MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT · model year

2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT

42 NHTSA complaints, 2 crash reports, and 8 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2016MITSUBISHIOUTLANDER SPORT carries 42 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2016 OUTLANDER SPORT is engine with 8 filings, followed by power train (6) and electrical system (5). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 8 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 14 investigation files overlapping the 2016 OUTLANDER SPORT. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

42
Complaints
2
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

42 filings

Crashes Reported

2 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 — Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE8
POWER TRAIN6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
STEERING3
SERVICE BRAKES3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
STRUCTURE:BODY2
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH1
AIR BAGS1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE1
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS1

Recalls (8)

20V74100030/11/2020

PARKING BRAKE

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 th

17V60900029/09/2017

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY:RELAY

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.

16V56300028/07/2016

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

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 vehicl

18V07000026/01/2018

PARKING BRAKE

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.

20V27900018/05/2020

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

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, M

18V10300009/02/2018

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES

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.

17V23300006/04/2017

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

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.

16V86700002/12/2016

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

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

Recent Complaints

20250607UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I have a CVT system on my SUV and the transmission keeps slipping. A transmission light comes on and the car starts to stall. It happens mostly in stop and go traffic.

20250202SUSPENSION

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 somehow even a car wish will leave the floorboards soaking wet, the steering sways. This car had given me more issues in a year than all my cars throughout my lifetime combined and vehicle's vin number was NOT INCLUDED IN MANY SAFETY RECALLS. CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF THE CRASH.

20250202POWER TRAIN

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 somehow even a car wish will leave the floorboards soaking wet, the steering sways. This car had given me more issues in a year than all my cars throughout my lifetime combined and vehicle's vin number was NOT INCLUDED IN MANY SAFETY RECALLS. CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF THE CRASH.

20250202ENGINE

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 somehow even a car wish will leave the floorboards soaking wet, the steering sways. This car had given me more issues in a year than all my cars throughout my lifetime combined and vehicle's vin number was NOT INCLUDED IN MANY SAFETY RECALLS. CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF THE CRASH.

20250121VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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. Recalls issued for other Mitsubishi models, but not for this car. Needs to be addressed to prevent injury or loss of life.

20250121STEERING

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. Recalls issued for other Mitsubishi models, but not for this car. Needs to be addressed to prevent injury or loss of life.

20250121UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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. Recalls issued for other Mitsubishi models, but not for this car. Needs to be addressed to prevent injury or loss of life.

20240929UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Unknown. The transmission service light comes on and the vehicle drags until you turn the car off and restart it. I noticed online there's a CVT transmission recall and was wondering if this is what is happening to my vehicle.

20240929ENGINE

Unknown. The transmission service light comes on and the vehicle drags until you turn the car off and restart it. I noticed online there's a CVT transmission recall and was wondering if this is what is happening to my vehicle.

20240929SERVICE BRAKES

The parking brake is sticking when the vehicle is in motion, and it fails to keep the vehicle stationary when engaged. The car cannot operate correctly with the emergency brake engaged. Also it’s not safe since the car cannot be secured. There is an open recall for this issue however my VIN isn’t included but the issue is the same. This has been occurring for a few months, we just were able to figure out the issue last night and then I found the recall.

20240929SERVICE BRAKES

The parking brake is sticking when the vehicle is in motion, and it may fails to keep the vehicle stationary when engaged. It has been occurring for a few months. There is a current recall for this issue but my VIN is not included even though it’s the same issue.

20240110ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed catalytic converter. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the current catalytic converter was not the correct part for the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.

Mileage: 51,000

20230913POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle hesitated upon depressing the accelerator pedal, and the engine revved. The transmission warning light illuminated and the message "Transmission Hot" was displayed. The contact continued driving, and the message "Transmission Fluid Low" was displayed. The contact pulled to the side of the road and allowed the vehicle to cool down. The contact then checked the transmission fluid level and noticed that there was enough transmission fluid in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the failure was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V563000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,700.

Mileage: 67,700

20230215POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while accelerating at various speeds, the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear. The contact then stated that the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The check engine and the transmission warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V563000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

Mileage: 78,000

20220404EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that the passenger side headlight was inoperable and upon inspection it was discovered that the inside headlight assembly casing had melted and was damaged and the light bulb could not be replaced. Repairing the failure required replacing the entire headlight assembly. The contact indicated that approximately three weeks later the same failure occurred on the driver side headlight. The cause of the failure was not determined. the local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The vin was not available. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Mileage: 80,000

20210816POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the service transmission warning light illuminated. The failure caused the gear to downshift inadvertently from 4th gear to 1st gear within seconds. The contact managed to pull over to attempt to regain control however, the transmission failed intermittently. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the vehicle needed valve body replacement. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that due to the vehicle not being included under recall, and the warranty was expired, they were unable to assist. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.

Mileage: 119,000

20210806POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the transmission warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that while at a complete stop, a slight hesitation would occur upon depression of the accelerator pedal. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and the mechanic discovered a defect in the transmission solenoid valve. The dealer was contact about the failure and offered no assistance. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was 41,122.

Mileage: 41,122

20190612ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 DEALERSHIP. VEHICLE WAS AT DEALERSHIP FOR 7 DAYS, DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A BAD RELAY THAT PREVENTED COMMUNICATION WITH COMPUTER.

Mileage: 36,700

20190518ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

LOCKS STOPPED WORKING 1 YEAR AFTER PURCHASING MY VEHICLE, THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT AND BANK LOCKS STOPPED WORKING FIRST THEN THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT DOOR LOCK STOPPED WORKING

20190413SERVICE BRAKES

EMERGENCY BRAKE DOES NOT ENGAGE DUE TO ACTUATOR LEVER ON CALIPER BEING STUCK. THERE IS AN OPEN RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE WITH VEHICLES MATCHING MY MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR BUT MY VEHICLE DOES NOT SEEM TO BE INCLUDED IN SAID RECALL. THIS ISSUE WAS NOTICED WHEN THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WAS LIFTED BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO BE ABLE TO ROLL WHILE IN MY DRIVEWAY.

Mileage: 44,000

Compare 2016MITSUBISHIOUTLANDER SPORT to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT have?
The 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT has 42 NHTSA complaints, 2 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT?
The 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT?
Yes, the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT has 8 recall(s). The most common affected component is PARKING BRAKE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT?
The most-complained component for the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT is ENGINE with 8 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include POWER TRAIN and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.