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2021 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.
17
Latest Mar 25, 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.
1
Latest Aug 2, 2022
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.
0

Overview

Our database contains 17 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, most frequently naming the driver assistance, electrical and engine categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 47 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

  • Driver assistance628.6%
  • Electrical628.6%
  • Engine523.8%
  • Powertrain (other)29.5%
  • Fuel system14.8%
  • Seat belts14.8%

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

1 campaign 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
22V563000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Aug 2, 2022
76,508 units potentially affected
The defect: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with continuously variable transmissions and mechanical key ignition systems. A software error in the transmission control unit (CVT-ECU) may incorrectly reduce the transmission gear ratio at high speeds, which can result in an engine stall.
The risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the CVT-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-22-004.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.Manufacturer number SR-22-004View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

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

View all 17
Filed Mar 25, 2026

The brand new from the factory transmission that got replaced at a dealership to “fix” the initial recall stalled and went into limp mode while driving at under 50,000 miles.

NHTSA ID
11726925
Incident
Mar 9, 2026
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jan 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that the catalytic converter was stolen from the vehicle, and a new catalytic converter was installed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the dealer, but no assistance was provided. The failure persisted. The contact recently received an Extended Warranty for the infotainment touch screens due to common software and connectivity failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.

NHTSA ID
11710012
Incident
Sep 27, 2025
Mileage
6,000 mi
Driver assistance
Filed Nov 6, 2025

I was turning out of my neighborhood and as I accelerated to merge with traffic my car started jerking. My dashboard “D” symbol only started flashing on and off and then my transmission service required light came on, (just had it done 8/25 and it is 11/25) and the BSW service required light came on as well. As I continued down the street everytime I pressed on the gas pedal the car kept jerking backwards and forward.

NHTSA ID
11698038
Incident
Nov 6, 2025
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Feb 8, 2025

Driving home with no other cars around the forward collision warning goes off for no reason losing power and slowing down on it's own. This has been an ongoing situation since the car was new, I've made numerous attempts to have my local dealership look into this situation and all they tell me is to take video when it happens.

NHTSA ID
11641459
Incident
Feb 7, 2025
Driver assistance
Filed Dec 11, 2024

I have 40,000 miles on my vehicle, only owner and drive 28 miles to and from work a day. The entire Infotainment center is not usuable, I called the dealership I purchased it from and they said the warranty is 36,000 miles. How on a brand new car do you get 36,000 for a system that controls everything inside your car.

NHTSA ID
11630096
Incident
Aug 20, 2024
ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed Aug 2, 2024

Multiple and random Cylinder misfires. fixed more than three times and continuously, same issue. many issues with revving up. safety risk while driving due to stalling.

NHTSA ID
11606093
Incident
Aug 1, 2024
Electrical
Filed Jul 5, 2024

Infotainment system failed. Touchscreen does not work incurring a major distraction when trying to change to navigation or utilize android auto.

NHTSA ID
11599268
Incident
Jul 5, 2024
Filed May 14, 2024

I had a recall on this vehicle for the CVT software update which i got fixed by mitsubishi at the dealership but now its doing the same thing and seems worse, everytime I push on the gas it does not excelerate and usually gets stuck at 30-45MPH no matter how much i press on the gas, and the rpms get stuck at 3-4 thousand rpms which causes a safety threat when we are driving. I did some research and found out that this a well known issue with mitsubishi and its outlander sports vehicles I’m not sure what to do from here.

NHTSA ID
11588792
Incident
May 14, 2024

Manufacturer communications

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

TSB-25-54-002

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This revised Technical Service Bulletin instructs dealers to confirm that the SDA2 Audio Unit touch screen is unresponsive, and if confirmed, to replace the SDA2 Audio Unit.

PB-25-54-002

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This parts bulletin provides clarification on the correct part numbers to order / use based upon the situation of repair / replacement.

TSB-25-54-002

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Technical Service Bulletin instructs dealers to confirm that the SDA2 Audio Unit touch screen is unresponsive, and if confirmed, to replace the SDA2 Audio Unit.

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.

TIN-25-54-007

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Technical Information Notice informs dealers that the Apple CarPlay and Android Auto icons do not show up on the display when the radio is replaced under Warranty Extension and how to correct the issue..

TSB-25-54-002

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Technical Service Bulletin informs dealers of a warranty extension for an unresponsive touch screen on the SDA2 Audio Unit.

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
2021Viewing171040.0
2020261044.7
2019261053.6
2018212056.5
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.