RoadVitals

2018 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.
21
Latest Mar 8, 2026
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.
2
Latest Sep 14, 2018
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.
4
3 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 21 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, most frequently naming the electrical, airbags and powertrain (other) categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 103 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

  • Electrical721.2%
  • Airbags618.2%
  • Powertrain (other)515.2%
  • Brakes39.1%
  • Driver assistance39.1%
  • Seat belts26.1%
  • Suspension13.0%
  • Visibility13.0%

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

2 campaigns cover this model year

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
18V620000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE:SOFTWARE:PEDESTRIAN/CYCLIST/OBJECT/OBSTACLE/ RECOGNITION

Sep 14, 2018
9,166 units potentially affected
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Outlander Sport, 2018-2019 Eclipse Cross, and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system that detects pedestrians. Due to incorrect software, the FCM-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) may apply braking for longer than needed, even after a pedestrian is no longer detected.
The risk: If the FCM-ECU software activates the brake for longer than necessary, the driver may react by applying additional braking. The resulting rapid deceleration of the vehicle can increase the risk of a rear-end collision.
The remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the FCM-ECU software with updated software, free of charge. The recall is began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-007.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.Manufacturer number SR-18-007View on NHTSA.gov
18V621000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC); FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP

Sep 14, 2018
58,916 units potentially affected
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system and 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross vehicles and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system and/or an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) system. The software for the Hydraulic Unit Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may be incorrect, possibly preventing the intervention of a safety system such as automatic emergency braking, Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), or the Brake Auto Hold (BAH) function when any of these systems are in use.
The risk: If the safety systems do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the Hydraulic Unit-ECU software, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-008.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.Manufacturer number SR-18-008View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 21
AirbagsSeat belts
Filed Mar 8, 2026

Air bag symbol is lit on dash. Technicians unable to find issue, nor were they able to reset light. I feel the importance of said system functioning properly needs addressed. Not just we e can't find what is wrong.Nothing else we can do. No, that's b s

NHTSA ID
11722776
Incident
Feb 25, 2026
Seat belts
Filed Mar 6, 2026

Center seat belt will not retract, causing the belt to be unusable and unsafe.

NHTSA ID
11722558
Incident
Oct 17, 2025
Airbags
Filed Aug 8, 2025
Crash reported1 injury reported

This is a follow-up and correction to a complaint previously submitted for VIN [XXX] regarding airbag non-deployment during a passenger-side T-bone collision on [XXX]. A [XXX] child was properly restrained in a rear-facing car seat in the rear passenger-side seat. The vehicle was struck directly on the passenger side at an estimated 30 mph. The front passenger door was deformed to the point it can no longer be opened. Despite this significant side impact and the presence of an occupied child seat in the rear, no side curtain airbags deployed—including those designed to protect rear outboard passengers. This vehicle is equipped with side curtain airbags as standard equipment. We believe this may constitute a failure of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) to perform as intended under FMVSS 214 and 226. We request that this report be associated with the prior complaint and considered in any manufacturer or regulatory investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11679429
Incident
Aug 5, 2025
Airbags
Filed Aug 8, 2025
Crash reported1 injury reported

On 05AUG25, my wife was involved in a frontal collision while driving our 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The vehicle struck another vehicle at an estimated speed of over 30 mph, resulting in significant damage to the front passenger side, including deformation of the hood and front quarter panel. Despite the severity of the impact, no airbags deployed. My wife was properly restrained and sustained visible bruising across her torso. She is currently in her second trimester of pregnancy. The seatbelt force alone presented a serious safety risk to her and our unborn child. There were no airbag system warning lights prior to the collision, and the SRS appeared to be functioning normally. The failure of the airbags to deploy under these conditions indicates a potential defect in the supplemental restraint system. This appears to be a dangerous failure of the airbag system. We are requesting a formal investigation into the SRS components and crash sensor functionality of this vehicle model.

NHTSA ID
11679419
Incident
Aug 5, 2025
Airbags
Filed Feb 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag light warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the air bag sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ID
11641815
Incident
Jan 31, 2025
Mileage
90,000 mi
ElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Feb 7, 2025

The driver seatbelt come unattached while driving. The car looses electric system while driving

NHTSA ID
11641330
Incident
Feb 7, 2024
ElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 12, 2024

I am filing this complaint regarding serious safety issues with my 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, VIN: [XXX] , purchased from Carvana in 2019. Recurring transmission problems have created a significant safety risk for me and others. About a year after purchase, the vehicle’s transmission began failing, and I replaced it in 2021. Despite this, the transmission warning light activates intermittently in stop-and-go traffic, and now the vehicle has started stalling on highways, creating a critical hazard by suddenly losing power. In 2021, I took the vehicle to a now-closed Mitsubishi dealership in Brooklyn, where I was informed that this transmission issue was not covered, despite it being a drivetrain problem that should have been under the 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. My research suggests this model may have a Transmission Control Unit (CVT-ECU) defect, potentially causing stalling. Carvana has stated this issue is Mitsubishi’s responsibility, as it is likely manufacturing-related rather than due to prior use. Given Carvana’s stance and the severe safety implications of stalling, I urge NHTSA to investigate if this vehicle, or others with similar transmissions, pose a broader safety risk. Summary of Safety Concerns:     1.    Recurring Transmission Problems: Transmission was replaced in 2021, yet the warning light persists, indicating unresolved issues.     2.    Stalling on Highways: Vehicle loses power without warning, posing a major hazard in high-speed traffic.     3.    Potential Manufacturing Defect: Research suggests a CVT-ECU defect, likely explaining the stalling. These issues leave me unable to rely on my vehicle safely. For my safety and others, I request an investigation into these transmission issues in the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport to determine if there is a larger safety concern. Thank you for your attention. I am available to provide further information as needed.   INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11624824
Incident
Mar 1, 2021
AirbagsVisibility
Filed Oct 8, 2024

The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that the message "Air Bag System Service Required" was displayed. Additionally, the message "Window Washer Fluid Low" was displayed while there was sufficient washer fluid in the reservoir. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V621000 (Forward Collision Avoidance, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical System). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 62,366.

NHTSA ID
11618718
Incident
Oct 1, 2024
Mileage
62,366 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-19-54-013REV

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Technical Service Bulletin instructs the dealer to update the Smartphone Link Display Audio software to resolve several issues.

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.

TSB-20-23-001RV4

POWER TRAIN

Service Manual Revision - This Technical Service Bulletin instructs dealers to diagnose and test drive vehicles exhibiting a shudder or surge condition possibly caused by poor reaction of the hydraulic pressure circuit.

TSB-20-23-001REV

POWER TRAIN

Service Manual Revision - This Technical Service Bulletin instructs dealers to diagnose and test drive vehicles exhibiting a shudder or surge condition possibly caused by poor reaction of the hydraulic pressure circuit.

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
2018Viewing212056.5
2017270042.1
2016268045.8
20151829049.7
2014406056.0
20134210049.0
2012146054.7
20113010053.1

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.