Problems · NHTSA complaints

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander problems

Owners filed 88 complaints about the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander with NHTSA between Mar 2011 and Apr 2026. The most-cited component is engine (27).

Complaints
88
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
6
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
7
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Engine27
  2. Electrical system15
  3. Engine and engine cooling9
  4. Power train9
  5. Visibility/wiper9
  6. Air bags8
  7. Service brakes7
  8. Suspension6
  9. Structure5
  10. Seat belts5
  11. Vehicle speed control4
  12. Visibility3
  13. Steering3
  14. Fuel/propulsion system3

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 27, 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
20115
20122
20131
201410
201510
20169
201710
201815
20195
20204
20213
20221
20235
20243
20254
20261

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

Engine

27 reports
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection? The engine experienced catastrophic internal failure. A connecting rod broke and punctured the engine block, rendering the vehicle completely inoperable. This failure is consistent with overheating and internal engine damage. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure occurred suddenly while driving, without warning. The vehicle lost power immediately, which could have resulted in loss of control, inability to accelerate, and exposure to traffic hazards. This created a serious safety risk to myself and others on the road. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? An independent mobile mechanic inspected the vehicle and confirmed catastrophic engine failure. Based on the condition of the engine and damage observed, the failure is consistent with severe overheating and internal mechanical breakdown. Full written diagnosis may be pending. Dealer inspection: UNKNOWN”) Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police,…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 19, 2026EngineODI 11732167

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 reports2 related recalls
“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

Power train

9 reports
“The Transmissions in these vehicles are junk and very dangerous. I was driving out of town and all of a sudden the RPM´s started revving up. Then I tried to slow down and pull over and the vehicle did not want to down shift and it stalled on the highway with traffic. This is not the first time the transmission went out on the same vehicle. I had a hard time finding a transmission to put in and when I did it only lasted a year. Please, you can not put these cars out there with this type of transmission in them. They are junk. Please make this right.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 14, 2023Power train, Vehicle speed controlODI 11517019

Visibility/wiper

9 reports
“HARPSWELL AUTO ILLEGALLY SOLD ME A VEHICLE WITH 5 SAFELY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE BEFORE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. SAFETY RECALL CODES ARE C1611Z, C1614Z, C1801R, C1806Z, C2003R. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE 4/25/2020 AND 2 RECALLS WERE DUE IN 2016 AND 3 WERE DUE IN 2019. WHERE THESE ARE VERY BIG SAFETY RECALLS I THINK HARPSWELL AUTO NEEDS TO HAVE THEIR LICENSE REVOKE FOR SERVICE AND INSPECTION STICKERS BECAUSE MY VEHICLE SHOULD NEVER HAVE PASSED INSPECTION WITH THE CROSSMEMBER RECALL COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 18, 2021Seat belts, Structure, Visibility/wiperODI 11396847

Air bags

8 reports5 crashes
“I WAS RETURNING HOME FROM WORK AND WAS AT A STOP SIGN WAITING TO TURN LEFT. CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP. WHEN BELIEVING I WAS CLEAR I BEGAN MY LEFT TURN WHEN A CAR CROSSED IN FRONT OF MINE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. I ATTEMPTED TO STOP BUT THE TWO CARS COLLIDED AND THE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY TORN OFF AND MY FRONT HOOD WAS BUCKLED BACK TOWARDS THE WINDSHIELD. WHEN EMERGENCY RESPONSE ARRIVED, THEY FELT VERY STRONGLY THAT THE AIR BAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AND THEY MOVED ME TO THE BACK SEAT FOR FURTHER OBSERVATION BECAUSE THEY WERE AFRAID THE AIR BAG MAY STILL DEPLOY AND CAUSE FURTHER INJURY. I WAS SUBSEQUENTLY TRANSPORTED TO A LOCAL HOSPITAL FOR EVALUATION AND AFTER TESTING AND OBSERVATION WAS RELEASED WITH MODERATE BACK PAIN AND MILD TO MODERATE NECK PAIN.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 17, 2018Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11063381
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 27, 2026

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