2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 12 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, most often about transmission & drivetrain. There are 8 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
12
Recalls
8
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Median mileage
72,850 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Transmission & Drivetrain is the most-reported problem area, named in 5 of 12 complaints (42%).
  • Engine (3) and brakes (2) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 72,850 mi.
  • The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has 8 recalls on file.
  • It ranks 10th of 16 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
  • That is 88% fewer complaints than the 2015 model year (103).

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems by category

  • Transmission & Drivetrain
    5 complaints
  • Other / Unknown
    3 complaints
  • Engine
    3 complaints
  • Brakes
    2 complaints
  • Suspension
    1 complaints
  • Steering
    1 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Power train4
Unknown or other3
Engine2
Service brakes2
Power train:automatic transmission1
Vehicle speed control1
Steering1
Suspension1

When problems happen (mileage)

Under 10k10k–30k230k–60k360k–100k1100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport complaints that list mileage.

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport recalls (8)

  • Recall 20V741000Nov 30, 202021,758 vehicles
    PARKING BRAKE

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2016 Outlander and Outlander Sport vehicles. The rust prevention coating on the rear brake operating shafts could have been peeled off during the assembly process. As a result, water entering the rear brake caliper boot may cause the parking brake operating shafts to corrode and possibly bind.

    Risk: If the parking brake operating shafts bind, the parking brakes may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brakes do not engage properly, the vehicle could rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake caliper assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 4, 2021. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-005.

  • Recall 20V279000May 18, 2020141,200 vehicles
    STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS · SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

    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.

    Risk: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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.

  • Recall 18V103000Feb 9, 2018158,651 vehicles
    VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

    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.

    Risk: Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

    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.

  • Recall 18V070000Jan 26, 2018170,354 vehicles
    PARKING BRAKE

    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.

    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.

    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.

  • Recall 17V609000Sep 29, 2017132,552 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Outlander, 2015-2016 Lancer and Outlander Sport, and 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles. These vehicles may have defective relays that can result in an engine stall, reduced engine power or the engine overheating.

    Risk: If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected relays, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-005.

  • Recall 17V233000Apr 6, 201735,674 vehicles
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2016 Outlander and Outlander Sport vehicles. The inside door latch mechanisms may not latch securely in high temperatures, allowing the doors to open while vehicle is in motion.

    Risk: If a door opens while the vehicle is being driven, it can increase the risk of injury.

    Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-002.

  • Recall 16V867000Dec 2, 201650,228 vehicles
    STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE · STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

    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.

    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.

    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.

  • Recall 16V563000Jul 28, 201682,436 vehicles
    POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION · POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles and 2016 Outlander and Lancer vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a constant velocity transmission (CVT) that, in certain driving conditions, may cause a delay in the vehicle accelerating.

    Risk: A hesitation during acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: MMNA has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the CVT control unit with modified software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2016. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-006.

Recent 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Jun 7, 2025MDOther / Unknown
    I have a CVT system on my SUV and the transmission keeps slipping. A transmission light comes on and the car starts to stall. It happens mostly in stop and go traffic.
    NHTSA complaint #11665436 · source
  2. Filed Feb 2, 2025NJEngineSuspensionTransmission & Drivetrain
    In less than one year with this car, 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT, is hesitating when accelerating then jerking forward into 4th gear, while driving at various speeds, the steering column vibrates makes loud sound, I’ve replaced the headlights at least 6x, water is getting in the vehicle somehow even a car wish will leave the floorboards soaking wet, the steering sways. This car had given me more issues in a year than all my cars throughout my lifetime combined and…
    NHTSA complaint #11640158 · source
  3. Filed Jan 21, 2025CAOther / UnknownAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering
    Transmission light frequently comes on, car stalls/sluggish to respond. Has occurred while driving or at rest. No change despite several transmission servicing/towing expenses. Per online research, others experiencing same issues. Often resolves temporarily by turning off engine and restarting car. Recalls issued for other Mitsubishi models, but not for this car. Needs to be addressed to prevent injury or loss of life.
    NHTSA complaint #11637509 · source
  4. Filed Sep 29, 2024PABrakes
    The parking brake is sticking when the vehicle is in motion, and it may fails to keep the vehicle stationary when engaged. It has been occurring for a few months. There is a current recall for this issue but my VIN is not included even though it’s the same issue.
    NHTSA complaint #11617097 · source
  5. Filed Sep 29, 2024PABrakes
    The parking brake is sticking when the vehicle is in motion, and it fails to keep the vehicle stationary when engaged. The car cannot operate correctly with the emergency brake engaged. Also it’s not safe since the car cannot be secured. There is an open recall for this issue however my VIN isn’t included but the issue is the same. This has been occurring for a few months, we just were able to figure out the issue last night and then I found the recall.
    NHTSA complaint #11617095 · source
  6. Filed Sep 29, 2024MDEngineOther / Unknown
    Unknown. The transmission service light comes on and the vehicle drags until you turn the car off and restart it. I noticed online there's a CVT transmission recall and was wondering if this is what is happening to my vehicle.
    NHTSA complaint #11617093 · source
  7. Filed Jan 10, 202451,000 miPAEngine
    The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed catalytic converter. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the current catalytic converter was not the correct part for the…
    NHTSA complaint #11564632 · source
  8. Filed Sep 13, 202367,700 miMATransmission & Drivetrain
    The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle hesitated upon depressing the accelerator pedal, and the engine revved. The transmission warning light illuminated and the message "Transmission Hot" was displayed. The contact continued driving, and the message "Transmission Fluid Low" was displayed. The contact pulled to the side of the road and allowed the vehicle to cool down. The contact then checked the transmission…
    NHTSA complaint #11544279 · source

Compare the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport with another vehicle →

Other 2016 Mitsubishi models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology