Problems · by component

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander power train problems

71 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander cite power train, 42% of all 171 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
71
42% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the power train

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“This vehicle exhibits a severe and dangerous acceleration hesitation, accompanied by a sudden, momentary loss of engine torque when pulling out from stops or trying to merge onto highways. This unexpected loss of power leaves the vehicle stranded briefly in oncoming traffic, creating an immediate crash hazard. This failure matches the exact physical defect and symptoms detailed in NHTSA Recall 16V563000 (Mitsubishi Campaign SR-16-006). The dangerous safety defect is actively persisting whether the remedy was already completed or not (Mitsubishi states that my vehicle is not included in the recall—this is not true—which will be explained in more detail at the end of this description. In a good-faith effort to resolve this dangerous hesitation, the transmission valve body was recently replaced out-of-pocket, but the identical recall symptoms remain entirely unchanged. This proves that the initial software recall remedy was structurally inadequate to permanently secure the mechanical safety of the vehicle. Mitsubishi corporate customer relations was formally notified of this failed recall remedy, but they have refused to provide assistance or resolve the issue.…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 15, 2026Power train, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11764420
“The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle unintendedly decreased speed. No warning lights illuminated. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that an unknown recall had been completed and closed. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 27, 2026Power train, Vehicle speed controlODI 11760065
“The car itself should not be sold considering the number of complaints about the transmission issues. I’ve only had the car a month and Its started to stall and jerks when in acceleration. The gears started to not shift properly and the car would not go over 20 miles without jerking. I took the car back to the lot to get it fixed and then it stopped, was driving back smoothly. The car shop said they changed the transmission oil which supposedly was the problem. 2 weeks later the car is back stalling and jerking with the “transmission service required” light back on yet again.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 23, 2026Power train, Electrical system, EngineODI 11752307
“The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred repeatedly after coming to a complete stop. The contact stated that because of the failure, the contact was nearly involved in several crashes. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had not occurred until after the vehicle had been driven for a while or the engine had warmed up. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that a software update for the CVT transmission was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V563000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 16, 2025Power trainODI 11693850
“On the freeway TRANSMISSION FAILURE SERVICE light came on and the cars acceleration geared, had to immediately pull over on the side of the freeway, restarted the car with emergency lights to get out of the freeway. Vehicle would not accelerate much and the rpm was switching fast up and down. Check engine light came on the next day and the diagnosis read catalytic converter needs replacement. Car does not accelerate on hills, its shifts and tugs on a regular road.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 23, 2025Power train, Vehicle speed control, Unknown or otherODI 11689068
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 26, 2025Power train, EngineODI 11644957

Showing 6 of 71 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Power train: control module (tcm

Free remedy

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles and 2016 Outlander and Lancer vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a constant velocity transmission (CVT) that, in certain driving conditions, may cause a delay in the vehicle accelerating.

Power trainReported Jul 28, 2016NHTSA 16V563000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026

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

Other 2016 Outlander problem areas