2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems & reliability
26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, alongside 8 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
1 complaint report injuries (1 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles were involved in 2 fatal crashes with 0 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 8 | 31% |
| Power Train | 7 | 27% |
| Electrical System | 5 | 19% |
| Unknown OR Other | 4 | 15% |
| Service Brakes | 3 | 12% |
| Steering | 3 | 12% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 8% |
| Structure | 2 | 8% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 8% |
| Air Bags | 1 | 4% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“I have a CVT system on my SUV and the transmission keeps slipping. A transmission light comes on and the car starts to stall. It happens mostly in stop and go traffic.”
Unknown OR Other · filed Jun 7, 2025
“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…”
Suspension · filed Feb 2, 2025
“Transmission light frequently comes on, car stalls/sluggish to respond. Has occurred while driving or at rest. No change despite several transmission servicing/towing expenses. Per online research, others experiencing same issues. Often resolves temporarily by turning off engine and restarting car. Recalls issued for…”
Vehicle Speed Control · filed Jan 21, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
122 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The 10 most recent:
Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications.
TECH TALK 289 · Other · issued Nov 21, 2025
Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications.
TECH TALK 281 · Other · issued Aug 7, 2024
This Technical Service Bulletin instructs the dealer to update the Hands Free Module software to improve the Bluetooth connection when certain devices are connected to Wi‐Fi.
TSB-16-54-001REV · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 23, 2024
Service Manual Revision - This Technical Service Bulletin provides corrections to the description of special tools used to install the oil seal within the Automatic Transaxle sections of the applicable Service Manuals.
TSB-24-23-004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 3, 2024
Service Manual Revision - This Technical Service Bulletin instructs dealers to diagnose and test drive vehicles exhibiting a shudder or surge condition possibly caused by poor reaction of the hydraulic pressure circuit.
TSB-20-23-001RV4 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 25, 2024
Service Manual Revision - This Technical Service Bulletin instructs dealers to diagnose and test drive vehicles exhibiting a shudder or surge condition possibly caused by poor reaction of the hydraulic pressure circuit.
TSB-20-23-001REV · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 4, 2024
Service Manual Revision - This Technical Service Bulletin provides the procedure for diagnostic trouble code and on-vehicle service for belt & pulley assembly on certain CVT models.
TSB-24-23-001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Feb 14, 2024
This Revised Technical Information Notice provides dealers with the requirements needed to be entered into the Photo Required Condition & Pre-Approval Center (PRC) for a vehicle pulling/drifting and/or with steering…
TIN21-37-001REV3 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 29, 2024
This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
DEALER LETTER · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 21, 2023
This Technical Service Bulletin provides service manual corrections to the CVT maintenance procedure.
TSB-23-23-004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 24, 2023
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has 8 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.