VehicleVerdict

2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 28 complaints on file for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

28

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Outlander Sport years?

Outlander Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Outlander Sport years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance725%
Electrical System621%
Engine518%
Other414%
Speed Control27%
Transmission27%
Fuel System14%
Seat Belts14%

Does the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V563000TransmissionAugust 2, 2022 · 76,508 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with continuously variable transmissions and mechanical key ignition systems. A software error in the transmission control unit (CVT-ECU) may incorrectly reduce the transmission gear ratio at high speeds, which can result in an engine stall.

Consequence

An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the CVT-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-22-004.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“The software system in regard to the BSW and FCM. The car tried to put itself in reverse while we were driving. Yes, the problem has been reproduced on the computer only. The vehicle is currently at the dealership being looked at now. The transmission service light came on, the FCM temporarily not…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · December 23, 2023

“Driving home with no other cars around the forward collision warning goes off for no reason losing power and slowing down on it's own. This has been an ongoing situation since the car was new, I've made numerous attempts to have my local dealership look into this situation and all they tell me is…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 7, 2025

“The contact owns a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the Service Engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local AutoZone where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The local…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 12, 2024

“I was turning out of my neighborhood and as I accelerated to merge with traffic my car started jerking. My dashboard “D” symbol only started flashing on and off and then my transmission service required light came on, (just had it done 8/25 and it is 11/25) and the BSW service required light…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 6, 2025

“The contact owns a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine misfired and the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was notified of the failure but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 1, 2022

2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport — common questions

Is the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport reliable?

The record is thin — 28 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2021 Outlander Sport problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (7 complaints), electrical system (6 complaints), engine (5 complaints).

Does the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 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 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 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.