VehicleVerdict

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport sits mid-pack among Outlander Sport years: 42 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 36, with 8 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (9), transmission (7), and electrical system (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

42

NHTSA complaints

8

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2016 compare to other Outlander Sport years?

Outlander Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2016 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, 2016 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Outlander Sport years to avoid →

What are the most common 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine921%
Transmission717%
Electrical System614%
Other410%
Steering37%
Brakes37%
Latches & Locks25%
Body & Structure25%
Speed Control25%
Lighting12%
Fuel System12%
Airbags12%
Suspension12%

Does the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have recalls?

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

20V741000BrakesNovember 30, 2020 · 21,758 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the parking brake operating shafts bind, the parking brakes may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brakes do not engage properly, the vehicle could rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake caliper assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 4, 2021. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-005.

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.

18V070000BrakesJanuary 26, 2018 · 170,354 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Outlander and 2013-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles. Water may enter the rear brake calipers causing the parking brake actuator shafts to corrode and possibly bind.

Consequence

If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear brake calipers and replace the parking brake boot and lever or the brake caliper body, as necessary. Dealers will also replace the piston assembly of the rear brake caliper. These repairs will be performed 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-18-002.

17V609000Electrical SystemSeptember 29, 2017 · 132,552 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Outlander, 2015-2016 Lancer and Outlander Sport, and 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles. These vehicles may have defective relays that can result in an engine stall, reduced engine power or the engine overheating.

Consequence

If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected relays, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-005.

17V233000Latches & LocksApril 6, 2017 · 35,674 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2016 Outlander and Outlander Sport vehicles. The inside door latch mechanisms may not latch securely in high temperatures, allowing the doors to open while vehicle is in motion.

Consequence

If a door opens while the vehicle is being driven, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-002.

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.

16V563000TransmissionJuly 28, 2016 · 82,436 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A hesitation during acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MMNA has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the CVT control unit with modified software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2016. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-006.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

WHEN IT RAINS OR AFTER CAR WASH GAS FILL COMPARTMENT IS FULL OF WATER. THERE IS NO DRAIN IN THERE AND THE WATER SLOSHES AROUND UNTIL IT FINALLY EVAPORATES. WORRIED ABOUT WATER ENTERING FULL TANK. MY GUESS IS THAT THEY FORGOT TO INSTALL A DRAIN HOLE OR TUBE. SINCERELY:[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 6, 2019

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…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 1, 2025

VEHICLE STALLED ON CITY ROAD, WAS ABLE TO RESTART. AND PULL INTO PARKING LOT WHEN IT STALLED AGAIN, ALL WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED IN VEHICLE. WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART THIS TIME, VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DEAD.COULD NOT MOVE SHIFTER TO ANY POSITION, STUCK IN PARK VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MITSUBISHI…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 26, 2019

Transmission light frequently comes on, car stalls/sluggish to respond. Has occurred while driving or at rest. No change despite several transmission servicing/towing expenses. Per online research, others experiencing same issues. Often resolves temporarily by turning off engine and restarting car.…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 8, 2025

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND MAKING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FACE AND RIBS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED AT THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 1, 2018 · crash

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport — common questions

Is the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport reliable?

It is close to typical for the Outlander Sport: 42 NHTSA complaints, 8 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2016 Outlander Sport problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (9 complaints), transmission (7 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints).

Does the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns affecting the 2016 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.

How safe is the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.