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2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~5.5 complaints per year on the road — ranking 7 of 14 Mitsubishi Outlander years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander, cited in 27 of 88 filed complaints (31%).
Electrical System is next (15 complaints, 17%), followed by Engine And Engine Cooling (9), Power Train (9), Visibility/Wiper (9).
Across all complaints, 6 report a crash, 7 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 5 crash, 6 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 88.
Engine 27
“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection? The engine experienced catastrophic internal failure. A connecting rod broke and punctured the engine block, rendering the vehicle completely inoperable. This failure is consistent with overheating and internal engine damage. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The failure occurred suddenly while driving, without warning. The vehicle lost power immediately, which could have resulted in loss of control, inability to accelera…”
NHTSA complaint #11732167, 2026
“The engine is shutting off while In traffic and from a full stop on red light. This happened so many times. I had to put on park and start the engine for it to work again.”
NHTSA complaint #11519749, 2023
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED UPON COMING TO A STOP, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF AN UNKNOWN FUSE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 99,600.*DT CONSUMER STATED ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT SHORTS DRAINS THE BATTERY CONTINUOUSLY. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS VEHICLE HAS SHUT OFF COMPLETELY WHILE IN TRAFFIC. *JB”
NHTSA complaint #11323646, 2020
Electrical System 15 1 crash
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A BRICK BOULDER. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. ALSO, WHILE DESCENDING DOWN A HILL AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE MESSAGE "VEHICLE IMMOBILIZED" SUDDENLY DISPLAYED AND THE BRAKES WOULD N…”
NHTSA complaint #10723353, 2015 · crash
“Was driving the car and it totally lost power to everything. Had to pull over immediately with whatever power I had left to have the car roll to a stop. Multiple lights came on the dash. Notification came on the screen saying car can not communicate, engine is over heating. Tried to turn off car and back on and it would do nothing at all. Car has been at mechanic for 3 weeks they believe it is the ecu/psu but when replacing car continue to act up and not start.”
NHTSA complaint #11533521, 2023
“2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE I bought the car on March 7, 2022 from Cherry Hill Auto with the owner by name Steven. The car was bought under my cousin Denise based at that moment I didn't had a temporary permit. The car was parked technically all the time. It was driven just one mile. Oil change was thick and black, electrical issues, Car asking for maintenance, then it shows new issues and didn't turn on. I call Steven and explain him the issues and he referred me to a shop he said he has more confidence than the MITSUBISHI Company in Cherry Hill. The shop is Universal Auto Repair on C…”
NHTSA complaint #11476013, 2022
Unknown Or Other 13
“I am submitting this complaint regarding Peachtree Mitsubishi, located at 4474 Buford Hwy, Atlanta, GA 30341, for their failure to properly address a critical safety recall on my vehicle: Mitsubishi Recall SR-20-003REV_1 (NHTSA Campaign Number 20V-279) — Crossmember Corrosion, which poses a serious risk of lower control arm detachment, potentially resulting in loss of vehicle control and collision. Timeline of Events & Misrepresentation: I brought my vehicle to Peachtree Mitsubishi specifically to have the recall repair performed. The dealership claimed the recall work was completed and assu…”
NHTSA complaint #11694564, 2025
“Was driving the car and it totally lost power to everything. Had to pull over immediately with whatever power I had left to have the car roll to a stop. Multiple lights came on the dash. Notification came on the screen saying car can not communicate, engine is over heating. Tried to turn off car and back on and it would do nothing at all. Car has been at mechanic for 3 weeks they believe it is the ecu/psu but when replacing car continue to act up and not start.”
