2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has a complaint index of 57 with 21 complaints and 2 recalls, ranking 7th worst of 15 model years. NHTSA data give it a Caution verdict, driven mainly by electrical system and airbag complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 57/100
- #7 of 15 Outlander Sport years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 21
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 4
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 23 city / 29 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
Top 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System7 (33%)
- Airbags6 (29%)
- Transmission & Powertrain5 (24%)
- Brakes4 (19%)
- Other3 (14%)
- Engine2 (10%)
- Seat Belts2 (10%)
- Structure & Body2 (10%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (5%)
- Lane Departure1 (5%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Push-button start fails with an electrical failure message, sometimes accompanied by a short near the glove box.
- Both low and high beam headlights can cut out simultaneously while driving at night.
- Side airbags failed to deploy in a direct-impact deer collision.
- Front and passenger-side airbags failed to deploy during frontal and T-bone crashes at over 30 mph, including a case with a child properly restrained in a rear-facing seat.
- The transmission can slip or fail while driving, including a case where it failed completely just miles after slipping on the highway.
- Poor acceleration from a stop was reported, with the owner comparing it to a prior Outlander Sport recall.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 18V620000Sep 14, 2018Collision Avoidance & Cameras9,166 vehicles
Forward collision avoidance:software:pedestrian/cyclist/object/obstacle/ recognition
Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Outlander Sport, 2018-2019 Eclipse Cross, and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system that detects pedestrians. Due to incorrect software, the FCM-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) may apply braking for longer than needed, even after a pedestrian is no longer detected.
Risk: If the FCM-ECU software activates the brake for longer than necessary, the driver may react by applying additional braking. The resulting rapid deceleration of the vehicle can increase the risk of a rear-end collision.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the FCM-ECU software with updated software, free of charge. The recall is began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-007.
- NHTSA 18V621000Sep 14, 2018Collision Avoidance & Cameras58,916 vehicles
Forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system and 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross vehicles and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system and/or an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) system. The software for the Hydraulic Unit Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may be incorrect, possibly preventing the intervention of a safety system such as automatic emergency braking, Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), or the Brake Auto Hold (BAH) function when any of these systems are in use.
Risk: If the safety systems do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the Hydraulic Unit-ECU software, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-008.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 23 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other Outlander Sport years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport reliable?
- NHTSA data give the 2018 Outlander Sport a complaint index of 57 with 21 complaints and 2 recalls, earning a Caution verdict. It ranks 7th worst among the 15 model years with data.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Outlander Sport?
- Electrical system issues account for 33% of complaints, followed by airbags at 29% and transmission/powertrain problems at 24%. Electrical failures were reported at a median mileage of 17,950.
- Does the 2018 Outlander Sport have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Outlander Sport, both involving the Forward Collision Mitigation system software, covering the FCM-ECU and Hydraulic Unit-ECU.
- How does the 2018 Outlander Sport compare to other years?
- With a complaint index of 57, the 2018 model is worse than years like 2021 (29, Good), 2022 (21, Best), and 2023 (7, Best), but better than 2015 (100, Avoid) and 2014 (86, Avoid).
- Were there airbag deployment failures reported?
- Yes, owners reported side and frontal airbags that did not deploy during collisions, including one at over 30 mph and one deer-strike impact.