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2016 Mitsubishi Outlander

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Outlander years

Owner complaints for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander are substantially higher than the model-year median of 47.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

82 reports with mileage · 63 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 64 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

8 crash reports1 fire reports5 injury reports

Structure complaints

12 reports
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760 miles · Sep 6, 2016
Fuel/propulsion SystemService BrakesStructureCrashInjury

RESPECTFULLY, WE BOUGHT OUR BRAND NEW 2016 OUTLANDER FROM THE DEALERSHIP THIS MAY. MY WIFE REAR ENDED A CAR LESS THAN A MONTH LATER ON THE HIGHWAY. SHE SAID THE CAR DIDN'T STOP WHEN SHE HIT THE BRAKES AND THAT THE BRAKES DON'T WORK. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED BY GEICO FOR $20K DAMAGE PAID AND SHE SAID SHE WASN'T DRIVING IT ANYMORE…

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RESPECTFULLY, WE BOUGHT OUR BRAND NEW 2016 OUTLANDER FROM THE DEALERSHIP THIS MAY. MY WIFE REAR ENDED A CAR LESS THAN A MONTH LATER ON THE HIGHWAY. SHE SAID THE CAR DIDN'T STOP WHEN SHE HIT THE BRAKES AND THAT THE BRAKES DON'T WORK. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED BY GEICO FOR $20K DAMAGE PAID AND SHE SAID SHE WASN'T DRIVING IT ANYMORE. SHE HAD MULTIPLE INJURIES FROM THE AIRBAGS AND SAW THE DOCTOR. AFTER REPAIRS, WE ENDED UP SWITCHING CARS AND THE OUTLANDER BECAME MY CAR AND I NOTICED THAT IT SEEMED VERY HEAVY LIKE IT WAS SURGING FORWARD AND RESISTED STOPPING. TWO MONTHS LATER I CHANGED THE OIL ON THE OTHER CAR, SO I ASKED HER TO TAKE THE OUTLANDER JUST FOR THE DAY. SHE DIDN'T WANT TO DRIVE IT, BUT I SAID JUST BE VERY CAREFUL. SHE HAD A SECOND ACCIDENT THAT DAY ON THE HIGHWAY CAUSING $10K DAMAGES FOR REPAIR AND THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED THIS TIME AND HER HEAD, CHEST AND KNEES HIT HARD AGAINST THE STEERING WHEEL AND DASHBOARD AND HER BACK SNAPPED AND SHE IS SEEING A CHIROPRACTOR NOW FOR THE PAIN. SHE IS A GOOD DRIVER AND HAS NEVER HIT ANYONE FROM BEHIND AND NOW HAS DONE SO TWO TIMES IN TWO MONTHS? AGAIN SHE TOLD ME THE CAR DIDN'T STOP WHEN SHE STEPPED ON THE BRAKES. LAST WEEK WE RECEIVED A FACTORY RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL FOR THE ACCELERATOR. I TOOK THE CAR IN THIS SATURDAY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO HAVE IT REPAIRED. WHEN I DROVE THE CAR AFTER THE REPAIR AND APPLIED THE BRAKES NOW IN COMPARISON TO BEFORE IT STOPS VERY WELL AND IS TOTALLY DIFFERENT. I BELIEVE MITSUBISHI'S DEFECTIVE ACCELERATION SYSTEM IS THE CAUSE OF MY WIFE'S INJURIES TO HER HEAD, BACK AND KNEES. THIS ACCIDENT IS NOT MY WIFE'S FAULT AT ALL. I AM SURE THAT THIS DEFECT IN THE ACCELERATOR SYSTEM WAS THE CAUSE OF THE ACCIDENTS AND I AM ASKING THE NHTSA TO PLEASE RECTIFY THIS WITH MITSUBISHI FOR US TO FIND CAUSE TO BE PLACED ON MITSUBISHI'S FAULTY VEHICLE NOT US. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10903707

