VehicleVerdict

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport sits mid-pack among Outlander Sport years: 47 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 36, with 10 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (10), electrical system (8), and other (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

47

NHTSA complaints

10

Recalls

0

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

NCAP overall

How does 2011 compare to other Outlander Sport years?

Outlander Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted279 complaints2011: 47 complaints2012: 18 complaints2013: 59 complaints2014: 58 complaints2015: 279 complaints2016: 42 complaints2017: 47 complaints2018: 37 complaints2019: 42 complaints2020: 34 complaints2021: 28 complaints2022: 21 complaints2023: 15 complaints2024: 2 complaints2025: 1 complaints2026: 2 complaints
Outlander Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2011 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Outlander Sport years to avoid →

What are the most common 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1021%
Electrical System817%
Other511%
Brakes49%
Airbags49%
Visibility & Wipers36%
Seat Belts36%
Transmission36%
Body & Structure24%
Suspension24%
Steering24%
Seats12%

Does the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have recalls?

10 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V279000Body & StructureMay 18, 2020 · 141,200 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.

18V103000Visibility & WipersFebruary 9, 2018 · 158,651 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rod of the wiper link and the wiper motor crank arm, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 10, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-004.

18V069000EngineJanuary 26, 2018 · 141,053 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-001.

16V867000Body & StructureDecember 2, 2016 · 50,228 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to June 1, 2012, and 2016 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured January 11, 2016, to July 8, 2016. The lift gate support outer tube on the affected vehicles may have insufficient anti-corrosion treatment that can allow the outer tube to corrode due to salt and water penetration.

Consequence

If the outer tube corrodes, there may be a rapid loss of the gas used to provide lift assistance, causing the lift gate to fall suddenly, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lift gate supports, free of charge. The recall began on January 20, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-011.

16V792000Visibility & WipersOctober 31, 2016 · 93,801 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to January 5, 2015. In the affected vehicles, water may drop between the hood and the windshield and leak into the wiper motor breathing hole. The water may cause internal corrosion of the windshield wiper motor and the possible failure of the motor.

Consequence

Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The manufacturer has begun the recall, but parts are not yet available; a second notice will be sent when parts are available. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-010.

15V579000OtherSeptember 21, 2015 · 2 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured on December 3, 2010. The affected vehicles are equipped with incorrect certification labels that were installed during manufacturing. The incorrect labels do not have the correct vehicle identification numbers (VIN) printed on the label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Consequence

A vehicle must comply with all regulatory requirements to ensure that it is safe.

Remedy

Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will install corrected certification labels, free of charge. The recall began on October 8, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-010.

15V233000Visibility & WipersApril 20, 2015 · 76,958 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Lancer vehicles manufactured March 16, 2009, to March 30, 2011, 2010-2011 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to December 1, 2010, 2010-2011 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to January 7, 2011, 2009-2011 Outlander vehicles manufactured February 10, 2009, to June 22, 2011, and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to November 19, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the blower motor may fail.

Consequence

Failure of the blower motor may reduce the performance of the windshield defroster, diminishing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-003.

14V562000EngineSeptember 12, 2014 · 165,923 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4B1 engines, have an engine pulley and belt arrangement for turning the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (if equipped). These pulleys may experience unusual wear and allow for belt detachment.

Consequence

If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-009.

14V560000BrakesSeptember 12, 2014 · 2 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured on September 3, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the switch sleeve in the brake booster may crack and prevent the brake pedal from returning properly.

Consequence

If the pedal is unable to move back to the proper position, the vehicle may not move as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-008.

13V255000Visibility & WipersJune 20, 2013 · 3,181 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, through March 29, 2011. The panoramic glass roof may have been installed without primer being applied before the adhesive.

Consequence

Without primer being used, the panoramic glass roof may have reduced adhesion, possibly allowing the glass roof to detach from the vehicle, resulting in a road hazard to other vehicles.

Remedy

MMNA will notify owners and dealers will inspect the panoramic glass to see if primer was installed. If primer is not present, the glass will be reinstalled. The recall began on July 8, 2013. MMNA's recall number is SR-13-007. Customers may contact MMNA at 1-888-648-7820.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V562000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED TO REMEDY THE VEHICLE WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 13, 2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY PULLED TO THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 10, 2015 · crash

THE EXTERIOR RUBBER WINDOW MOLDINGS ARE CORRODED AND MELTED WHICH ALLOWS FOR THE WATER TO GET INTO THE DOOR DAMAGING THE ELECTRICAL WIRING FOR THE WINDOWS AUTOMATIC OPERATION. MY VEHICLE ISN'T THE ONLY VEHICLE WITH THIS PROBLEM AS I HAVE SEEN THAT MOST OF THESE CARS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. I HAVE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 9, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER'S HEAD STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 7, 2015 · crash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY PULLED TO THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · March 10, 2015 · crash

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport — common questions

Is the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport reliable?

It is close to typical for the Outlander Sport: 47 NHTSA complaints, 10 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2011 Outlander Sport problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (10 complaints), electrical system (8 complaints), other (5 complaints).

Does the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns affecting the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mitsubishi Outlander Sport years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Outlander Sport years to avoid are 2015, 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among Outlander Sport years belongs to 2025.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.