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Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander SportRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 10 safety recalls and 85 owner complaints for the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Most complaints involve engine (26) and electrical system (15). The EPA rates it 26–27 mpg combined.

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Combined MPG
26–27mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
10campaigns
Latest May 2020
Owner complaints
85
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

10 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Structure: frame and members

Free remedy

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.

StructureReported May 18, 2020NHTSA 20V279000

Visibility: windshield wiper

Free remedy

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles. Water may enter between the hood and windshield and cause the front wiper link ball joint to corrode, possibly resulting in the wiper link separating and the wipers becoming inoperative.

VisibilityReported Feb 9, 2018NHTSA 18V103000

Engine and engine cooling: belts and associated pulleys

Free remedy

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive belt to detach.

Engine and engine coolingReported Jan 26, 2018NHTSA 18V069000
See all 10 recalls with remedies
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

85 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2011 – Jun 2025
  1. Engine26
  2. Electrical system15
  3. Engine and engine cooling9
  4. Power train9
  5. Visibility/wiper9
  6. Air bags8
  7. Service brakes7
  8. Suspension6
  9. Seat belts5

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Outlander Sport model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201185
201235
201367
201486
2015236
2016163
201773
201822
201947
202026
202119
202211
20237
20241
20251
20263
Crashes reported
6
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
7
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

26 reports
“The engine is shutting off while In traffic and from a full stop on red light. This happened so many times. I had to put on park and start the engine for it to work again.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 1, 2023EngineODI 11519749

Electrical system

15 reports1 crash
“Was driving the car and it totally lost power to everything. Had to pull over immediately with whatever power I had left to have the car roll to a stop. Multiple lights came on the dash. Notification came on the screen saying car can not communicate, engine is over heating. Tried to turn off car and back on and it would do nothing at all. Car has been at mechanic for 3 weeks they believe it is the ecu/psu but when replacing car continue to act up and not start.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 20, 2023Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11533521

Engine and engine cooling

9 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 25, 2024Engine and engine coolingODI 11567714
All 2011 Outlander Sport problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (AV-S6) · Manual 5-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Outlander Sport 2WD
Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
243027$2,200329
Outlander Sport 2WD
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
243026$2,300342
Outlander Sport 4WD
Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · 4-Wheel Drive
242926$2,300342
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026Vehicle 702Vehicle 701
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2011 Outlander Sport questions

How many recalls does the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have?

10 safety recalls as of Nov 12, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems?

Owners filed 85 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (26), electrical system (15), engine and engine cooling (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport get?

The EPA rates the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport at 26–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026