IllustrationThe driver seatbelt come unattached while driving. The car looses electric system while driving
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport do not stand out strongly from 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
Limited mileage data: 9 of 21 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
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.
- Electrical System. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Power Train. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
4 crash reports0 fire reports3 injury reports
Electrical System complaints
7 reportsI am filing this complaint regarding serious safety issues with my 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, VIN: [XXX] , purchased from Carvana in 2019. Recurring transmission problems have created a significant safety risk for me and others. About a year after purchase, the vehicle’s transmission began failing, and I replaced it in 20…
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I am filing this complaint regarding serious safety issues with my 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, VIN: [XXX] , purchased from Carvana in 2019. Recurring transmission problems have created a significant safety risk for me and others. About a year after purchase, the vehicle’s transmission began failing, and I replaced it in 2021. Despite this, the transmission warning light activates intermittently in stop-and-go traffic, and now the vehicle has started stalling on highways, creating a critical hazard by suddenly losing power. In 2021, I took the vehicle to a now-closed Mitsubishi dealership in Brooklyn, where I was informed that this transmission issue was not covered, despite it being a drivetrain problem that should have been under the 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. My research suggests this model may have a Transmission Control Unit (CVT-ECU) defect, potentially causing stalling. Carvana has stated this issue is Mitsubishi’s responsibility, as it is likely manufacturing-related rather than due to prior use. Given Carvana’s stance and the severe safety implications of stalling, I urge NHTSA to investigate if this vehicle, or others with similar transmissions, pose a broader safety risk. Summary of Safety Concerns: 1. Recurring Transmission Problems: Transmission was replaced in 2021, yet the warning light persists, indicating unresolved issues. 2. Stalling on Highways: Vehicle loses power without warning, posing a major hazard in high-speed traffic. 3. Potential Manufacturing Defect: Research suggests a CVT-ECU defect, likely explaining the stalling. These issues leave me unable to rely on my vehicle safely. For my safety and others, I request an investigation into these transmission issues in the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport to determine if there is a larger safety concern. Thank you for your attention. I am available to provide further information as needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I AM A US ARMY VETERAN AND I NEED YOUR HELP WITH THE FOLLOWING SITUATION. I BOUGHT A MITSUBISHI 2018 OUTLANDER SPORT FROM THE MANATI COOPERATIVE IN APRIL 2019(VIN: [XXX]). THIS VEHICLE HAD A RECALL SINCE SEPTEMBER 14, 2018 AND I GOT IT APRIL 2019 WITH ELECTROMECHANICAL DEFECTS THAT CAUSE DEATH DRIVING AND ARE A DEADLY DANGER. AN…
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I AM A US ARMY VETERAN AND I NEED YOUR HELP WITH THE FOLLOWING SITUATION. I BOUGHT A MITSUBISHI 2018 OUTLANDER SPORT FROM THE MANATI COOPERATIVE IN APRIL 2019(VIN: [XXX]). THIS VEHICLE HAD A RECALL SINCE SEPTEMBER 14, 2018 AND I GOT IT APRIL 2019 WITH ELECTROMECHANICAL DEFECTS THAT CAUSE DEATH DRIVING AND ARE A DEADLY DANGER. AND NOW THE MITSUBISHI DOES NOT WORK AND CANNOT BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE RECALL. THE ABOVE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A LEMON LAW CASE AND I NEED YOUR HELP WITH THIS VIOLATION OF MY CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS. RESPECTFULLY, [XXX], US ARMY RETIRED INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
ISSUE #1 Transmission light turns on and car starts feeling forced. My car is available for inspection upon request. Transmission issue almost caused the vehicles behind me bump into my vehicle, on a 75 mile highway going uphill. My vehicle was at normal speed then suddenly Transmission light comes on then car felt forced and i…
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ISSUE #1 Transmission light turns on and car starts feeling forced. My car is available for inspection upon request. Transmission issue almost caused the vehicles behind me bump into my vehicle, on a 75 mile highway going uphill. My vehicle was at normal speed then suddenly Transmission light comes on then car felt forced and immediately dropped speed. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer. Warning lamps of the problem came on a few minutes prior failure. ISSUE #2 Vehicle dies frequently and has turned off while driving, it has been inspected 2 times already for same issue. Only getting the battery replaced, but issue continues. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, the issue began approximately the beginning of 2019.
