Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Engine Problems

Owners have filed 94 complaints about engine & cooling problems with the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport — 20% of all Outlander Sport complaints. The worst model years are 2015 (36), 2011 (10) and 2016 (9). Problems typically start around 46,000 miles. 2 related recalls have been issued.

94complaints
2015worst year
46ktypical miles
2related recalls
1crashes
1fires

Engine complaints by model year

201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022202310345369515862
Engine complaints per model year, Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
YearComplaintsShare of year's complaintsTypical mileage
2022218%3,000 miles
2021632%6,000 miles
2020831%81,000 miles
2019519%111,000 miles
201815%—
2017519%46,000 miles
2016935%12,000 miles
20153620%35,000 miles
2014512%76,000 miles
2013410%74,000 miles
2012321%53,000 miles
20111033%99,000 miles

Which parts fail

  • Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
    2

Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).

Mileage when the problem started

  • Under 25k
    2138%
  • 25k–50k
    1323%
  • 50k–75k
    47%
  • 75k–100k
    814%
  • 100k–150k
    1018%
  • 150k+
    00%

What owners report

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.

2021 Outlander Sport · 6,000 miles · Sep 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 contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V563000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 900.

2021 Outlander Sport · 1,000 miles · Aug 2022

The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle deaccelerated unintendedly and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled into a gas station. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the spark plug was fractured, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 81,000.

2020 Outlander Sport · 81,000 miles · Dec 2022

The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine a cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.

2020 Outlander Sport · 45,000 miles · Jun 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power momentarily with an unknown message was displayed. The vehicle then regained motive power independently and the RPM was elevated to 7,000. The contact stated that there was a hole in the transmission housing and the lower engine block. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.

2019 Outlander Sport · 111,000 miles · Jul 2022

Starter clicks, doesn't turn engine. Tried rotating engine, engine will not turn past a certain angle. Removed spark plugs for cylinder inspection. 1,2, and 3 ok. Cylinder 4 spark plug extremely difficult to remove. Ground strap has been impacted by debris. Borescope inspection shows two broken off exhaust valves laying on the piston. Valve cover removed to inspect timing chain and sprokets. Chain and sprokets are intact. Engine reassembled besides cylinder 4 spark plug and coil pack.

2019 Outlander Sport · Aug 2024

This 2017 outlander has had issues with the tire rod multiple times. It needed to be fixed approx every three months and the tires needed constant changing as well. This vehicle had a timing chain issue which left me stranded in the middle of the high way. the power stopped, the car started to jerk back and forth and it would power off. We had to get this car towed to three seperate mechanics as no one would work on a mitsubishi and I was told it was the timing chain with possible engine damage. Prio to all of this happening the radio and electrical system would freeze or automatically turn off and on, it never resolved and blue tooth was rarely able to be used.

2017 Outlander Sport · Aug 2022

My greatest concern is the engine stalling while driving, new battery draining so quickly , the vehicle shaking while idle then shuts off. I cannot understand how my vehicle was not added to the engine stall recall even with these problems replicating what Mitsubishi identifies in there past recalls. This is very dangerous because macanics or diagnostic computers cannot identify problems with the car but after driving it for a good while or maybe a few hours the car could just shut off in the middle of no where in a highway which has already happened to me endangering me and my family. I write to NHTSA today so that my vehicle as urgently as possible can be included in a investigation for this vehicle to be included in Mitsubishi's recall.

2017 Outlander Sport · 130,000 miles · Aug 2020

Related recalls (2)

Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys

NHTSA recall 18V-069 · Jan 26, 2018 · 141,053 vehicles

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive belt to detach.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018.

Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys

NHTSA recall 14V-562 · Sep 12, 2014 · 165,923 vehicles

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles.

Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge.

Frequently asked questions

Which Mitsubishi Outlander Sport years have engine problems?

By NHTSA complaints, the 2015 (36), 2011 (10), 2016 (9), 2020 (8) and 2021 (6) model years. Engine complaints make up 20% of all complaints for the 2015.

Is there a recall for Mitsubishi Outlander Sport engine problems?

Yes — 2 recalls, including 18V-069 (belts and associated pulleys, Jan 26, 2018); 14V-562 (belts and associated pulleys, Sep 12, 2014). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.

At what mileage do Mitsubishi Outlander Sport engine problems start?

Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles; 61% happened before 50,000 miles.

What part fails most often?

Owners most often name the exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor (2 mentions).

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.