NHTSA complaint #11533521, 2023
“2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE I bought the car on March 7, 2022 from Cherry Hill Auto with the owner by name Steven. The car was bought under my cousin Denise based at that moment I didn't had a temporary permit. The car was parked technically all the time. It was driven just one mile. Oil change was thick and black, electrical issues, Car asking for maintenance, then it shows new issues and didn't turn on. I call Steven and explain him the issues and he referred me to a shop he said he has more confidence than the MITSUBISHI Company in Cherry Hill. The shop is Universal Auto Repair on C…”
NHTSA complaint #11476013, 2022
Engine And Engine Cooling 9
“The contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 25–30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the check engine, 4-WD, ABS, traction control, and oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure was due to the control arm, engine cradle, oil seal, tie rod, starter, and serpentine belt. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was co…”
NHTSA complaint #11567714, 2023
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONTINUED DRIVING AND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE MUFFLER WAS DETACHED. THE CONTACT CALLED BELL MITSUBISHI (1500 U.S. 1, RAHWAY, NJ 07065, (732) 388-8800) IN AN ATTEMPT TO TRADE-IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11082432, 2018
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V562000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO INFORM WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS FINALLY REPAIRED. UPDATED 06/04/15.*JB”
NHTSA complaint #10679660, 2015
Power Train 9
“The Transmissions in these vehicles are junk and very dangerous. I was driving out of town and all of a sudden the RPM´s started revving up. Then I tried to slow down and pull over and the vehicle did not want to down shift and it stalled on the highway with traffic. This is not the first time the transmission went out on the same vehicle. I had a hard time finding a transmission to put in and when I did it only lasted a year. Please, you can not put these cars out there with this type of transmission in them. They are junk. Please make this right.”
NHTSA complaint #11517019, 2023
“I KNOW THIS CAR HAS FOUR RECALLS ON IT. BUT I'M HAVING ISSUES WITH WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE THE TRANSMISSION. I HAVE BEEN GOOGLING SLOW OR SLUGGISH ACCELERATION ISSUES AND OTHER PEOPLE HAVE BEEN HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. THEN I CAME ACROSS A RECALL FOR THE OUTLANDER SPORT INVOLVING THE CVT IN NEWER MODELS. I DON'T KNOW IF THOSE CVT ISSUES ARE THE SAME ONES MY CAR IS HAVING. BUT IS BECOMING A PAIN IN THE BUTT TO TRY AND ACCELERATE FAST ENOUGH ON THE ROAD OR THE HIGHWAY TO GET OUT OF PEOPLES WAY OR TO MOVE JUST NOTICING PEOPLE GOING AROUND ME BECAUSE OF MY SLUGGISH ACCELERATION. I HAVE TO PRESS…”
NHTSA complaint #11220449, 2019
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT HEARD A NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JERRY'S MITSUBISHI (443-219-9464, LOCATED AT 1906 E JOPPA ROAD, PARKVILLE, MD 21234) WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE WARRANTY WAS EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BEARING INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION WAS ABOUT TO FRACTURE, WHICH CAUSED THE NOISE. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A KNOWN ISSUE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE M…”
NHTSA complaint #11234090, 2018
Visibility/Wiper 9
“HARPSWELL AUTO ILLEGALLY SOLD ME A VEHICLE WITH 5 SAFELY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE BEFORE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. SAFETY RECALL CODES ARE C1611Z, C1614Z, C1801R, C1806Z, C2003R. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE 4/25/2020 AND 2 RECALLS WERE DUE IN 2016 AND 3 WERE DUE IN 2019. WHERE THESE ARE VERY BIG SAFETY RECALLS I THINK HARPSWELL AUTO NEEDS TO HAVE THEIR LICENSE REVOKE FOR SERVICE AND INSPECTION STICKERS BECAUSE MY VEHICLE SHOULD NEVER HAVE PASSED INSPECTION WITH THE CROSSMEMBER RECALL COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT.”
NHTSA complaint #11396847, 2021
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HEATER AND DEFROSTER STOPPED WORKING WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BLOWER WIRE MOTOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER (OAKLAND MITSUBISHI, 2500 WEBSTER ST, OAKLAND, CA 94612, (510) 267-0688) WAS CONTACTED TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE WARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE FAI…”
NHTSA complaint #11156630, 2018
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WOULD BECOME FOGGED OVER NO MATTER THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE. THE CONTACT STATED MUST KEEP THE DEFOGGER ON CONSTANTLY IN ORDER SO HE CAN SEE OUT OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER ROUTE 46 MITSUBISHI (400 US-46, TOTOWA, NJ 07512 (973) 330-9535) AND THEY STATED THAT THE ISSUE WAS NOT COVERED BY A RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11144411, 2018
Air Bags 8 5 crash 6 injury
“I WAS RETURNING HOME FROM WORK AND WAS AT A STOP SIGN WAITING TO TURN LEFT. CROSS TRAFFIC DOES NOT STOP. WHEN BELIEVING I WAS CLEAR I BEGAN MY LEFT TURN WHEN A CAR CROSSED IN FRONT OF MINE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. I ATTEMPTED TO STOP BUT THE TWO CARS COLLIDED AND THE FRONT END OF MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY TORN OFF AND MY FRONT HOOD WAS BUCKLED BACK TOWARDS THE WINDSHIELD. WHEN EMERGENCY RESPONSE ARRIVED, THEY FELT VERY STRONGLY THAT THE AIR BAG SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AND THEY MOVED ME TO THE BACK SEAT FOR FURTHER OBSERVATION BECAUSE THEY WERE AFRAID THE AIR BAG MAY STILL DEPLOY AND CAUSE FURTHER…”
NHTSA complaint #11063381, 2018 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN A FRONT END COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WAS ONE INJURY THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE PASSENGER SUFFERED CHEST AND A ROTATOR CUFF INJURY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 53,879.”
