TireKick

Model-year record

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

21

Reports to NHTSA, 2018

Safety recalls

2

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

25

EPA estimate

Known issues

Air Bags issues lead owner complaints (24% of 21 reports), followed by power train (24%).

Air Bags24% · 5 reports
Power Train24% · 5 reports
Electrical System19% · 4 reports
Engine5% · 1 report
Seat Belts5% · 1 report
Service Brakes5% · 1 report
Steering5% · 1 report
Suspension5% · 1 report

+ 2 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 21 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11679419, ODI 11679429, ODI 11383834, ODI 11722776, ODI 11641815.

Individual complaint reports(21)

Showing the 21 most recent reports
Air BagsMar 2026 · ODI 11722776Details +

Air bag symbol is lit on dash. Technicians unable to find issue, nor were they able to reset light. I feel the importance of said system functioning properly needs addressed. Not just we e can't find what is wrong.Nothing else we can do. No, that's b s

Reported
Mar 2026
Incident date
Feb 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11722776 at NHTSA →
Seat BeltsMar 2026 · ODI 11722558Details +

Center seat belt will not retract, causing the belt to be unusable and unsafe.

Reported
Mar 2026
Incident date
Oct 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11722558 at NHTSA →
Air BagsAug 2025 · ODI 11679419 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

On 05AUG25, my wife was involved in a frontal collision while driving our 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The vehicle struck another vehicle at an estimated speed of over 30 mph, resulting in significant damage to the front passenger side, including deformation of the hood and front quarter panel. Despite the severity of the impact, no airbags deployed. My wife was properly restrained and sustained visible bruising across her torso. She is currently in her second trimester of pregnancy. The seatbelt force alone presented a serious safety risk to her and our unborn child. There were no airbag system warning lights prior to the collision, and the SRS appeared to be functioning normally. The failure of the airbags to deploy under these conditions indicates a potential defect in the supplemental restraint system. This appears to be a dangerous failure of the airbag system. We are requesting a formal investigation into the SRS components and crash sensor functionality of this vehicle model.

Reported
Aug 2025
Incident date
Aug 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11679419 at NHTSA →
Air BagsAug 2025 · ODI 11679429 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

This is a follow-up and correction to a complaint previously submitted for VIN [XXX] regarding airbag non-deployment during a passenger-side T-bone collision on [XXX]. A [XXX] child was properly restrained in a rear-facing car seat in the rear passenger-side seat. The vehicle was struck directly on the passenger side at an estimated 30 mph. The front passenger door was deformed to the point it can no longer be opened. Despite this significant side impact and the presence of an occupied child seat in the rear, no side curtain airbags deployed—including those designed to protect rear outboard passengers. This vehicle is equipped with side curtain airbags as standard equipment. We believe this may constitute a failure of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) to perform as intended under FMVSS 214 and 226. We request that this report be associated with the prior complaint and considered in any manufacturer or regulatory investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported
Aug 2025
Incident date
Aug 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11679429 at NHTSA →
Air BagsFeb 2025 · ODI 11641815Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag light warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the air bag sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Reported
Feb 2025
Incident date
Jan 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11641815 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemFeb 2025 · ODI 11641330Details +

The driver seatbelt come unattached while driving. The car looses electric system while driving

Reported
Feb 2025
Incident date
Feb 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11641330 at NHTSA →
Power TrainNov 2024 · ODI 11624824Details +

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)

Reported
Nov 2024
Incident date
Mar 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11624824 at NHTSA →
VisibilityOct 2024 · ODI 11618718Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that the message "Air Bag System Service Required" was displayed. Additionally, the message "Window Washer Fluid Low" was displayed while there was sufficient washer fluid in the reservoir. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V621000 (Forward Collision Avoidance, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical System). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 62,366.

Reported
Oct 2024
Incident date
Oct 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11618718 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherNov 2023 · ODI 11553663Details +

I was parked in my family yard and my dash service symbols just came on 5 at once. I have not been involved in any collision or any trauma to the vehicle.Those lights are the FCM, LFW, AHB, and ASC service required lights. The FCM will come on go off and come back on. I am concerned that these issues can cause a crash or other issue on road. I have not had this issue before and again my vehicle was at a standstill but it was running.

