Electrical System. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
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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

Power Train complaints

5 reports

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Mileage unknown · Nov 12, 2024

Electrical SystemPower Train

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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)

NHTSA ODI #11624824

Mileage unknown · Sep 19, 2022

Electrical SystemPower Train

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11485359

7,000 miles · Oct 2, 2020

Power TrainVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT THE GEAR FROM DRIVE INTO REVERSE WITH THE FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A HOUSE WALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS BEFORE OR AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT ADVISED THAT THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL BEFORE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN REPAIR FACILITY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACTS RIGHT HAND WAS INJURED THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.

NHTSA ODI #11362358

40,000 miles · May 8, 2020

Power Train

MY 2018 OUTLANDER SPORT SE HAS VERY POOR ACCELERATION WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A COMPLETE STOP. AFTER READING ABOUT A SIMILAR RECALL FOR THE 2015-2016 OUTLANDER SPORT I FEEL MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME SYMPTOMS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11323806

93,000 miles · Jan 28, 2020

Power Train

THE TRANSMISSION HAS LESS THEN 100,000 MILES AND HAS GONE OUT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY IT SLIPPED. THEN IN ABOUT 3 MILES ON FILTH STREET WENT OUT COMPLETELY

NHTSA ODI #11302683

Official recalls

18V620000 · 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

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

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

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)

Consequence: If the safety systems do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Electrical System:software

Consequence: If the safety systems do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip

Consequence: If the safety systems do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.

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

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.