NHTSA complaint #10871088, 2016 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE DRIVER'S HEAD STRUCK THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS WAS A CONTUSION INVOLVING THE RIGHT GYRUS RECTUS WITH TISSUE LOSS AND GLIOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. UPDATED 04/04/16*LJ”
NHTSA complaint #10823971, 2015 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
Service Brakes 7 1 crash
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A BRICK BOULDER. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. ALSO, WHILE DESCENDING DOWN A HILL AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE MESSAGE "VEHICLE IMMOBILIZED" SUDDENLY DISPLAYED AND THE BRAKES WOULD N…”
NHTSA complaint #10723353, 2015 · crash
“2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SE I bought the car on March 7, 2022 from Cherry Hill Auto with the owner by name Steven. The car was bought under my cousin Denise based at that moment I didn't had a temporary permit. The car was parked technically all the time. It was driven just one mile. Oil change was thick and black, electrical issues, Car asking for maintenance, then it shows new issues and didn't turn on. I call Steven and explain him the issues and he referred me to a shop he said he has more confidence than the MITSUBISHI Company in Cherry Hill. The shop is Universal Auto Repair on C…”
NHTSA complaint #11476013, 2022
“BRAKES MAKE A DIFFERENT SOUND (LIKE A BLOW) WHEN IT BRAKES SUDDENLY. AIR CONDITIONING STOPPED WORKING TWO WEEKS AGO. WHEN THE A / C IS TURNED ON, THE SOUND OF THE COMPRESSOR IS HEARD BUT NO AIR IS VOTED. OPAQUE OR NOT ILLUMINATE WELL. LOW INTENSITY OF THE LIGHTS.”
NHTSA complaint #11156405, 2018
Suspension 6 1 crash
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD PULL TO THE RIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY PULLED TO THE RIGHT. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO A BRICK BOULDER. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. ALSO, WHILE DESCENDING DOWN A HILL AT APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE MESSAGE "VEHICLE IMMOBILIZED" SUDDENLY DISPLAYED AND THE BRAKES WOULD N…”
NHTSA complaint #10723353, 2015 · crash
“The contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V279000 (Structure, Suspension) however, the contact was unable to schedule the recall repair because she was unable to get a response from the dealer. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, she heard an abnormally loud sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The automatic braking system warning light is illuminated. The contact stated that the driver’s side front wheel was facing sideways. The contact stated the vehicle was towed out of the highway. Then, the vehi…”
NHTSA complaint #11435017, 2021
“THIS MODEL VEHICLE HAS A BAD DESIGN FLAW THAT MITSUBISHI REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE. THE LOCATION OF THE AIR CONDITIONER DISCHARGE CAUSES WATER TO DRIP DIRECTLY ONTO THE SUB FRAME BELOW. THIS DRIPPING CORRODED A HOLE THROUGH MY SUB FRAME DEEMING IT STRUCTURALLY UNSOUND AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE, AND CAUSED IT FAILED MY STATE INSPECTION. MY LOCAL DEALER AND MITSUBISHI BOTH REFUSED TO COVER THE COST OF REPLACING THE PART SINCE NO RECALL CURRENTLY EXISTS. I ENDED UP GETTING A USED PART FROM A LOCAL SHOP FOR HALF THE COST OF WHAT THE DEALER QUOTED ME. I ALSO HAD THE MECHANIC JURY RIG AN AC DISCHARGE TUBE EX…”
NHTSA complaint #11244359, 2019
Seat Belts 5
“Since I bought my car in 2021 the air bag system sensor goes off as well as the seatbelt light even if my seatbelt is on.”
NHTSA complaint #11647273, 2021
“HARPSWELL AUTO ILLEGALLY SOLD ME A VEHICLE WITH 5 SAFELY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE BEFORE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. SAFETY RECALL CODES ARE C1611Z, C1614Z, C1801R, C1806Z, C2003R. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE 4/25/2020 AND 2 RECALLS WERE DUE IN 2016 AND 3 WERE DUE IN 2019. WHERE THESE ARE VERY BIG SAFETY RECALLS I THINK HARPSWELL AUTO NEEDS TO HAVE THEIR LICENSE REVOKE FOR SERVICE AND INSPECTION STICKERS BECAUSE MY VEHICLE SHOULD NEVER HAVE PASSED INSPECTION WITH THE CROSSMEMBER RECALL COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT.”
NHTSA complaint #11396847, 2021
“I OWN A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. THE DRIVER SEAT BELT CLICKS AS IF IT IS FASTENED CORRECTLY THEN MOMENTS LATER IT WILL POP OUT AS IF IT WERE NEVER ATTACHED. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY RISK FOR ANYONE WHO IS DRIVING THE VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11155640, 2018
Structure 5
“The car has severe rust on the frame to the point of the rust corroding a hole in the frame making it unsafe to drive. Black paint has been applied to conceal the extent of the rust, demonstrating clear intent to mislead and a disregard for human safety. The catalytic converter has been aftermarket welded into place and failing emissions. Other repairs needed cannot be done because the rust damage is to bad for mechanics to risk removing the bolts. Yes, the car is available for inspection. This dealership endangered my life, the lives of my loved ones and other drivers on the road with u…”
NHTSA complaint #11653563, 2025
“HARPSWELL AUTO ILLEGALLY SOLD ME A VEHICLE WITH 5 SAFELY RECALLS ON THE VEHICLE BEFORE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE. SAFETY RECALL CODES ARE C1611Z, C1614Z, C1801R, C1806Z, C2003R. I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE 4/25/2020 AND 2 RECALLS WERE DUE IN 2016 AND 3 WERE DUE IN 2019. WHERE THESE ARE VERY BIG SAFETY RECALLS I THINK HARPSWELL AUTO NEEDS TO HAVE THEIR LICENSE REVOKE FOR SERVICE AND INSPECTION STICKERS BECAUSE MY VEHICLE SHOULD NEVER HAVE PASSED INSPECTION WITH THE CROSSMEMBER RECALL COMPLETELY ROTTED OUT.”
NHTSA complaint #11396847, 2021
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 18V103000 (VISIBILITY), 18V103000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), 18V103000 (STRUCTURE), AND 18V103000 (VISIBILITY). THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BECAUSE THE NEAREST DEALER WAS TWO STATES AWAY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.”
NHTSA complaint #11082529, 2018
Vehicle Speed Control 4
“The Transmissions in these vehicles are junk and very dangerous. I was driving out of town and all of a sudden the RPM´s started revving up. Then I tried to slow down and pull over and the vehicle did not want to down shift and it stalled on the highway with traffic. This is not the first time the transmission went out on the same vehicle. I had a hard time finding a transmission to put in and when I did it only lasted a year. Please, you can not put these cars out there with this type of transmission in them. They are junk. Please make this right.”
NHTSA complaint #11517019, 2023
“THERE HAVE BEEN MANY PROBLEMS THE LAST COUPLE YEARS WITH MY CAR, I NOTICED LAST YEAR WHEN I WAS ON A LONG DISTANCE ROAD TRIP THAT MY TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING LIGHT WAS COMING ON? I HAD TO PULL OVER A COUPLE TIMES AND LET IT COOL DOWN BEFORE I COULD CONTINUE... IT STOPPED DOING IT FOR AWHILE, AND THEN NOW MY CAR IS LOSING ACCELLERATION ON THE FREEWAY AND SEEMS TO BE STALLING , IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND NO ONE AT MITSUBISHI OR OTHER SHOPS KNOWS WHATS WRONG? PLEASE HELP”
NHTSA complaint #10994053, 2016
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI UPLANDER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE FROM STOPS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON MANY OCCASIONS, WHILE STOPPED AND WHILE TURNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TWICE, BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PERFORMING TO SPECIFICATIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,900 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,700.”
