MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT · model year

2021 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT

27 NHTSA complaints, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2021MITSUBISHIOUTLANDER SPORT carries 27 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 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 2021 OUTLANDER SPORT is electrical system with 6 filings, followed by engine (4) and unknown or other (3). 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 1 active recall campaign, 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 2021 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.

27
Complaints
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
2021 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2021 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

27 filings

Crashes Reported

0 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6
ENGINE4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING2
POWER TRAIN2
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION2
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL1
SEAT BELTS1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1

Recalls (1)

22V56300002/08/2022

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

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

Recent Complaints

20260109ENGINE

The contact owns a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that the catalytic converter was stolen from the vehicle, and a new catalytic converter was installed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the dealer, but no assistance was provided. The failure persisted. The contact recently received an Extended Warranty for the infotainment touch screens due to common software and connectivity failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.

Mileage: 6,000

20260109ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that the catalytic converter was stolen from the vehicle, and a new catalytic converter was installed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the dealer, but no assistance was provided. The failure persisted. The contact recently received an Extended Warranty for the infotainment touch screens due to common software and connectivity failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.

Mileage: 6,000

20251106VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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 came on as well. As I continued down the street everytime I pressed on the gas pedal the car kept jerking backwards and forward.

20251106LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

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 came on as well. As I continued down the street everytime I pressed on the gas pedal the car kept jerking backwards and forward.

20251106UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 came on as well. As I continued down the street everytime I pressed on the gas pedal the car kept jerking backwards and forward.

20250208ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 to take video when it happens.

20250208FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

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 to take video when it happens.

20241211BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

I have 40,000 miles on my vehicle, only owner and drive 28 miles to and from work a day. The entire Infotainment center is not usuable, I called the dealership I purchased it from and they said the warranty is 36,000 miles. How on a brand new car do you get 36,000 for a system that controls everything inside your car.

20240802ENGINE

Multiple and random Cylinder misfires. fixed more than three times and continuously, same issue. many issues with revving up. safety risk while driving due to stalling.

20240802FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Multiple and random Cylinder misfires. fixed more than three times and continuously, same issue. many issues with revving up. safety risk while driving due to stalling.

20240802ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Multiple and random Cylinder misfires. fixed more than three times and continuously, same issue. many issues with revving up. safety risk while driving due to stalling.

20240705ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Infotainment system failed. Touchscreen does not work incurring a major distraction when trying to change to navigation or utilize android auto.

20240514ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

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 dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

Mileage: 47,000

20240514UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I had a recall on this vehicle for the CVT software update which i got fixed by mitsubishi at the dealership but now its doing the same thing and seems worse, everytime I push on the gas it does not excelerate and usually gets stuck at 30-45MPH no matter how much i press on the gas, and the rpms get stuck at 3-4 thousand rpms which causes a safety threat when we are driving. I did some research and found out that this a well known issue with mitsubishi and its outlander sports vehicles I’m not sure what to do from here.

20240116SEAT BELTS

Driver side seat belt is not locking.

20231226LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

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 available, came on, and the BSW light came on.

20231226FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

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 available, came on, and the BSW light came on.

20231226FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

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 available, came on, and the BSW light came on.

20230801POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the automotive power started fluctuating, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle coasted off the roadway and was shifted into park; however, several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle would not accelerate above 30 MPH with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been intermittent but gradually became a recurring failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V563000 (Power Train). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Mileage: 50,000

20230608UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Since March 2023 my car has being to Bell Mitsubishi for AC problems the compressor stops working starts making noises and every time the compressor the failed the vehicle stalled. As of right now Mitsubishi does not know why this is happening I have not being provided with a loaner car or rental. today 6/8/2023 my car has being at the dealer for almost 2 weeks they claimed they put a brand new A/C system but is not working. They don't have an ETA for my car to be done. I depend on my vehicle to commute to work. I commute every day 17 miles each trip.

Compare 2021MITSUBISHIOUTLANDER SPORT to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2021 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT have?
The 2021 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT has 27 NHTSA complaints, 0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT?
The 2021 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 2021 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT?
Yes, the 2021 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT?
The most-complained component for the 2021 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 6 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ENGINE and UNKNOWN OR OTHER.
Is the 2021 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 2021 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.