2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Problems & Complaints

Averageabout as many complaints as a typical year of the Outlander Sport at the same age

Owners have filed 26 complaints about the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the Outlander Sport at the same age. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling (9 complaints, typically around 12,000 miles). 8 recalls cover this model year.

26complaints
8recalls
1crashes
0fires
1injuries
0deaths

Most common 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems

  • Engine & cooling~12,000 miles
    935%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~68,000 miles
    727%
  • Electrical system~12,000 miles
    519%
  • Other / not specified
    415%
  • Steering~19,000 miles
    312%
  • Brakes~44,000 miles
    312%
  • Speed control & acceleration~6,000 miles
    28%
  • Locks & latches~14,000 miles
    28%
  • Body & structure~19,000 miles
    28%
  • Air bags~16,000 miles
    14%
  • Stability & traction control
    14%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~12,000 miles
    14%
  • Lights~80,000 miles
    14%
  • Suspension
    14%

Share of the 26 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport complaints by model year

201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022202330144241182262721262619117
Owner complaints per model year, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Outlander Sport years: 2012, 2022, 2023. Years to avoid: 2015. Compare all years →

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport recalls (8)

Parking brake

NHTSA recall 20V-741 · Nov 30, 2020 · 21,758 vehicles

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.

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.

Structure › Frame and members

NHTSA recall 20V-279 · May 18, 2020 · 141,200 vehicles

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,…

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…

Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Linkages

NHTSA recall 18V-103 · Feb 9, 2018 · 158,651 vehicles

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.

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.

Parking brake

NHTSA recall 18V-070 · Jan 26, 2018 · 170,354 vehicles

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.

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.

Electrical system › Starter assembly › Relay

NHTSA recall 17V-609 · Sep 29, 2017 · 132,552 vehicles

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.

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.

Latches/locks/linkages › Doors › Latch

NHTSA recall 17V-233 · Apr 6, 2017 · 35,674 vehicles

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.

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.

Show 2 more recalls

Structure › Body › Hatchback/liftgate › Hinge and attachments

NHTSA recall 16V-867 · Dec 2, 2016 · 50,228 vehicles

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.

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.

Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)

NHTSA recall 16V-563 · Jul 28, 2016 · 82,436 vehicles

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.

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.

What 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport owners say

Engine & cooling

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.

Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor · 51,000 miles · Jan 2024

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.

Feb 2025

Transmission & drivetrain

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. …

68,000 miles · Sep 2023

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.

Automatic transmission · 119,000 miles · Jun 2021

Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. While driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle hesitated to accelerate. While merging onto the highway, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact also stated that the vehicle pulled to the right without warning. Later, when the ignition was turned to the on position, the vehicle hesitated to start. The failures recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the failures could not be duplicated. The contact later noticed that the electrical system malfunctioned. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 1,000.

1,000 miles · Jul 2016

Tl* the contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled and lost power without warning. The contact called Ford of port richey at [phone] (located at 10715 us-19, port richey, fl 34668) where the dealer stated that no recall was associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 17V609000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified and stated that there was no recall associated with the VIN; however, a free diagnostic offer would be mailed. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.

12,000 miles · Dec 2017

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.0L 4-cylCVTFWD24 / 30 / 27
2.0L 4-cylCVT4WD23 / 29 / 26
2.0L 4-cyl5-speed manualFWD23 / 29 / 25
2.4L 4-cylCVTFWD23 / 28 / 25
2.4L 4-cylCVT4WD22 / 27 / 24

EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport a good car?

Based on 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Outlander Sport rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Outlander Sport at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?

The engine & cooling — 9 complaints, 35% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (7) and electrical system (5).

How many recalls does the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have?

There are 8 recalls for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, the most recent from November 30, 2020 (parking brake). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2022 and 2023. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2015. See the full Mitsubishi Outlander Sport years comparison.

At what mileage do 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 37,000 miles; 69% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.