2013 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 2013 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
- Electrical1120.0%
- Airbags1120.0%
- Body & structure59.1%
- Suspension47.3%
- Brakes47.3%
- Engine47.3%
- Fuel system35.5%
- Steering35.5%
- Powertrain (other)35.5%
- Visibility23.6%
- Driver assistance23.6%
- Seat belts11.8%
- Other / unspecified11.8%
- Exterior lighting11.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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) who said the bulb needed to be replaced which they did. A month later the drivers low beam is out again. Firestone says the wiring has melted on that side too. This time I asked them not to fix it because I wanted to go back to the dealership to repair. 1 week later my battery died twice and the passenger low beam has stopped working again. A mechanic advised that a few years ago he worked on a 2012 Mitsubishi with the same issues and ended up totaling it out because the car’s computer was not modulating voltage properly. He said that car’s computer was not reading the codes correctly and was outputting voltages that did not match the Outlanders configuration. I was told there is a recall for this already. I wanted information on this before contacting the Texas State Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Office.
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 the hatch where water can get too it. i feel this is a safety issue incase of an accident or emergency if it is imperative to gain access. also the design of the so called emergency release lever is terrible. some people might not have a screw driver or something to pry with in order to remove the cover in order to gain access to the release lever. in my opinion (1)the emergency lever needs to be redisgned and have easier access to it.(2) replace the acutator and or the handle tailgate lock release. it could cost owners up tp $400 to replace these item at a dealership," unless they would want to tackle it themselves. i feel it's worth looking into. thankyou for your time and any help.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Airbag service system light is on In my car and the codes ran and it popped up SR-14-001 they gave me paperwork saying its a recall on my driver seat mounted airbag wiring has been improperly installed. Dealership is saying its not a recall.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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 the hatch where water can get too it. i feel this is a safety issue incase of an accident or emergency if it is imperative to gain access. also the design of the so called emergency release lever is terrible. some people might not have a screw driver or something to pry with in order to remove the cover in order to gain access to the release lever. in my opinion (1)the emergency lever needs to be redisgned and have easier access to it.(2) replace the acutator and or the handle tailgate lock release. it could cost owners up tp $400 to replace these item at a dealership," unless they would want to tackle it themselves. i feel it's worth looking into. thankyou for your time and any help.
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 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.
In 2020 I got a recall for engine support from Mitsubishi. We took it in and told me that the support was find that I didn’t need to be replace even tho the recall called for it. They ended up putting rust paint on the support. 4 weeks ago that part broke on my wife when she was driving down the road. The steering wheel was taken out of my wife’s hand while driving. She was able to get the off the road safely. But sprained her wrist. When I found the broken part on the car. I call Mitsubishi themself. When I reported these issue, I was told that someone would be coming to my house to look at the car. I signed a form for them to do that. And for the to read the computer on my car. That was 4 weeks ago. I have emailed them and called them. And no one knows what I’m talking about our replying to my email. And on top of it all we are missing work, at least one day a week because of this.
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
My vehicle has had over 10 recalls but Mitsubishi has refused to properly fix any of the problems. I will attach a photo of the control arms and certain parts and recalls THEY cleared, and sent me on my way with. Now there is full suspension damage. Tire damage. And an entire list of other recalls that were never fixed by Mitsubishi. Also Airbag light, incorrect gas level. Windshield fluid leaking, and more. My front tire is about to fly off. There are problems with the struts. And no mechanic wants to touch it due to a strut recall and can’t even buy struts anywhere for my car. They have been taken off the market completely. I have a 8 year old child in this car. And both of our lives at risk. I have brought it to several mechanics and they are in shock at the damage and how we have survived. I have had to pay with my own money for certain repairs because Mitsubishi said “everything looks fine” and sent me on my way. And now refuse to open a claim and pay it back. Or fix all the damage it has caused since the first control arm problem. I can get receipts and invoices together. But honestly the entire car is A huge liability and needs an IMMEDIATE SOLUTION!
