Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Best and Worst Years (2011–2025)
Avoid the 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The 2015 model year is worst, with 182 complaints and a complaint index of 100, driven mostly by transmission and powertrain issues. The 2022 and 2023 years are best, with complaint indexes of 21 and 7.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 15
- 2011–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 474
- Recall campaigns
- 26
- Crashes reported
- 32
- Fires reported
- 1
- Top problem area
- Transmission & Powertrain
Outlander Sport Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Caution | 71 | 30 | 3 | 0 | 10 | Engine | 26 | — |
| 2012 | Good | 43 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 6 | Airbags | 26 | 4★ |
| 2013 | Avoid | 79 | 42 | 3 | 0 | 10 | Airbags | 26 | 4★ |
| 2014 | Avoid | 86 | 41 | 5 | 0 | 6 | Transmission & Powertrain | 26 | 4★ |
| 2015 | Avoid | 100 | 182 | 2 | 1 | 9 | Transmission & Powertrain | 26 | 4★ |
| 2016 | Good | 36 | 26 | 1 | 0 | 8 | Engine | 25 | 4★ |
| 2017 | Caution | 57 | 27 | 4 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | 25 | 4★ |
| 2018 | Caution | 64 | 21 | 4 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | 25 | 4★ |
| 2019 | Avoid | 93 | 26 | 5 | 0 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | 25 | 4★ |
| 2020 | Caution | 50 | 26 | 1 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 25.5 | 4★ |
| 2021 | Good | 29 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Engine | 25.5 | 4★ |
| 2022 | Best | 21 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 25.5 | 4★ |
| 2023 | Best | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Collision Avoidance & Cameras | 25.5 | 4★ |
| 2024 | No verdict | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engine | 26 | 4★ |
| 2025 | No verdict | 14 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Airbags | 25.5 | 4★ |
Outlander Sport years to avoid: what went wrong
2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Index 100 · 182 complaints · 9 recalls
The 2015 Outlander Sport is the worst year in the lineup, with a complaint index of 100 and 182 complaints, far more than any other year. Transmission and powertrain problems dominate, accounting for 64% of all complaints with a median mileage at failure of 50,510.5 miles. Owners reported jerking, hesitation, and sudden acceleration or deceleration issues, some starting at very low mileage. Engine complaints made up 28% of the total, with a median mileage of 31,086.5 miles, including reports of stalling and smoke. Nine recall campaigns apply to this year, including the front cross member corrosion recall.
2015 transmission & powertrain problems →2015 engine problems →2015 electrical system problems →
2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Index 93 · 26 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2019 model year has a complaint index of 93 from 26 complaints. Transmission and powertrain issues lead at 27% of complaints with a median mileage at failure of 90,000 miles, tied to a recall (22V563000) covering a CVT software error affecting vehicles with mechanical key ignition. Airbags and engine problems each account for 23% of complaints, with airbag issues occurring at a much lower median mileage of 13,000 miles. Owners reported airbags failing to deploy in crashes and brake-related complaints about vehicles moving despite full brake application.
2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Index 86 · 41 complaints · 6 recalls
The 2014 model year has a complaint index of 86 from 41 complaints and 6 recalls. Transmission and powertrain problems are the top issue, making up 34% of complaints with median mileage at failure of 56,000 miles. Owners reported sudden surges or hesitation when shifting. Brakes are the second most common concern at 22% of complaints, with a median mileage of 47,112 miles, including reports of anti-lock brakes engaging unexpectedly on wet roads. Engine complaints followed at 17%, with a lower median mileage of 32,032 miles.
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Index 79 · 42 complaints · 10 recalls
The 2013 Outlander Sport carries a complaint index of 79 with 42 complaints across 10 recall campaigns. Airbags and the electrical system each account for 26% of complaints, with median mileage at failure of 81,161 miles for airbags and 69,900 miles for electrical issues. Owners reported airbags failing to deploy during crashes, sometimes at highway speeds. A recall covering front cross member corrosion (campaign 21V144000) also applies to this year. Brakes and structure/body problems round out the top complaint areas, with median mileage around 46,700 to 47,000 miles.
Most common Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Transmission & Powertrain178 (38%)
- Engine121 (26%)
- Electrical System88 (19%)
- Other66 (14%)
- Brakes56 (12%)
- Airbags52 (11%)
- Structure & Body25 (5%)
- Fuel System24 (5%)
- Visibility & Wipers24 (5%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires21 (4%)
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport should I avoid?
- NHTSA complaint and recall data point to 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2019 as the years to avoid, with 2015 standing out due to a complaint index of 100 and 182 complaints, mostly involving transmission and powertrain problems.
- What is the best year for the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
- The 2022 and 2023 model years rank best, with complaint indexes of 21 and 7 respectively and far fewer complaints than earlier years.
- Is the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the 2015 model year has the highest complaint volume in the lineup at 182 complaints and the highest complaint index at 100, with transmission and powertrain problems making up 64% of those complaints.
- Does the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have transmission problems?
- Transmission and powertrain issues are the top overall problem area across all model years, accounting for 178 complaints, or 38% of the total 474 complaints, with 2015 and 2014 showing the highest shares.
- Are there recalls on the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 26 recall campaigns across the model years covered, including a CVT software recall (22V563000) for 2019-2022 models and a front cross member corrosion recall affecting 2013-2016 models.