On 07/01/2022 low beam & high beams went out at the same time. Driving without headlights at night when they went out. Could have hit anything not knowing I didn't have any lights. Someone yelled at me from another vehicle to let me know my lights wasn't on keep turning lights on nothing. Made appt. with York Mitsubishi they see…
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On 07/01/2022 low beam & high beams went out at the same time. Driving without headlights at night when they went out. Could have hit anything not knowing I didn't have any lights. Someone yelled at me from another vehicle to let me know my lights wasn't on keep turning lights on nothing. Made appt. with York Mitsubishi they seen me on 07/19/2022 they said the ETACS need to be replace control unit, time & AL8637 Power to fuse block no power to fuse @14.15 to light plugs, ETACS wont Ground -> will not power relay -> To power fuses -> To power bulbs.
ON MAY 1, 2020 I DROVE ABOUT 15 MILES FROM MY HOME TO MEDFORD, OREGON. I MADE ONE STOP AND UPON GETTING BACK INTO THE VEHICLE, I COULD NOT START OR TURN OFF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT OF THE VEHICLE. THE MAINFRAME KEPT SHOWING "ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED" I COULD NOT LOCK THE VEHICLE FOR SAFETY. I COULD NOT DRIVE THE VE…
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ON MAY 1, 2020 I DROVE ABOUT 15 MILES FROM MY HOME TO MEDFORD, OREGON. I MADE ONE STOP AND UPON GETTING BACK INTO THE VEHICLE, I COULD NOT START OR TURN OFF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT OF THE VEHICLE. THE MAINFRAME KEPT SHOWING "ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED" I COULD NOT LOCK THE VEHICLE FOR SAFETY. I COULD NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE AS IT IS ITS MAIN PURPOSE. I COULD NOT TURN OFF THE UNIT WHICH MOST LIKELY RAN THE BATTERY DOWN AND IS MOST LIKELY DEAD. IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP WHICH CANNOT ACCESS RECALL INFORMATION. THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $150 TO DIAGNOSE, AND CANNOT PERFORM ANY RECALL WORK. I PURCHASED THIS CAR TO AVOID GETTING FIRED FROM A JOB THAT I HAD TO TRAVEL AN HOUR EACH WAY. THREE MONTHS LATER THEY LAID ME OFF. NOW THE CAR I PURCHASED IS NOT WORKING. I HAD CONTACTED THE PLACE I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM AFTER I PURCHASED BEFORE THIS HAPPENED TO GET HELP WITH THE RECALL WHICH THEY ASSURED ME THERE WAS A PLACE LOCALLY. WHICH THERE IS NOT. THE CLOSEST PLACE IS CALIFORNIA OR PORTLAND. NOW THAT THE CAR IS NOT DRIVEABLE, I CANNOT GET IT TO THE RIGHT DEALERSHIP TO BE FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. I DON'T HAVE EXTRA FINANCES TO MANAGE THIS. I AM A SINGLE PARENT ON UNEMPLOYMENT AND I NEED A VEHICLE TO BE ABLE TO WORK. THIS SITUATION IS CRITICAL AND I AM VERY UPSET AND DISAPPOINTED IN THE LACK OF HELP AND SUPPORT I HAVE RECEIVED TO HAVE A WORKING SAFE RELIABLE VEHICLE. SITUATION: I DROVE TO TOWN. PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE. IT WOULD NOT START. BRAKES ARE LOCKED. STEARING WHEEL LOCKED. SHIFTER LOCKED. RADIO ON. ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WOULD NOT SHUT OFF DRAINING THE BATTERY. WINDOWS CAN ROLL DOWN, BUT CANNOT USE POWER LOCKS TO LOCK THE VEHICLE.
PUSH BUTTON START FAILED. DASH MESSAGE "ELECTRICAL FAILURE". CAR WAS PARKED. TRIED TO START. BUTTON STARTED FLASHING AND MESSAGE APPEARED ON DASHBOARD. AFTER SECOND ATTEMPT, HEARD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX AREA.
Official recalls
218V620000 · Electrical System:software; Forward Collision Avoidance:software:pedestrian/cyclist/object/obstacle/ Recognition
Sep 14, 2018
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Electrical System:software
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.
Consequence: 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.
18V621000 · Electrical System:software; Electronic Stability Control (esc); Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
Sep 14, 2018
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Additional source detail variants (4)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
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.
Consequence: 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.
Electrical System:software
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.
Consequence: 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.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.