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will correct the installation of the stop lamp switch, free of charge. The recall BEGAN ON April 18, 2013. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's campaign recall number is SR-13-004.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. · up to 4,539 vehicles across all model years covered

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

13V112000 · March 29, 2013

The defect
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander Sport AWD vehicles manufactured June 11, 2012, through December 11, 2012. These vehicles may have been built without a fuel sending unit harness for the sub-sending unit. This may result in a false fuel tank level reading.
The risk
The vehicle operator may believe they have fuel when the tank is actually empty. This could cause the engine to stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will install the proper fuel sending harness, free of charge. The recall began on April 18, 2013. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's campaign recall number is SR-13-005.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. · up to 3,724 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 42.

AIR BAGS 11 26%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 11 26%
STRUCTURE 5 12%
ENGINE 4 10%
SERVICE BRAKES 4 10%
SUSPENSION 4 10%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 4 10%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 3 7%
POWER TRAIN 3 7%
STEERING 3 7%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 2 5%
VISIBILITY/WIPER 2 5%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2016 at 6.

2015 2016 2025
2015 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 · 38,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 45 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE FAILED TO YIELD. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER AND FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR BRUISES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING YARD BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.

NHTSA complaint 10924628. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS

1 injured · crash · towed · 100,000 miles

TAKATA RECALL I WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISION IN MY 2013 OUTLANDER SPORT. ALTHOUGH AT THE TIME OF IMPACT I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY DOING BETWEEN 45-55 MPH, AND THE IMPACT AREA OF MY VEHICLE WAS ALL FRONT END, NOT ONE SINGLE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. I SUFFERED INJURIES TO MY NECK AND CHEST THAT I FEEL COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED HAD MY AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AT THE TIME OF IMPACT.

NHTSA complaint 10935470. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SUSPENSION

100,000 miles

The contact owns a 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V144000 (Suspension, Structure); and it was determined the undercarriage was extremely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired due to the rust. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint 11668660. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The lights on my clutch are not coming on. I’m concerned there are other electrical issues affecting the cluster and the odometer display

NHTSA complaint 11643509. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

AIR BAGS
AIRBAG SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED message appears on dash. Occurred on 09/20/2018 and again on 09/29/2023. Both times required service to fix. Has now happened again on 10/14/2024. Secondary issue was reported by another driver for same vehicle for NHTSA ID Number: 11339357 and NHTSA ID Number: 11567379

NHTSA complaint 11619740. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My electrical system and/or computer brain is not operating properly. About a year and 1/2 ago the low beam passenger light stopped working. I had the bulb replaced at Walmart. 2 months later it went out again. Walmart checked and said the bulb was not the problem so I went to Firestone and was told the wiring was melted. Firestone said my options were to replace the entire harness or pig tail the low beam. I opted for the pig tail. A few months later I had issues with slow starts as if my battery was being drained. A few weeks after that my drivers side low beam started working intermittently. Then went out completely. I went to Gillman dealership in Schertz, TX (330 miles from my home)

NHTSA complaint 11555268, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
hello: i purchased this vehicle last nov. the rear hatch was opening fine," but after a couple of months it has stopped and the only way to open it," is from the lever on the inside. you have to use a screw driver or prying tool of some sort to remove the cover in order to get to the lever and you have to lay the back seats down and crawl back there to get to this. i've spoken to other owners who have the same issue. they've had to replace either and or both the actuator and the handle tailgate lock release mechanism. the handle tailgate lock release mechanism is electrical and is susceptible to water getting into it and corrodes the electrical parts. it sits mostly flush one the outside of

NHTSA complaint 11508210, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SUSPENSION

140,000 miles

The contact owns a 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, his wife indicated that the vehicle was not driving in a straight line. Upon inspection, it was discovered that the front driver’s side suspension lower control arm had fractured due to subframe rust and corrosion. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously serviced under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V279000 (Suspension) but the failure occurred. The failure mileage was 140,000. The contact stated that the subframe was repaired two years ago under

NHTSA complaint 11505970, quoted in part. 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
2012 14 6 1
2011 30 10

Other 2013 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.

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