NHTSA complaint #10451928, 2012
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 3
“I NOTICED JUST RECENTLY WHEN I WAS ON A LONG DISTANCE ROAD TRIP THAT MY TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING LIGHT WAS COMING ON? I HAD TO PULL OVER A COUPLE TIMES AND LET IT COOL DOWN BEFORE I COULD CONTINUE... IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND NO ONE AT MITSUBISHI OR OTHER SHOPS KNOWS WHATS WRONG? PLEASE HELP”
NHTSA complaint #11193105, 2019
“THE ETACS CONTROL HAS CAUSED MY TAIL LIGHTS AND TAG LIGHTS TO NOT WORK. THIS IS AN EXTREME AMOUNT OF MONEY TO FIX. I SEE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE ETACS FOR VEHICLES MADE IN 2010 AND I BELIEVE MY CAR SHOULD BE IN THIS RECALL BUT NOTHING HAS COME UP ACCORDING TO THE VIN. I CANNOT GET MY CAR INSPECTED AND REGISTERED DUE TO THIS ETACS FAILURE.”
NHTSA complaint #11112851, 2018
“WHILE PASSING A SLOWER VEHICLE DURING INCREASED RPM'S THE MOTOR STALL AND STOPPED ASC SERVICE LIGHTS AND AIRBAG SERVICE LIGHT CAME ON ALMOST RESULTING IN A CRASH WITH PASSING VEHICLE BECAUSE OF NO STEERING AND PROPER BRAKING DUE TO LOSS OF POWER DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSTIC TECH NOTED INTERNAL FAILURE WITH ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE (ECM). *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10651526, 2014
Exterior Lighting 3
“THE ETACS CONTROL HAS CAUSED MY TAIL LIGHTS AND TAG LIGHTS TO NOT WORK. THIS IS AN EXTREME AMOUNT OF MONEY TO FIX. I SEE THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE ETACS FOR VEHICLES MADE IN 2010 AND I BELIEVE MY CAR SHOULD BE IN THIS RECALL BUT NOTHING HAS COME UP ACCORDING TO THE VIN. I CANNOT GET MY CAR INSPECTED AND REGISTERED DUE TO THIS ETACS FAILURE.”
NHTSA complaint #11112851, 2018
“THE DASHBOARD INDICATOR FOR THE HEADLIGHT SHOWS THE PARKING LIGHT SYMBOL FOR BOTH THE PARKING LIGHTS AND THE HEADLIGHTS. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DETERMINE FROM THE DASHBOARD WHICH LIGHTS ARE BEING USED. THIS COULD RESULT IN DRIVING AT NIGHT WITH THE PARKING LIGHTS ON WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE NEEDED. THIS IS AN UNSAFE CONDITION. THE HEADLIGHT SYMBOL SHOULD BE USED WHENEVER THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10435283, 2011
Fuel/Propulsion System 3
“The car has severe rust on the frame to the point of the rust corroding a hole in the frame making it unsafe to drive. Black paint has been applied to conceal the extent of the rust, demonstrating clear intent to mislead and a disregard for human safety. The catalytic converter has been aftermarket welded into place and failing emissions. Other repairs needed cannot be done because the rust damage is to bad for mechanics to risk removing the bolts. Yes, the car is available for inspection. This dealership endangered my life, the lives of my loved ones and other drivers on the road with u…”
NHTSA complaint #11653563, 2025
“VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND SMELLED OF GAS. TOOK TO MECHANIC WHO PROVIDED EVIDENCE THAT THE FUEL TANK IS LEAKING FUEL. THE MECHANIC PROVIDED PICTURES OF THE TANK WHICH LOOKS TO HAVE ABNORMAL DAMAGE. DOES NOT SEEM THAT TANKS WOULD LEAK IN THE EVIDENCED MANNER. CONTACTED BOTH MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP AND MITSUBISHI MANUFACTURER WHO COULD NOT PROVIDE REPLACEMENT TANK IN TIMELY MANNER AND WERE NOT WILLING TO ADDRESS THE SAFETY ISSUE RAISED REGARDING THE STATUS OF THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN FAR AT ALL DUE TO THE PANDEMIC AND THERE HAS NOT BEEN A REASON TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT DAMAGE…”
NHTSA complaint #11363191, 2020
“I WAS DRIVING ON I 75, ME, 2 PASSENGERS AND 7 ANIMALS DEEP. WHEN OUT OF NO WHERE MY ACCELERATION STOPPED AND THE RPMS REVED, THE CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN, I WASN'T ABLE TO ACCELERATE ANYMORE. I COSTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WE WERE STUCK.! MY CVT TRANSMISSION IS BAD.”
