NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls and 163 owner complaints for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Most complaints involve power train (65) and engine (27). The EPA rates it 24–27 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2016 Outlander and Outlander Sport vehicles. The rust prevention coating on the rear brake operating shafts could have been peeled off during the assembly process. As a result, water entering the rear brake caliper boot may cause the parking brake operating shafts to corrode and possibly bind.
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.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Outlander Sport model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 | 85 |
| 2012 | 35 |
| 2013 | 67 |
| 2014 | 86 |
| 2015 | 236 |
| 2016 | 163 |
| 2017 | 73 |
| 2018 | 21 |
| 2019 | 47 |
| 2020 | 26 |
| 2021 | 19 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 3 |
“I bought a Mitsubishi outlander 2016 and just in couple of month the car doesn’t want to engage on the transmission , the SUV doesn’t go forward or backwards, it sound like the engine tend to try but the car doesn’t move”
“In less than one year with this car, 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT, is hesitating when accelerating then jerking forward into 4th gear, while driving at various speeds, the steering column vibrates makes loud sound, I’ve replaced the headlights at least 6x, water is getting in the vehicle somehow even a car wish will leave the floorboards soaking wet, the steering sways. This car had given me more issues in a year than all my cars throughout my lifetime combined and vehicle's vin number was NOT INCLUDED IN MANY SAFETY RECALLS. CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF THE CRASH.”
“The emergency brake suddenly failed to function. Applied the brake but there was no tension on the lever & no brake function occuring. I understand there was a VIN specific recall on this vehicle and just wondering how my vehicle that falls under the year, make & model does not qualify for the recall but is suffering from the same exact issue?”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outlander Sport 2WD Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 30 | 27 | $2,200 | 328 |
| Outlander Sport 4WD Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 26 | $2,300 | 342 |
| Outlander Sport 2WD Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 28 | 25 | $2,400 | 355 |
| Outlander Sport 2WD Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,400 | 347 |
| Outlander Sport 4WD Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive | 22 | 27 | 24 | $2,500 | 361 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
8 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 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.
Owners filed 163 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (65), engine (27), service brakes (17). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport at 24–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (5 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 4 out of 5 stars overall.