Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred repeatedly after coming to a complete stop. The contact stated that because of the failure, the contact was nearly involved in several crashes. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had not occurred until after the vehicle had been driven for a while or the engine had warmed up. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that a software update for the CVT transmission was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated after parking the vehicle, the vehicle would not turn off and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact disconnected the battery, and the vehicle was turned off. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the battery was replaced, but the failure reoccurred. On another occasion when the contact shifted the vehicle into drive, the computer failed to recognize that the vehicle had shift. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the contact was unsure what was repaired, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the transmission had a leak. The mechanic sealed the leak, but the failure persisted. The mechanic stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the transmission started slipping. The contact stated the Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact retrieved a pressure code fault. The contact called the local dealer and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was provided with the same pressure code failure code. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V563000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal. Over time, the failure worsened as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic but was later referred to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V563000 (Power Train) however, both the dealer and the manufacturer informed the contact that the recall was serviced under a prior owner. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 79,800.
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while she was at a stoplight, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle would not shift from first gear. The warning message "Transmission Requires Service." appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated she continued to depress the accelerator pedal until the vehicle switched gears. The contact stated she was able to drive the vehicle, however, the failure reoccurred while at a stop light. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact to take the vehicle in to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal. Over time, the failure worsened as the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic but was later referred to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The failure was linked to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V563000 (Power Train) however, both the dealer and the manufacturer informed the contact that the recall was serviced under a prior owner. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 79,800.
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated her daughter was driving 50 mph and became aware that the RPM gauge was fluctuating. The contact stated that the vehicle started shuddering and shaking, then stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver waited a few minutes and then was able to restart the vehicle and continued to drive however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission failed the pressure test and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle began to shake and the contact felt a shuddering in the steering wheel. The contact began to feel a loss of power and depressed the accelerator pedal however, the vehicle did not respond. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed and the mechanic retrieved DTC: P084A. The mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
The contact's son owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle hesitated while attempting to accelerate. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the transmission module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was like NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V563000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle unintendedly decreased speed. No warning lights illuminated. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that an unknown recall had been completed and closed. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Related recalls
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 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.
Transmission complaints in other Outlander years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander?
NHTSA has 64 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander, 44% of the model year's 145 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › torque converter (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 16V-563 (control module (tcm/pcm/tecm), Jul 28, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.