A PARKING BRAKE RECALL HAS NOT FIXED THE CORROSION/LOCKING OF REAR PARKING BREAK CALIPERS. ROLLS WHILE IN GEAR AND TURNED OFF-IF ON INCLINE. PARKING BRAKE DOESN'T ENGAGE FULLY AND THEN STICKS BUT WILL NOT KEEP CAR FROM MOVING. STICKS WHILE FROZEN OR IN WARM WEATHER.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
In 2020 I got a recall for engine support from Mitsubishi. We took it in and told me that the support was find that I didn’t need to be replace even tho the recall called for it. They ended up putting rust paint on the support. 4 weeks ago that part broke on my wife when she was driving down the road. The steering wheel was taken out of my wife’s hand while driving. She was able to get the off the road safely. But sprained her wrist. When I found the broken part on the car. I call Mitsubishi themself. When I reported these issue, I was told that someone would be coming to my house to look at the car. I signed a form for them to do that. And for the to read the computer on my car. That was 4 weeks ago. I have emailed them and called them. And no one knows what I’m talking about our replying to my email. And on top of it all we are missing work, at least one day a week because of this.
THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS RECALLED AND REPLACED IN NOVEMBER OF 2017, BUT NOW THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD IS RUSTED FROM THE INSIDE WHICH CAUSED BITS TO BREAK OFF AND FALL INTO THE NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER. NOW THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD NEEDS TO BE REPLACED (THERE ARE ONLY 4 PARTS IN THE NATION FOR THIS??) AND THE NEW, LESS THAN A YEAR OLD, CATALYTIC CONVERTER HAS TO BE CLEANED OUT OF ALL THE RUSTY METAL BITS. THERE IS A RATTLING NOISE IN THE ENGINE WHEN IDLE (RPMS JUMP UP AND DOWN SLIGHTLY IN IDLE), QUIETS A BIT ONCE YOU HIT 2-3K RPMS AND THEN IS LOUD AGAIN AROUND 1-2K RPMS. THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD IS NEARLY A THOUSAND DOLLARS TO REPLACE! I DON'T LIVE NEAR THE OCEAN OR A PLACE WHERE IT SNOWS FREQUENTLY. MY 5 YEAR OLD CAR SHOULDN'T HAVE RUST IN THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THE OTHER RECALL JUST LAST YEAR. SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR WEEKS SINCE THE PROBLEM STARTED. THEY TOLD ME IT'S OUT OF MY WARRANTY BECAUSE MY CAR IS AT 75K MILES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The mouth part where u put the fuel nozzle into ur vehicle is rusting very bad and I try to clean it out often but I'm still concerned that there are rusted pieces of metal still getting down into my actual gas tank. What can be done about this? I wouldn't think this piece would rust considering it's made to handle fuel.
KEEPING THIS SIMPLE, THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 60,000 MILES ON IT, AND I WAS SMELLING GAS. TOOK IT TO THE GARAGE, AND WAS TOLD THAT THE GAS TANK, NEAR THE TALK, RUSTED AS IT PROBABLY WAS NOT SEALED PROPERLY. HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN, IT SEEMS IT IS RIGHT AROUND WHERE IT CONNECTS TOGETHER. THIS IS RIDICULOUS, AND SHOULD BE RECALLED. I NOTICED THAT IT WAS ON CARS, BUT NOT ON THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE. THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO, AS IT JEOPARDIZED THE SAFETY OF MYSELF AND MY CHILD.
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
In 2020 I got a recall for engine support from Mitsubishi. We took it in and told me that the support was find that I didn’t need to be replace even tho the recall called for it. They ended up putting rust paint on the support. 4 weeks ago that part broke on my wife when she was driving down the road. The steering wheel was taken out of my wife’s hand while driving. She was able to get the off the road safely. But sprained her wrist. When I found the broken part on the car. I call Mitsubishi themself. When I reported these issue, I was told that someone would be coming to my house to look at the car. I signed a form for them to do that. And for the to read the computer on my car. That was 4 weeks ago. I have emailed them and called them. And no one knows what I’m talking about our replying to my email. And on top of it all we are missing work, at least one day a week because of this.
IT SAYS REMOVE KEY, AND I CAN HAVE THE KEY IN MY HAND. WON'T LET THE KEY FOB LOCK IT EITHER
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
The contact owns a 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the "Transmission Overheating" message was displayed on the instrument panel as the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle would restart after waiting approximately 10 minutes and would resume normal operation. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who discovered that there was no defect with her vehicle and that the failure was linked to an electrical issue. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the transmission started overheating. There was a message displayed on the instrument panel to Slow Down. The vehicle then started to decelerate independently. The contact was able to park the vehicle and waited 10-15 minutes before restarting the vehicle. The contact stated that failure recurred within 45 minutes. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the pin needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to another independent mechanic where the mechanic performed a transmission flush. The contact continued to experience failure after the transmission was flushed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 96,793.
