2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Engine1023.8%
- Electrical614.3%
- Airbags49.5%
- Brakes49.5%
- Visibility37.1%
- Powertrain (other)37.1%
- Seat belts37.1%
- Suspension24.8%
- Body & structure24.8%
- Steering24.8%
- Driver assistance24.8%
- Interior & seats12.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Not starting due to corrosion issues
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
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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 OBSERVATION WAS RELEASED WITH MODERATE BACK PAIN AND MILD TO MODERATE NECK PAIN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER ADJUSTED THE SEAT AND WAS UNAWARE THAT THE WIRING UNDERNEATH NEEDED TO BE RE-ROUTED AND HAD BEEN SPLICED, CAUSING THE WARNING INDICATOR TO FLASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (LAS VEGAS MITSUBISHI, 7100 W SAHARA AVE, LAS VEGAS, NV 89117, (866) 510-6859) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING AND WIRE HARNESS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED UNDER THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: SR-14-001 AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V031000 (AIR BAGS), ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Not starting due to corrosion issues
2011 MITSUBISHI OVERLAND. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE NOT PASSING INSPECTION DUE TO THIN BRAKE PADS AND TOO MANY KNICKS IN THE WINDSHIELD. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURES WERE DISCOVERED TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE WITH HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
2011 MITSUBISHI OVERLAND. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE NOT PASSING INSPECTION DUE TO THIN BRAKE PADS AND TOO MANY KNICKS IN THE WINDSHIELD. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURES WERE DISCOVERED TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE WITH HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
WE RECENTLY CHANGE THE POWER TRAIN (TRANSMISSION) 2014 AFTER THREE YEARS WE ARE HAVING ISSUES AGAIN. AFTER EVERY HOUR ON THE ROAD WE HAVE TO STOP AND LET IT REST FOR A WHILE BECAUSE IT HEATS UP PRETTY QUICKLY. THIS HAPPENS MOSTLY IN HIGHWAYS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON STEADY WITH THE ENGINE BUCKING, SURGING, LOSING R.P.M.'S WHILE DRIVING AND STALLING AFTER COMING TO A FULL STOP. *TWO (2) O2 SENSORS WERE REPLACED, COMPUTER RE-PROGRAMED, ONE (1) OF THE TWO (2) SENSORS REPLACED AGAIN, WITH A FINAL REPAIR TO A SUSPECTED AIR LEAK WHICH FINALLY,AFTER 3-4 WEEKS, CLEARED THE LIGHT FROM COMING BACK ON. NOW, ONE MONTH LATER THE BUCKING AND SURGING IS BECOMING MORE AND MORE FREQUENT. I'M $1,000.00 INTO THIS PROBLEM AND IT STILL ISN'T RESOLVED!! COMPLAINT #2: THE RIGHT REAR SEAT BELT DOES NOT LOCK AND PULLS BACK OUT WHEN CONNECTED, COMBINED WITH THE FACT THAT THE FRONT BELTS ARE NOT LONG ENOUGH FOR EVEN THE SLIGHTEST OF LARGER PERSONS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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 EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS, SUCH AS NOT IMMEDIATELY SHUTTING OFF WHEN PRESSING THE OFF AND ON BUTTON AND THE WINDOWS WOULD NOT CLOSE INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN SOMEONE TOUCHED THE METAL ON THE VEHICLE, THE PERSON WOULD EXPERIENCE ELECTRICAL SHOCKS. THE CAUSE OF THE ELECTRICAL FAILURES WERE NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,266. .... UPDATED 06/30/15 *BF UPDATED 10/18/2017*CN
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Not starting due to corrosion issues
THE EXTERIOR RUBBER WINDOW MOLDINGS ARE CORRODED AND MELTED WHICH ALLOWS FOR THE WATER TO GET INTO THE DOOR DAMAGING THE ELECTRICAL WIRING FOR THE WINDOWS AUTOMATIC OPERATION. MY VEHICLE ISN'T THE ONLY VEHICLE WITH THIS PROBLEM AS I HAVE SEEN THAT MOST OF THESE CARS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE TRIED TO CONTACT MITSUBISHI TO TELL THEM ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BUT IN PUERTO RICO THEY TOLD ME THIS PROBLEM WAS BECAUSE I WASN'T USING WAX ON THEM, I HAVE SEEN MUCH OLDER CARS, AND THIS PROBLEM DOES NOT EXIST. IT EXISTS BECAUSE OF THE POOR QUALITY OF EXTERIOR WINDOW SILL MOLDING THEY CHOSE TO INCLUDE IN THIS CAR BECAUSE, ONCE AGAIN, IT'S NOT JUST MINES, IT'S MOST OF THEM
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING ALONG ON A NORMAL CITY STREET AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN EVERY INDICATOR LIGHT BEGAN TO COME ON...FIRST THE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM, NEXT THE ENGINE OVERHEAT WARNING, THE ABS, THE BRAKE, THE POWER STEERING, THE AIR BAG, ETC. I BEGAN TO LOSE POWER, IDLE ROUGHLY, AND EVENTUALLY DIE COMPLETELY. IT WOULD NOT RESTART. THE NEXT DAY, I TRIED TO JUMP START WITH NO SUCCESS AT ALL. AFTER FURTHER EXAMINATION, NOTICED THAT THE DRIVE BELT HAD COME OFF THE PULLEYS COMPLETELY. *TR
PROBLEM EXISTED IN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM. UNDER LOW SPEED, 5 TO 10 MPH OR LESS, ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING OCCASIONALLY (USUALLY AFTER A FULL TURNING OF STEERING WHEEL TO THE LIMIT). WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS, NO POWER ASSIST FUNCTIONALITY FUNCTIONING, SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASES STEERING EFFORTS, THUS INCREASES VEHICLE CRASHING POSSIBILITIES SIGNIFICANTLY. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN ONLY DRIVEN FOR LESS THAN 4 YEARS. A SELF CHECK ON THE STEERING SYSTEM SHOWED WITH NO LEAKING STEERING FLUID AND COMPLETELY CLEAN STEERING FLUID WHEN THE INCIDENTS HAPPENED. THUS I HAVE REASON TO BELIEVE THIS IS DUE TO A DEFECT PART IN THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM OF MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
WHILE PASSING A SLOWER VEHICLE DURING INCREASED RPM'S THE MOTOR STALL AND STOPPED ASC SERVICE LIGHTS AND AIRBAG SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON ALMOST RESULTING IN A CRASH WITH PASSING VEHICLE BECAUSE OF NO STEERING AND PROPER BRAKING DUE TO LOSS OF POWER DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSTIC TECH NOTED INTERNAL FAILURE WITH ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE SEAT HEATING BURNED THE SEAT( DRIVER SEAT) REACHING BURNING ME ON MY UPPER LEG
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .