2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Complaints

POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/01/2026

This vehicle exhibits a severe and dangerous acceleration hesitation, accompanied by a sudden, momentary loss of engine torque when pulling out from stops or trying to merge onto highways. This unexpected loss of power leaves the vehicle stranded briefly in oncoming traffic, creating an immediate crash hazard. This failure matches the exact physical defect and symptoms detailed in NHTSA Recall 16V563000 (Mitsubishi Campaign SR-16-006). The dangerous safety defect is actively persisting whether the remedy was already completed or not (Mitsubishi states that my vehicle is not included in the recall—this is not true—which will be explained in more detail at the end of this description. In a good-faith effort to resolve this dangerous hesitation, the transmission valve body was recently replaced out-of-pocket, but the identical recall symptoms remain entirely unchanged. This proves that the initial software recall remedy was structurally inadequate to permanently secure the mechanical safety of the vehicle. Mitsubishi corporate customer relations was formally notified of this failed recall remedy, but they have refused to provide assistance or resolve the issue. When asked to provide information where and when was a remedy completed on the aforementioned recall, Mitsubishi also stated via email that, “Your vehicle VIN [XXX] is not included in Recall 16V563000 (Mitsubishi Campaign SR-16-006),” which is not true. The communication with Mitsubishi can be seen in attached documents and one can confirm that my vehicle is actually included in Recall 16V563000 (Mitsubishi Campaign SR-16-006) when searching into recalls on NHTSA website and reviewing documents (both NHTSA and Mitsubishi related documents). Thank you very much for your time and help. It is much appreciated as my family and I are currently desperate while being scared to drive this vehicle with our newborn and [XXX] toddler and Mitsubishi is not being willing to help via email or phone. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

SUSPENSION — Filed 09/04/2026

The annual state safety inspection failed due to a severely rust corroded front Cross-Member. A corrosion hole developed right where the air conditioner condensate drain port is located right above it. Earlier manufacturing years of this same vehicle had a major recall for this exact same cause. Continued use without replacing the front Cross-Member could result in a loss of steering and a serious accident if lost at highway speeds.

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 08/26/2026

The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle unintendedly decreased speed. No warning lights illuminated. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that an unknown recall had been completed and closed. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 07/05/2026

The car itself should not be sold considering the number of complaints about the transmission issues. I’ve only had the car a month and Its started to stall and jerks when in acceleration. The gears started to not shift properly and the car would not go over 20 miles without jerking. I took the car back to the lot to get it fixed and then it stopped, was driving back smoothly. The car shop said they changed the transmission oil which supposedly was the problem. 2 weeks later the car is back stalling and jerking with the “transmission service required” light back on yet again.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 01/29/2026

transmission went out

PARKING BRAKE — Filed 10/07/2025

The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that upon manually activating the parking brake, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The vehicle was taken to Jack's Independent Service Inc, where it was diagnosed and determined that the parking brake operating shafts were corroded. The dealer related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V741000 (Parking Brake); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 10/16/2023

The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred repeatedly after coming to a complete stop. The contact stated that because of the failure, the contact was nearly involved in several crashes. In addition, the contact stated that the failure had not occurred until after the vehicle had been driven for a while or the engine had warmed up. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the recall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and determined that a software update for the CVT transmission was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V563000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 09/09/2025

On the freeway TRANSMISSION FAILURE SERVICE light came on and the cars acceleration geared, had to immediately pull over on the side of the freeway, restarted the car with emergency lights to get out of the freeway. Vehicle would not accelerate much and the rpm was switching fast up and down. Check engine light came on the next day and the diagnosis read catalytic converter needs replacement. Car does not accelerate on hills, its shifts and tugs on a regular road.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/19/2024

I have a CVT system on my SUV and the transmission keeps slipping. A transmission light comes on and the car starts to stall. It happens mostly in stop and go traffic.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 08/15/2024

I bought a Mitsubishi outlander 2016 and just in couple of month the car doesn’t want to engage on the transmission , the SUV doesn’t go forward or backwards, it sound like the engine tend to try but the car doesn’t move

SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 02/01/2025

In less than one year with this car, 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT, is hesitating when accelerating then jerking forward into 4th gear, while driving at various speeds, the steering column vibrates makes loud sound, I’ve replaced the headlights at least 6x, water is getting in the vehicle somehow even a car wish will leave the floorboards soaking wet, the steering sways. This car had given me more issues in a year than all my cars throughout my lifetime combined and vehicle's vin number was NOT INCLUDED IN MANY SAFETY RECALLS. CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF THE CRASH.

STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 01/08/2025

Transmission light frequently comes on, car stalls/sluggish to respond. Has occurred while driving or at rest. No change despite several transmission servicing/towing expenses. Per online research, others experiencing same issues. Often resolves temporarily by turning off engine and restarting car. Recalls issued for other Mitsubishi models, but not for this car. Needs to be addressed to prevent injury or loss of life.

POWER TRAIN,WHEELS — Filed 11/21/2024

CVT transmission is slipping really bad and TPS not working .

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 10/11/2024

The emergency brake suddenly failed to function. Applied the brake but there was no tension on the lever & no brake function occuring. I understand there was a VIN specific recall on this vehicle and just wondering how my vehicle that falls under the year, make & model does not qualify for the recall but is suffering from the same exact issue?

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 07/01/2024

Unknown. The transmission service light comes on and the vehicle drags until you turn the car off and restart it. I noticed online there's a CVT transmission recall and was wondering if this is what is happening to my vehicle.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS — Filed 05/16/2023

I have had multiple issues with this SUV. The main issue I am writing this for is because the car was hit stopped at a red light by another car going over 40 mph. The car rolled back then slammed into my car again going just as fast. The airbags did not deploy and the seatbelts did not lock. The impact actually broke the seats the passenger and I were sitting in. There were extensive injuries that happened because of this. The SUV was deemed a total loss because of the extensive damage done to the car. There were no warning messages, no recalls, etc. The SUV was inspected by a mechanic and insurance company and both said that the airbags should have gone off and the seatbelts should have locked based on the amount of damage to the SUV. I also took this SUV into the Mitsubishi dealership for all services/maintenance and nothing ever came up about any issues.

AIR BAGS — Filed 12/12/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN THE VEHICLE WAS UNEXPECTEDLY HIT BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT STATED SHE WAS SEEN IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM FOR A CT SCAN AND SOFT TISSUE INJURY. A POLICE REPORT WAS TAKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY DEEMED THE VEHICLE TOTALED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 09/15/2019

ON SEPTEMBER 2019 AROUND 10:45 PM, MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT 2016 WAS THE CAUSE OF GARAGE FIRE AT MY HOUSE. THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE /BATTERY AREA AFTER I HAD TRIED TO GIVE A JUMP START A DAY BEFORE BUT THE CAR DID NOT START. FIRE WAS MOSTLY CONTAINED UNDER THE HOOD. SINCE 2016, THE CAR WAS MOSTLY GARAGED AND SPARINGLY DRIVEN AND HAD VERY VERY LOW MILES NOT ENOUGH TO GET FIRST SERVICE IF I RECALL CORRECTLY. THE INTERIOR STILL SMELLS FRESH CAR. I HAD REGISTERED THE CAR WITH DMV AS NON OPERATIVE STATUS AND DID NOT RENEW MY INSURANCE AS I WAS NOT DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR QUITE SOME TIME. EVEN WHEN I DROVE COUPLE OF TIME, MITSUBISHI SMELLED LIKE ROTTEN EGGS ESPECIALLY WHEN I WOULD START OR PARK AFTER A SHORT DRIVE. I ASKED THE LOCAL DEALER AND WAS NOT TOLD TO IGNORE IT. I HAVE FEW DOCUMENTS FROM DMV, INSURANCE AND PHOTOS THAT I WILL ATTACH. I NEED TO BE TOTALLY REIMBURSED FOR THE PRICE OF THE CAR. I DO HAVE FEW LOAN PAYMENT RECEIPTS , IF NEEDED TO PROVE. AFTER THE FIRE, NEITHER HOME NOR AUTO INSURANCE WILL COVER THE DAMAGE OF THE CAR. THE BURNT CAR IS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY. PLEASE HELP ASAP.

AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 06/28/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN DRIVING AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL FAILED TO RELEASE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE CAUSING IT TO CRASH INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED BEFORE THE FAILURE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT DID NOT SUSTAINED ANY INJURIES OR SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

AIR BAGS — Filed 03/21/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO AN ANIMAL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 11/09/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE, ABS, AND TEMPERATURE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW THE DOWN, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND CRASHED INTO A CEMENT BARRIER. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BACK AND NECK INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V609000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT CALLED DON JACKSON CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM AT (770) 969-7259 (LOCATED AT 3950 JONESBORO RD, UNION CITY, GA 30291) AND WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

STEERING,AIR BAGS — Filed 03/01/2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH AND MAKING A TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL JERKED AND THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE FACE AND RIBS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED AT THE HOSPITAL. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER (ARNIE BAUER BUICK GMC CADILLAC, 5525 MILLER CIRCLE DRIVE, MATTESON, IL 60433), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTO BODY REPAIR SHOP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

AIR BAGS — Filed 01/25/2018

COLLISION GOING 40 MPH HIT A STOPPED VEHICLE. WHOLE FRONT END BUCKLED LEAVING OVER 7G IN DAMAGE. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY

STEERING,POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE — Filed 07/18/2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. ON TWO OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKES LOCKED UP WITHOUT WARNING. THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A GUARDRAIL AND DAMAGED THE BUMPER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. ON ANOTHER OCCASION, WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE LOCKED UP AND THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS INTO A TELEPHONE POLE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SKYLAND AUTO GROUP (255 SMOKEY PARK HIGHWAY, ASHEVILLE, NC 28806 (828) 667-5213), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 09/03/2016

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