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
TAKATA RECALL A DAY AGO ME AND MY WIFE WAS RIDING DOWN THE HIGHWAY ON A RAINY DAY THEN THE WIPERS STOPPED WE WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY HIGHWAY POURING DOWN RAIN. WE COULD NOT SEE ANYTHING AT ALL WE ALMOST GOT INTO 4 ACCIDENTS. SITTING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD THE HIGHWAY SAFETY CAME AND HELPED US OFF THE HIGHWAY. I CALL THE COMPANY THEY ARE SAYING THEY HAVE NO WAY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM ALSO WE HAD A BABY IN THE CAR THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN OUR LIVES GONE
I HAD A RECALL NOTICE BY NHTSA ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THE DEALERSHIP, JIM MARSH OF NEVADA AND THEY HAVE BEEN IN TOUCH WITH MITSUBITSHI WHO CLAIMS THEY HAVE NO REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR THIS RECALL PROBLEM.WHAT AM I SUPPOSE TO DO NOW WHEN I CANNOT DRIVE THE CAR IF IT IS RAINING. PLEASE ADVISE THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *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
IMMOBIZER SYSTEM I HAD BEEN OUT OVER TWO HRS IN MY CAR CAME HOME FOR MIN TURNED CARE OFF IT DINGED SAYING IMMOBIZER SYSTEM NEEDS SERVICE AND CAR WOULD NOT START BACK EVEN THIS MORNING
CAR WOULD RANDOMLY SHUDDER AND RPMS FLUCTUATE WHILE IDLING. THEN WOULD JUST DIE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO GO FROM IDLE. EVENTUALLY ASC SERVICE REQUIRED WARNING CAME ON WITH SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT. TRANSMISSION TUNNLER WAS REPLACED. CAR RAN FINE FOR A FEW WEEKS AND PROBLEM HAS STARTED AGAIN. PULLING INTO GAS STATION, CAR STARTED TO SHUDDER. RPMS FLUCTUATED AND ASC SERVICE REQUIRED CAME ON AGAIN.
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
REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT AND REAR MIDDLE SEATBELT WERE DAMAGED BY THE SEAT BEING FOLDED FORWARD, REAR MIDDLE BELT IS COMPLETELY CUT IN HALF AND REAR PASSENGER SIDE BELT IS PARTIALLY CUT
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle has had over 10 recalls but Mitsubishi has refused to properly fix any of the problems. I will attach a photo of the control arms and certain parts and recalls THEY cleared, and sent me on my way with. Now there is full suspension damage. Tire damage. And an entire list of other recalls that were never fixed by Mitsubishi. Also Airbag light, incorrect gas level. Windshield fluid leaking, and more. My front tire is about to fly off. There are problems with the struts. And no mechanic wants to touch it due to a strut recall and can’t even buy struts anywhere for my car. They have been taken off the market completely. I have a 8 year old child in this car. And both of our lives at risk. I have brought it to several mechanics and they are in shock at the damage and how we have survived. I have had to pay with my own money for certain repairs because Mitsubishi said “everything looks fine” and sent me on my way. And now refuse to open a claim and pay it back. Or fix all the damage it has caused since the first control arm problem. I can get receipts and invoices together. But honestly the entire car is A huge liability and needs an IMMEDIATE SOLUTION!
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
-ELECTRIC LOCK BUTTON DID NOT RESPOND. -UNLOCK BUTTON ON KEY DID NOT RESPOND. -ON PUSHING START BUTTON, CONSOLE CYCLED THROUGH EVERY WARNING AVAILABLE, IN THIS ORDER: 'CLOSE FUEL CAP LID', 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED', 'BRAKE SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED' , 'ACC SERVICE REQUIRED', 'RBS SERVICE REQUIRED', 'CLOSE HOOD', 'ENGINE OVERHEATING STOP SAFELY', 'LIMITED DRIVING MODE', 'ASC SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED', '4WD SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED', 'LDW SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED 'EV SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED STOP SAFELY THE POWER WOULD NOT TURN OFF UNTIL START\STOP BUTTON WAS DEPRESSED FOR SEVERAL SECONDS. MAIN DRIVING LIGHTS CAME ON RADIO,WIPERS TOO.
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 .