2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Electrical Problems

I am reporting an ongoing intermittent electrical problem with the ETACS (Electronic Time and Alarm Control System) or a potentially related electrical control circuit in my 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport LE. Multiple accessories, including the backup camera, power mirrors, radio, and USB/accessory power outlet, intermittently lose power and stop functioning together. These components may randomly begin working again coming on and off while driving. This is particularly concerning because these are not simply convenience features. When the backup camera stops working, the driver loses an important visual aid when reversing, increasing the risk of striking pedestrians, children, objects, or other vehicles, particularly in areas with limited visibility. When the power mirrors stop working, the driver may be unable to properly adjust or reposition the mirrors to maintain adequate visibility of surrounding traffic, creating dangerous blind spots when changing lanes, merging, or backing up. The fact that multiple unrelated accessories fail simultaneously suggests a possible common electrical supply, relay, wiring, grounding, or ETACS control-module problem rather than individual component failures. The radio has even been replaced with an OEM unit, but the problem continues. Fuses have also been checked and replaced without resolving the issue. I am concerned that an intermittent failure within the ETACS or its associated electrical circuits could indicate a broader reliability issue that may affect other electronically controlled vehicle functions. These failures occur unpredictably while operating the vehicle and cannot be reliably prevented by the driver. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this is a recurring electrical or ETACS-related defect in Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles. Losing multiple safety-related visibility aids without warning creates an avoidable risk to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists.

NHTSA ID

11774813

Incident

Oct 31, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11641330

Incident

Feb 7, 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

I AM A US ARMY VETERAN AND I NEED YOUR HELP WITH THE FOLLOWING SITUATION. I BOUGHT A MITSUBISHI 2018 OUTLANDER SPORT FROM THE MANATI COOPERATIVE IN APRIL 2019(VIN: [XXX]). THIS VEHICLE HAD A RECALL SINCE SEPTEMBER 14, 2018 AND I GOT IT APRIL 2019 WITH ELECTROMECHANICAL DEFECTS THAT CAUSE DEATH DRIVING AND ARE A DEADLY DANGER. AND NOW THE MITSUBISHI DOES NOT WORK AND CANNOT BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE RECALL. THE ABOVE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A LEMON LAW CASE AND I NEED YOUR HELP WITH THIS VIOLATION OF MY CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS. RESPECTFULLY, [XXX], US ARMY RETIRED INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11529355

Incident

Apr 15, 2019

ISSUE #1 Transmission light turns on and car starts feeling forced. My car is available for inspection upon request. Transmission issue almost caused the vehicles behind me bump into my vehicle, on a 75 mile highway going uphill. My vehicle was at normal speed then suddenly Transmission light comes on then car felt forced and immediately dropped speed. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer. Warning lamps of the problem came on a few minutes prior failure. ISSUE #2 Vehicle dies frequently and has turned off while driving, it has been inspected 2 times already for same issue. Only getting the battery replaced, but issue continues. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, the issue began approximately the beginning of 2019.

NHTSA ID

11485359

Incident

Aug 6, 2022

On 07/01/2022 low beam & high beams went out at the same time. Driving without headlights at night when they went out. Could have hit anything not knowing I didn't have any lights. Someone yelled at me from another vehicle to let me know my lights wasn't on keep turning lights on nothing. Made appt. with York Mitsubishi they seen me on 07/19/2022 they said the ETACS need to be replace control unit, time & AL8637 Power to fuse block no power to fuse @14.15 to light plugs, ETACS wont Ground -> will not power relay -> To power fuses -> To power bulbs.

NHTSA ID

11479737

Incident

Jul 1, 2022

ON MAY 1, 2020 I DROVE ABOUT 15 MILES FROM MY HOME TO MEDFORD, OREGON. I MADE ONE STOP AND UPON GETTING BACK INTO THE VEHICLE, I COULD NOT START OR TURN OFF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT OF THE VEHICLE. THE MAINFRAME KEPT SHOWING "ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED" I COULD NOT LOCK THE VEHICLE FOR SAFETY. I COULD NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE AS IT IS ITS MAIN PURPOSE. I COULD NOT TURN OFF THE UNIT WHICH MOST LIKELY RAN THE BATTERY DOWN AND IS MOST LIKELY DEAD. IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP WHICH CANNOT ACCESS RECALL INFORMATION. THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $150 TO DIAGNOSE, AND CANNOT PERFORM ANY RECALL WORK. I PURCHASED THIS CAR TO AVOID GETTING FIRED FROM A JOB THAT I HAD TO TRAVEL AN HOUR EACH WAY. THREE MONTHS LATER THEY LAID ME OFF. NOW THE CAR I PURCHASED IS NOT WORKING. I HAD CONTACTED THE PLACE I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM AFTER I PURCHASED BEFORE THIS HAPPENED TO GET HELP WITH THE RECALL WHICH THEY ASSURED ME THERE WAS A PLACE LOCALLY. WHICH THERE IS NOT. THE CLOSEST PLACE IS CALIFORNIA OR PORTLAND. NOW THAT THE CAR IS NOT DRIVEABLE, I CANNOT GET IT TO THE RIGHT DEALERSHIP TO BE FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. I DON'T HAVE EXTRA FINANCES TO MANAGE THIS. I AM A SINGLE PARENT ON UNEMPLOYMENT AND I NEED A VEHICLE TO BE ABLE TO WORK. THIS SITUATION IS CRITICAL AND I AM VERY UPSET AND DISAPPOINTED IN THE LACK OF HELP AND SUPPORT I HAVE RECEIVED TO HAVE A WORKING SAFE RELIABLE VEHICLE. SITUATION: I DROVE TO TOWN. PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE. IT WOULD NOT START. BRAKES ARE LOCKED. STEARING WHEEL LOCKED. SHIFTER LOCKED. RADIO ON. ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WOULD NOT SHUT OFF DRAINING THE BATTERY. WINDOWS CAN ROLL DOWN, BUT CANNOT USE POWER LOCKS TO LOCK THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID

11323200

Incident

May 1, 2020

Mileage

32,000 mi

PUSH BUTTON START FAILED. DASH MESSAGE "ELECTRICAL FAILURE". CAR WAS PARKED. TRIED TO START. BUTTON STARTED FLASHING AND MESSAGE APPEARED ON DASHBOARD. AFTER SECOND ATTEMPT, HEARD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX AREA.

NHTSA ID

11205710

Incident

May 5, 2019

Mileage

3,900 mi