NHTSA complaint #11310303, 2020
Steering 3
“The car has severe rust on the frame to the point of the rust corroding a hole in the frame making it unsafe to drive. Black paint has been applied to conceal the extent of the rust, demonstrating clear intent to mislead and a disregard for human safety. The catalytic converter has been aftermarket welded into place and failing emissions. Other repairs needed cannot be done because the rust damage is to bad for mechanics to risk removing the bolts. Yes, the car is available for inspection. This dealership endangered my life, the lives of my loved ones and other drivers on the road with u…”
NHTSA complaint #11653563, 2025
“I WAS DRIVING ALONG ON A NORMAL CITY STREET AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN EVERY INDICATOR LIGHT BEGAN TO COME ON...FIRST THE BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM, NEXT THE ENGINE OVERHEAT WARNING, THE ABS, THE BRAKE, THE POWER STEERING, THE AIR BAG, ETC. I BEGAN TO LOSE POWER, IDLE ROUGHLY, AND EVENTUALLY DIE COMPLETELY. IT WOULD NOT RESTART. THE NEXT DAY, I TRIED TO JUMP START WITH NO SUCCESS AT ALL. AFTER FURTHER EXAMINATION, NOTICED THAT THE DRIVE BELT HAD COME OFF THE PULLEYS COMPLETELY. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10920316, 2016
“PROBLEM EXISTED IN ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM. UNDER LOW SPEED, 5 TO 10 MPH OR LESS, ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM STOPPED WORKING OCCASIONALLY (USUALLY AFTER A FULL TURNING OF STEERING WHEEL TO THE LIMIT). WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS, NO POWER ASSIST FUNCTIONALITY FUNCTIONING, SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASES STEERING EFFORTS, THUS INCREASES VEHICLE CRASHING POSSIBILITIES SIGNIFICANTLY. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN ONLY DRIVEN FOR LESS THAN 4 YEARS. A SELF CHECK ON THE STEERING SYSTEM SHOWED WITH NO LEAKING STEERING FLUID AND COMPLETELY CLEAN STEERING FLUID WHEN THE INCIDENTS HAPPENED. THUS I HAVE REASON TO B…”
NHTSA complaint #10705644, 2015
Visibility 3
“The contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH in the rain, the windshield wipers were fully engaged; however, wiper motor failed to operate as intended. The failure obstructed the driver's visibility, preventing the driver from safely operating the vehicle, creating a visibility hazard. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after a while the windshield wipers started to function as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA C…”
NHTSA complaint #11667422, 2025
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BLOWER MOTOR FAILED TO OPERATE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BIGGERS MITSUBISHI (LOCATED AT 1325 E CHICAGO ST, ELGIN, IL 60120, (224) 276-5676), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V233000 (VISIBILITY). NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11152897, 2017
“2011 MITSUBISHI OVERLAND. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE NOT PASSING INSPECTION DUE TO THIN BRAKE PADS AND TOO MANY KNICKS IN THE WINDSHIELD. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE FAILURES WERE DISCOVERED TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE WITH HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11073709, 2017
Wheels 2
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED AT VARIOUS SPEEDS THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL POPPING SOUND EMITTED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN JERRY'S MITSUBISHI LOCATED AT 1906 E JOPPA RD, PARKVILLE, MD WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT BEARING IN THE DRIVE AXLE WAS DEFECTIVE AND RECOMMENDED IT BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED HOWEVER NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11123647, 2018
“DURING A SNOW STORM SNOW BECAME PACKED INTO THE RIMS AND CAUSED SEVERE VIBRATION IN THE TIRES. IT HAPPENED AGAIN AFTER THE NEXT SNOW STORM. THERE HAVE BEEN 4 OCCASIONS OF DRIVING THROUGH SNOW AND EACH TIME THE CAR SHAKES BADLY. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER TO COMPLAIN AND I WAS TOLD THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE OTHER THAN TO STOP AND PHYSICALLY REMOVE THE SNOW OR TAKE IT TO A CAR WASH. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #10497887, 2012
Seats 1 1 injury
“THE SEAT HEATING BURNED THE SEAT( DRIVER SEAT) REACHING BURNING ME ON MY UPPER LEG”
NHTSA complaint #11180666, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)
How we read this (methodology)
How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander draws about 5.5 complaints per year on the road, ranking 7 of 14 among the Mitsubishi Outlander model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.