Problems · NHTSA complaints

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems

Owners filed 21 complaints about the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport with NHTSA between Oct 2018 and Mar 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (7).

Complaints
21
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system7
  2. Air bags6
  3. Power train5
  4. Seat belts2
  5. Service brakes2
  6. Seats1
  7. Visibility1
  8. Lane departure1
  9. Forward collision avoidance1
  10. Steering1
  11. Engine1
  12. Exterior lighting1
  13. Service brakes, air1
  14. Structure1

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20181
20191
20205
20211
20222
20233
20242
20254
20262

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

7 reports1 related recall
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 12, 2024Power train, Electrical systemODI 11624824

Air bags

6 reports3 crashes
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 8, 2026Air bags, Seat belts, Unknown or otherODI 11722776

Power train

5 reports1 crash
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 19, 2022Power train, Electrical systemODI 11485359

Seat belts

2 reports
“Center seat belt will not retract, causing the belt to be unusable and unsafe.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 6, 2026Seat beltsODI 11722558

Service brakes

2 reports
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 28, 2023Steering, Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11529355

Seats

1 report
“The driver seatbelt come unattached while driving. The car looses electric system while driving”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 7, 2025Electrical system, SeatsODI 11641330
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026

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