RoadVitals

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
30
Latest Jun 17, 2025
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
10
Latest May 18, 2020
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3
4 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 30 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, most frequently naming the engine, electrical and airbags categories. 10 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 131 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine1023.8%
  • Electrical614.3%
  • Airbags49.5%
  • Brakes49.5%
  • Visibility37.1%
  • Powertrain (other)37.1%
  • Seat belts37.1%
  • Suspension24.8%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

10 campaigns cover this model year

View all 10

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
20V279000

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS; SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

May 18, 2020
141,200 units potentially affected
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.Manufacturer number SR-20-003View on NHTSA.gov
18V103000

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

Feb 9, 2018
158,651 units potentially affected
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.Manufacturer number SR-18-004View on NHTSA.gov
18V069000

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

Jan 26, 2018
141,053 units potentially affected
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.Manufacturer number SR-18-001View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 30
Visibility
Filed Jun 17, 2025

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 approximately 113,000.

NHTSA ID
11667422
Incident
Jun 7, 2025
Mileage
113,000 mi
Body & structureBrakesElectrical
Filed Jun 1, 2024

Not starting due to corrosion issues

NHTSA ID
11591869
Incident
Jun 1, 2024
Engine
Filed Jan 25, 2024

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 ID
11567714
Incident
Dec 23, 2023
Mileage
133,025 mi
Suspension
Filed Sep 30, 2021

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 corroded and had fractured. The manufacturer and the dealer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 43,000.

NHTSA ID
11435017
Incident
Sep 20, 2021
Mileage
43,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jun 16, 2019

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 IS HUMMING. I FEEL IT'S A DANGER TRYING TO ACCELERATE AND NOT GETTING UP TO THE SPEED TO MAKE A TURN OR GET ON THE HIGHWAY LIKE I SAID. I NOTICED THAT I HAVE TO PUT A SPECIFIC DATE AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS FORM BUT IT'S BEEN GOING ON FOR A WHILE NOW. I ACTUALLY WENT TO MITSUBISHI TO GET MY TRANSMISSION FLUID REPLACED AND THE GUY SAID THAT THIS ISSUE WILL GO AWAY BUT IT DIDN'T.

NHTSA ID
11220449
Incident
Mar 1, 2019
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed Apr 1, 2019

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 ID
11193105
Incident
Mar 29, 2019
Mileage
166 mi
Interior & seats
Filed Feb 17, 2019
1 injury reported

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

NHTSA ID
11180666
Incident
Jan 23, 2019
Mileage
58,757 mi
Seat belts
Filed Dec 3, 2018

I OWN A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. THE DRIVER SEAT BELT CLICKS AS IF IT IS FASTENED CORRECTLY THEN MOMENTS LATER IT WILL POP OUT AS IF IT WERE NEVER ATTACHED. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY RISK FOR ANYONE WHO IS DRIVING THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID
11155640
Incident
Jan 8, 2018
Mileage
70,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TECH TALK 289

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; SEAT BELTS

Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications.

TECH TALK 281

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM; LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION; STRUCTURE:BODY; SUSPENSION; VISIBILITY/WIPER

Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications.

TSB-16-54-001REV

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Technical Service Bulletin instructs the dealer to update the Hands Free Module software to improve the Bluetooth connection when certain devices are connected to Wi‐Fi.

TSB-24-23-004

POWER TRAIN

Service Manual Revision - This Technical Service Bulletin provides corrections to the description of special tools used to install the oil seal within the Automatic Transaxle sections of the applicable Service Manuals.

DEALER LETTER

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.

TSB-23-00-004

STRUCTURE

This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026200—
2025100—
2024100—
2023700—
2022111038.4
2021171040.0
2020261044.7
2019261053.6
2018212056.5
2017270042.1
2016268045.8
20151829049.7
2014406056.0
20134210049.0
2012146054.7
2011Viewing3010053.1

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.