IllustrationVehicle changes gears on its own. Vehicle goes in and out of gear on its own when driving. Very unsafe and had to stop using this vehicle so myself or anyone else does not get hurt.
2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Outlander Sport years
Owner complaints for the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport are substantially higher than the model-year median of 23.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Outlander Sport years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
390–25K
2225–50K
1950–75K
1675–100K
16100–150K
3150K+
115 reports with mileage · 67 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Power Train. Review the 117 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 35 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
2 crash reports1 fire reports2 injury reports
What owners actually said
182 reportsWe purchased new a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport which has a Recall regarding the CVT transmission causing Vehicle Hesitation when Accelerating increasing the risk of a crash. We began experiencing "Hesitation when Accelerating" along with a "Transmission Service Required Light" in November 2023. Upon contacting a Mitsubishi D…
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We purchased new a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport which has a Recall regarding the CVT transmission causing Vehicle Hesitation when Accelerating increasing the risk of a crash. We began experiencing "Hesitation when Accelerating" along with a "Transmission Service Required Light" in November 2023. Upon contacting a Mitsubishi Dealership, we were told by a Service Rep that the Recall had already been performed on our vehicle and there was nothing else to do regarding the Recall. I explained that the problem with the CVT had not been correctly repaired due to the fact that we are now experiencing the cause and affect issues that mandated the Recall on the CVT Power Train. This is my wife's car and we are very concerned with this issue and the reluctance of Mitsubishi to correctly make the needed repairs under the Recall Notice.
I was driving on the highway on a trip and out of no where my car shuttered and then flashed service transmission soon, I pulled over and my car would no longer drive, reverse or go into neutral. The tow company reset my battery to try to reset my car system. After that my car wouldn’t really go past 60. I followed the tow truck…
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I was driving on the highway on a trip and out of no where my car shuttered and then flashed service transmission soon, I pulled over and my car would no longer drive, reverse or go into neutral. The tow company reset my battery to try to reset my car system. After that my car wouldn’t really go past 60. I followed the tow truck to the nearest town and it stalled again at the light and I could no longer go at all, my car locked up and wouldn’t reset at that point. It’s an $1100 tow back home. The CVT transmission really needs to be rechecked and recalled. I’ve found too many issues and the same complaints but can’t find a recall on it at all.
The cvt transmissions aren't great. And goes out quite a bit. No warnings lights ever came on. Just a normal routine inspection to continue with being up to date with maintenance. This problem needs to be recalled.
I was driving down the road at 60 miles an hour. My car completely shut down restarted itself while I was in Drive going 60 miles an hour. It put me back in first gear shot my RPMs through the roof. I put it in park once I come to a stop, sit there for a minute shut it down started back up. Finished my drive out after that happe…
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I was driving down the road at 60 miles an hour. My car completely shut down restarted itself while I was in Drive going 60 miles an hour. It put me back in first gear shot my RPMs through the roof. I put it in park once I come to a stop, sit there for a minute shut it down started back up. Finished my drive out after that happened. My stereo has kicked in and out about every 20 minutes while going down the road.
Hesitation when pressing the accelerator. This is a recall that affects 2015-2016 Outlander Sports but according to my vin it isn't needed on this car. I regularly will slow to make a turn or to a stop light and when i try to go it can take 0.5-5.5 seconds before the car will actually move. This has led to a dozen times where i …
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Hesitation when pressing the accelerator. This is a recall that affects 2015-2016 Outlander Sports but according to my vin it isn't needed on this car. I regularly will slow to make a turn or to a stop light and when i try to go it can take 0.5-5.5 seconds before the car will actually move. This has led to a dozen times where i have almost been in an accident because of it.
2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is having problems shifting and accelerating. There is a Transmission service needed light that comes on the dash when turned on. Recently it would not go over 40 - 45 MPH, and continued to go slower. I had to turn the car off and back on which helped a little. I have taken the vehicle to the de…
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2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is having problems shifting and accelerating. There is a Transmission service needed light that comes on the dash when turned on. Recently it would not go over 40 - 45 MPH, and continued to go slower. I had to turn the car off and back on which helped a little. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership and they confirmed the faulty transmission and they gave me a printed quote for a new transmission. The mileage is at 101162 and the main problem is when I try to reach 65 MPH speed I feel the transmission goes back to a lower speed so I always stock with 40 - 45 MPH and so hard to accelerate again. we own another 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport with 196k miles on it and never faced any transmission issues we always change the J4 fluid and the filter on time. for sure there's something wrong with this year's model (2015) from the manufacturer because our 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport with 196k miles is still sharp.
