VehicleVerdict

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport sits mid-pack among Outlander Sport years: 37 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 36, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (8), airbags (6), and transmission (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

37

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Outlander Sport years?

Outlander Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 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, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Outlander Sport years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System822%
Airbags616%
Transmission514%
Other38%
Brakes38%
Seat Belts25%
Driver Assistance25%
Lighting13%
Seats13%
Speed Control13%
Steering13%
Body & Structure13%
Suspension13%
Engine13%
Visibility & Wipers13%

Does the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have recalls?

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

18V620000Driver AssistanceSeptember 14, 2018 · 9,166 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Outlander Sport, 2018-2019 Eclipse Cross, and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system that detects pedestrians. Due to incorrect software, the FCM-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) may apply braking for longer than needed, even after a pedestrian is no longer detected.

Consequence

If the FCM-ECU software activates the brake for longer than necessary, the driver may react by applying additional braking. The resulting rapid deceleration of the vehicle can increase the risk of a rear-end collision.

Remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the FCM-ECU software with updated software, free of charge. The recall is began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-007.

18V621000Driver AssistanceSeptember 14, 2018 · 58,916 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system and 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross vehicles and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system and/or an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) system. The software for the Hydraulic Unit Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may be incorrect, possibly preventing the intervention of a safety system such as automatic emergency braking, Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), or the Brake Auto Hold (BAH) function when any of these systems are in use.

Consequence

If the safety systems do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the Hydraulic Unit-ECU software, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-008.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“PUSH BUTTON START FAILED. DASH MESSAGE "ELECTRICAL FAILURE". CAR WAS PARKED. TRIED TO START. BUTTON STARTED FLASHING AND MESSAGE APPEARED ON DASHBOARD. AFTER SECOND ATTEMPT, HEARD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX AREA.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · May 5, 2019

“THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 63 MPH ON A RURAL BLACKTOP, WHEN A WHITE TAIL DEER RAN INTO THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT AND REAR DOOR MEET. THE COLLISION CAUSED BOTH DOOR WINDOWS TO SHATTER, AND THE DOORS ARE DENTED SO BAD THEY CANNOT BE OPENED. THE SIDE AIRBAGS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 14, 2020 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT THE GEAR FROM DRIVE INTO REVERSE WITH THE FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A HOUSE WALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS BEFORE OR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 28, 2020 · crash

“I HAD A RECALL SCHEDULE AN APPOINT WITH MITSUBISHI DEALER IN DES MOINES, IA * WENT TO MY APPT TODAY 10-25 AND WAS TOLD THEY CANNOT DO THE RECALL BECAUSE THE COMPUTER THEY NEED TO RESET THE SOFTWARE IS DOWN. NO CALL OR OFFER TO GIVE ME A LOAN CAR DUE TO THE SAFTEY ISSUE OF THE RECALL. I DO NOT THINK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 25, 2018

“I was parked in my family yard and my dash service symbols just came on 5 at once. I have not been involved in any collision or any trauma to the vehicle.Those lights are the FCM, LFW, AHB, and ASC service required lights. The FCM will come on go off and come back on. I am concerned that these…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 4, 2023

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport — common questions

Is the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport reliable?

It is close to typical for the Outlander Sport: 37 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2018 Outlander Sport problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (8 complaints), airbags (6 complaints), transmission (5 complaints).

Does the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 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 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 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.