Most common 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems
Share of the 19 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport complaints by model year
Best Outlander Sport years: 2012, 2022, 2023. Years to avoid: 2015. Compare all years →
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport recalls (1)
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.
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.
What 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport owners say
Engine & cooling
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.
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 contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V563000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 900.
Electrical 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.
The contact owns a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was stalling and not accelerating as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an unknown recall repair. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000.
Driver assistance
I was driving approximately 35MPH on a 4-lane road with no vehicles in front of me. The car came to a hard stop. The stop was so hard that my purse flew from the passenger seat to the floor. I was wearing my seat belt which tightened up but my body still moved forward causing me neck pain. I did notice briefly that a flashing yellow light was on the dashboard. There were no objects in front of me. The driver of the car behind me had to slam on their brakes and almost hit my car. My car stayed still for about 15 seconds and then the automatic brake was released.
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.
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 24 / 30 / 27 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 4WD | 23 / 29 / 26 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 23 / 29 / 25 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | 4WD | 23 / 28 / 25 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport a good car?
Based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Outlander Sport rates average: 1.2× 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 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
The engine & cooling — 6 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor. Next are the electrical system (6) and driver assistance (5).
How many recalls does the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have?
There is 1 recall for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, the most recent from August 2, 2022 (software). 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 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 22,000 miles; 80% 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.