I have 2015 outlander sport has 100k miles on it and I had the transmission replaced at 62000 miles at the dealership but now I have a hesitation engine when go over 70k per hour on the highway and airbag service sign on for no reason and the fog light with the led light off with no reason too.
The contact owns a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated with the RPM's fluctuating before the vehicle stalled. After restarting the vehicle, the failure persisted. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehi…
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The contact owns a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated with the RPM's fluctuating before the vehicle stalled. After restarting the vehicle, the failure persisted. The transmission warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed and determined there was a general failure with the powertrain. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V563000 (Power Train) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,484.
My 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport transmission failed at 45,000 miles. I had my car diagnosed and was told I needed a new transmission. In addition, my safety was put at risk because my vehicle would not accelerate at a traffic light when needed to go. It would also not get up to speed when merging into the highway and it wou…
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My 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport transmission failed at 45,000 miles. I had my car diagnosed and was told I needed a new transmission. In addition, my safety was put at risk because my vehicle would not accelerate at a traffic light when needed to go. It would also not get up to speed when merging into the highway and it would not maintain the speed limit while driving. This was a very dangerous situation for me. I was not able to accelerate at stop lights, which could have caused me to get hit from behind. In addition to this, I was unable to maintain a safe speed on the highway. My car would only get up to 40 miles per hour when the speed limit would be 60 to 70 miles per hour. Furthermore, my car was taken to the Mitsubishi dealership service center and was inspected. I was told that I needed a new transmission. Lastly, the day before I took my car in to get diagnosed the serve light on my car came on and said, “Service Transmission Required.”
Official recalls
921V144000 · Structure:frame And Members; Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
Mar 5, 2021
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure, such as from road salt use.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied, or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one, free of charge. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-21-001. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-279. Owners not previously notified under 20V-279 were notified on March 22, 2021.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Structure:frame And Members
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure, such as from road salt use.
Consequence: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied, or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one, free of charge. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-21-001. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-279. Owners not previously notified under 20V-279 were notified on March 22, 2021.
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure, such as from road salt use.
Consequence: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied, or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one, free of charge. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-21-001. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-279. Owners not previously notified under 20V-279 were notified on March 22, 2021.
20V279000 · Structure:frame And Members; Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
May 18, 2020
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Structure:frame And Members
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
Consequence: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.
Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
Consequence: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.
18V103000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:linkages
Feb 9, 2018
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles. Water may enter between the hood and windshield and cause the front wiper link ball joint to corrode, possibly resulting in the wiper link separating and the wipers becoming inoperative.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rod of the wiper link and the wiper motor crank arm, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 10, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-004.
18V070000 · Parking Brake
Jan 26, 2018
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Outlander and 2013-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles. Water may enter the rear brake calipers causing the parking brake actuator shafts to corrode and possibly bind.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear brake calipers and replace the parking brake boot and lever or the brake caliper body, as necessary. Dealers will also replace the piston assembly of the rear brake caliper. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-002.
17V609000 · Electrical System:starter Assembly:relay
Sep 29, 2017
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Outlander, 2015-2016 Lancer and Outlander Sport, and 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles. These vehicles may have defective relays that can result in an engine stall, reduced engine power or the engine overheating.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected relays, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-005.
16V792000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor
Oct 31, 2016
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to January 5, 2015. In the affected vehicles, water may drop between the hood and the windshield and leak into the wiper motor breathing hole. The water may cause internal corrosion of the windshield wiper motor and the possible failure of the motor.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The manufacturer has begun the recall, but parts are not yet available; a second notice will be sent when parts are available. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-010.
16V563000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission; Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Jul 28, 2016
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A hesitation during acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
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. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-006.
Additional source detail variants (2)
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.
Consequence: A hesitation during acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
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. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-006.
Power Train:automatic Transmission
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.
Consequence: A hesitation during acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
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. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-006.
16V548000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines
Jul 22, 2016
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured June 25, 2014, through November 25, 2015 and equipped with a 2.0L engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). During assembly, a clamp for a CVT hose may not have been properly secured, allowing the hose to detach and leak transmission fluid.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may become inoperable, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if leaking transmission fluid contacts an a hot surface there is an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the hose clamps, correcting their installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2016. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-16-005.
14V744000 · Seat Belts
Nov 21, 2014
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured July 20, 2012, to July 23, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the front passenger seat belt lap end attachment fastener may not be torqued to specification, and the fastener may loosen with time.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A loosened and weakened fastener may not be capable of withstanding the load forces associated with a vehicle crash, leaving the seat occupant insufficiently restrained and increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt lap end attachment fastener, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-714-372-6000. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-011.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.