2,014 miles · Jan 27, 2016
Structure

THE PAINT ON THE HOOD IS CHIPPING ONLY AFTER 2,000 MILES AND ITS SECOND CAR WASH! I PARK MY NEW CAR IN THE GARAGE AND DON'T EVEN TAKE IT TO WORK, IT'S ONLY MY WEEKEND VEHICLE. MY 12 YEAR OLD SATURN'S PAINT JOB LOOKS BETTER THAN MY 3 MONTH OLD NEW MITSUBISHI. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY NO CLEAR COAT ON TOP, OR PRIMER UNDER THE PAINT. WHE…

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THE PAINT ON THE HOOD IS CHIPPING ONLY AFTER 2,000 MILES AND ITS SECOND CAR WASH! I PARK MY NEW CAR IN THE GARAGE AND DON'T EVEN TAKE IT TO WORK, IT'S ONLY MY WEEKEND VEHICLE. MY 12 YEAR OLD SATURN'S PAINT JOB LOOKS BETTER THAN MY 3 MONTH OLD NEW MITSUBISHI. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY NO CLEAR COAT ON TOP, OR PRIMER UNDER THE PAINT. WHEN COMPARED TO "DINGS" ON MY 12 YEAR OLD SATURN, IT IS OBVIOUS THERE ARE A FEW LAYERS OF MATERIAL BEFORE IT GETS DOWN TO THE BODY - WITH THE MITSUBISHI, IT'S JUST PAINT AND THEN METAL. I HAD THE WESTERN REGIONAL MANAGER, BILL FORDYCE, INSPECT MY VEHICLE, AND DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE PAINT IS CLEARLY CHIPPING OFF IN MORE THAN ONE SPOT ON THE HOOD, HE HAD THE AUDACITY TO SAY IT WAS DAMAGE CAUSED BY ROCKS. I POINTED OUT TO HIM THAT IF THE QUALITY OF THE PAINT JOB HAD BEEN BETTER, THE PAINT WOULD NOT HAVE FLAKED. ON THE LOT, THE NEXT CLOSEST MITSUBISHI ALSO HAD SIMILAR DAMAGE. I POINTED THIS OUT TO HIM AND HIS RESPONSE WAS THAT IT WAS HIS VEHICLE AND HE WAS AWARE OF IT. I WANTED MY HOOD PAINTED CORRECTLY, BUT HE REFUSED AND SAID THAT ESSENTIALLY, THIS IS THE QUALITY OF WORK OF MITSUBISHI. DO NOT BUY A MITSUBISHI!

NHTSA ODI #10822687

Official recalls

8

26V252000 · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut

Apr 20, 2026

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2026. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-26-001. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov June 3, 2026. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V507.

25V507000 · Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:support Device/strut

Aug 7, 2025

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles sold and/or currently registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2025. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-25-002

20V741000 · Parking Brake

Nov 30, 2020

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2016 Outlander and Outlander Sport vehicles. The rust prevention coating on the rear brake operating shafts could have been peeled off during the assembly process. As a result, water entering the rear brake caliper boot may cause the parking brake operating shafts to corrode and possibly bind.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the parking brake operating shafts bind, the parking brakes may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brakes do not engage properly, the vehicle could rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake caliper assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 4, 2021. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-005.

20V403000 · Seat Belts: Rear/other:buckle Assembly

Jul 13, 2020

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Outlander and 2018-2019 Outlander PHEV vehicles. The second-row center seat belt buckle may interfere with the right-side seat belt buckle when the seat backs are folded down. The interference may cause the right-side seat belt buckle cover to come off, making the buckle latch inoperable and unable to restrain an occupant.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will modify the second-row center seat belt buckle cover, install a new warning label to the second-row seat support base, and provide a new warning label insert for the owner's manual, free of charge. The recall began September 1, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-20-004.

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.

17V233000 · Latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch

Apr 6, 2017

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2016 Outlander and Outlander Sport vehicles. The inside door latch mechanisms may not latch securely in high temperatures, allowing the doors to open while vehicle is in motion.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If a door opens while the vehicle is being driven, it can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-002.

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.

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

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.