YearToAvoid

2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

93/100

#2 most-complained of 15 Outlander Sport years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has a complaint index of 93, ranking 2nd worst out of 15 model years, and earns an Avoid verdict. NHTSA logs 26 complaints, 1 recall, 5 crashes, and 5 injuries, with transmission and powertrain issues the top problem area at 27% of complaints.

Complaints
26
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
5 / 0
Injuries / deaths
5 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
25
23 city / 29 hwy

Top 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Other7 (27%)
  2. Transmission & Powertrain7 (27%)
  3. Airbags6 (23%)
  4. Engine6 (23%)
  5. Brakes3 (12%)
  6. Electrical System2 (8%)
  7. Structure & Body2 (8%)
  8. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (8%)
  9. Fuel System1 (4%)
  10. Seat Belts1 (4%)

What owners report

  • Owners describe the vehicle losing motive power momentarily at highway speed with cruise control on, followed by RPM spiking and a warning message.
  • Some describe stalling around 20 mph with the Service Engine Soon and transmission service lights illuminated after a dealer diagnosed a needed transmission flush.
  • Others report a 'Slow - Transmission Overheating' message appearing at 60 mph, with the vehicle unable to exceed 25 mph afterward and needing a tow.
  • Airbag warning lights have flashed on and off at highway speed without a clear explanation.
  • In separate crash reports, owners say airbags did not deploy despite frontal impacts.
  • One owner reported the brakes failed to stop the car from a complete stop and that speed did not register.
2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport complaints: complaints filed per month4Nov 2019Jul 2020Apr 2022Jul 2023Jul 2024Jan 2025Apr 2025Mar 2026
39 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2019 to Jun 2026; peak Jul 2024 (4).

2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 22V563000Aug 2, 2022Transmission & Powertrain76,508 vehicles

    Power train:automatic transmission:control module:software

    Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with continuously variable transmissions and mechanical key ignition systems. A software error in the transmission control unit (CVT-ECU) may incorrectly reduce the transmission gear ratio at high speeds, which can result in an engine stall.

    Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the CVT-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-22-004.

2019 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.

2019 compared with other Outlander Sport years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2017Caution5027025
2018Caution5721225
2019Avoid9326125
2020Caution6426125.5
2021Good2919125.5

All Mitsubishi Outlander Sport years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2019 model ranks 2nd worst out of 15 model years for this model, with a complaint index of 93 and an Avoid verdict.
What is the main problem with the 2019 Outlander Sport?
Transmission and powertrain issues are the top problem area, making up 27% of complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 90,000 miles.
Does the 2019 Outlander Sport have a recall?
Yes. NHTSA recall 22V563000 covers 2019-2022 Outlander Sport vehicles with CVTs and mechanical key ignitions, citing a software error in the transmission; the remedy is a free CVT-ECU software update.
How many complaints and crashes are reported for the 2019 Outlander Sport?
NHTSA lists 26 complaints for the 2019 Outlander Sport, including 5 crashes and 5 injuries, with no fires or deaths reported.
How does the 2019 Outlander Sport compare to other years?
With a complaint index of 93, the 2019 model is worse than most other years; only 2015 (index 100) ranks higher, while years like 2022 and 2023 score much lower with Best verdicts.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.