Reported
Nov 2023
Incident date
Nov 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11553663 at NHTSA →
SteeringJun 2023 · ODI 11529355Details +

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).

Reported
Jun 2023
Incident date
Apr 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11529355 at NHTSA →
EngineJan 2023 · ODI 11502506Details +

Vehicle has a permanent engine code poo11 vvt intake

Reported
Jan 2023
Incident date
Dec 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11502506 at NHTSA →
Power TrainSep 2022 · ODI 11485359Details +

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.

Reported
Sep 2022
Incident date
Aug 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11485359 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemAug 2022 · ODI 11479737Details +

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.

Reported
Aug 2022
Incident date
Jul 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11479737 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesJul 2021 · ODI 11425949Details +

The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the mechanic to have the wheel bearing and front hub replaced, the mechanic found out that the front passenger’s side ABS wheel speed sensor fractured inside the assembly housing. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,000.

Reported
Jul 2021
Incident date
Jun 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11425949 at NHTSA →
Air BagsDec 2020 · ODI 11383834 · crashDetails +

THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 63 MPH ON A RURAL BLACKTOP, WHEN A WHITE TAIL DEER RAN INTO THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT AND REAR DOOR MEET. THE COLLISION CAUSED BOTH DOOR WINDOWS TO SHATTER, AND THE DOORS ARE DENTED SO BAD THEY CANNOT BE OPENED. THE SIDE AIRBAGS ON THE VEHICLE DID NOT DEPLOY EVEN AFTER TAKING A DIRECT HIT FROM THE DEER.

Reported
Dec 2020
Incident date
Dec 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash
Open ODI 11383834 at NHTSA →
Power TrainOct 2020 · ODI 11362358 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

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.

Reported
Oct 2020
Incident date
Sep 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11362358 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMay 2020 · ODI 11323806Details +

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

Reported
May 2020
Incident date
Dec 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11323806 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemMay 2020 · ODI 11323200Details +

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.

Reported
May 2020
Incident date
May 2020
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11323200 at NHTSA →
Power TrainJan 2020 · ODI 11302683Details +

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

Reported
Jan 2020
Incident date
Dec 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11302683 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemMay 2019 · ODI 11205710Details +

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.

Reported
May 2019
Incident date
May 2019
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11205710 at NHTSA →
SuspensionOct 2018 · ODI 11142562Details +

I HAD A RECALL SCHEDULE AN APPOINT WITH MITSUBISHI DEALER IN DES MOINES, IA * WENT TO MY APPT TODAY 10-25 AND WAS TOLD THEY CANNOT DO THE RECALL BECAUSE THE COMPUTER THEY NEED TO RESET THE SOFTWARE IS DOWN. NO CALL OR OFFER TO GIVE ME A LOAN CAR DUE TO THE SAFTEY ISSUE OF THE RECALL. I DO NOT THINK THAT ANY DEALERSHIP SHOULD TAKE RECALLS AND SAFTEY ISSUES WITH THE RECALLS THE LIGHTLY. THANK YOU

Reported
Oct 2018
Incident date
Oct 2018
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11142562 at NHTSA →

Recalls(2)

Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.

Electrical System · 18V620000Details +

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.

Risk: 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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Forward Collision Avoidance · 18V621000Details +

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.

Risk: 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.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.

Investigations

0 NHTSA investigations on record

No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.

Crash-test ratings

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUV FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUV AWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Outlander Sport 2WD2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive243027
Outlander Sport 4WD2.0L 4-cyl4-Wheel Drive232926
Outlander Sport 4WD2.4L 4-cyl4-Wheel Drive232825
Outlander Sport 2WD2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive232925
Outlander Sport 2WD2.4L 4-cylFront-Wheel Drive232925

EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.

Before you buy

Useful next checks

Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.

These are affiliate links. TireKick may earn a fee if you use one.

Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?

Owners filed 21 NHTSA complaints about the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?

The most-reported problem areas are Air Bags (24% of complaints) and power train (24%).

How many recalls does the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have?

2 recalls have been issued that affect the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, covering components such as electrical system. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport between 25 and 27 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.