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Model-year record

2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2021 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

17

Reports to NHTSA, 2021

Safety recalls

1

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

25.5

EPA estimate

Known issues

Electrical System issues lead owner complaints (35% of 17 reports), followed by unknown or other (18%).

Electrical System35% · 6 reports
Unknown Or Other18% · 3 reports
Power Train12% · 2 reports
Back Over Prevention6% · 1 report
Engine6% · 1 report
Engine And Engine Cooling6% · 1 report
Lane Departure6% · 1 report
Seat Belts6% · 1 report

+ 1 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 17 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11710012, ODI 11641459, ODI 11606093, ODI 11599268, ODI 11488453.

Individual complaint reports(17)

Showing the 17 most recent reports
Unknown Or OtherMar 2026 · ODI 11726925Details +

The brand new from the factory transmission that got replaced at a dealership to “fix” the initial recall stalled and went into limp mode while driving at under 50,000 miles.

Reported
Mar 2026
Incident date
Mar 2026
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11726925 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJan 2026 · ODI 11710012Details +

The contact owns a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that the catalytic converter was stolen from the vehicle, and a new catalytic converter was installed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the dealer, but no assistance was provided. The failure persisted. The contact recently received an Extended Warranty for the infotainment touch screens due to common software and connectivity failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.

Reported
Jan 2026
Incident date
Sep 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11710012 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlNov 2025 · ODI 11698038Details +

I was turning out of my neighborhood and as I accelerated to merge with traffic my car started jerking. My dashboard “D” symbol only started flashing on and off and then my transmission service required light came on, (just had it done 8/25 and it is 11/25) and the BSW service required light came on as well. As I continued down the street everytime I pressed on the gas pedal the car kept jerking backwards and forward.

Reported
Nov 2025
Incident date
Nov 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11698038 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemFeb 2025 · ODI 11641459Details +

Driving home with no other cars around the forward collision warning goes off for no reason losing power and slowing down on it's own. This has been an ongoing situation since the car was new, I've made numerous attempts to have my local dealership look into this situation and all they tell me is to take video when it happens.

Reported
Feb 2025
Incident date
Feb 2025
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11641459 at NHTSA →
Back Over PreventionDec 2024 · ODI 11630096Details +

I have 40,000 miles on my vehicle, only owner and drive 28 miles to and from work a day. The entire Infotainment center is not usuable, I called the dealership I purchased it from and they said the warranty is 36,000 miles. How on a brand new car do you get 36,000 for a system that controls everything inside your car.

Reported
Dec 2024
Incident date
Aug 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11630096 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemAug 2024 · ODI 11606093Details +

Multiple and random Cylinder misfires. fixed more than three times and continuously, same issue. many issues with revving up. safety risk while driving due to stalling.

Reported
Aug 2024
Incident date
Aug 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11606093 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemJul 2024 · ODI 11599268Details +

Infotainment system failed. Touchscreen does not work incurring a major distraction when trying to change to navigation or utilize android auto.

Reported
Jul 2024
Incident date
Jul 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11599268 at NHTSA →
Engine And Engine CoolingMay 2024 · ODI 11588728Details +

The contact owns a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the Service Engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local AutoZone where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

Reported
May 2024
Incident date
May 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11588728 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherMay 2024 · ODI 11588792Details +

I had a recall on this vehicle for the CVT software update which i got fixed by mitsubishi at the dealership but now its doing the same thing and seems worse, everytime I push on the gas it does not excelerate and usually gets stuck at 30-45MPH no matter how much i press on the gas, and the rpms get stuck at 3-4 thousand rpms which causes a safety threat when we are driving. I did some research and found out that this a well known issue with mitsubishi and its outlander sports vehicles I’m not sure what to do from here.

Reported
May 2024
Incident date
May 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11588792 at NHTSA →
Seat BeltsJan 2024 · ODI 11565879Details +

Driver side seat belt is not locking.

Reported
Jan 2024
Incident date
Jan 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11565879 at NHTSA →
Lane DepartureDec 2023 · ODI 11561895Details +

The software system in regard to the BSW and FCM. The car tried to put itself in reverse while we were driving. Yes, the problem has been reproduced on the computer only. The vehicle is currently at the dealership being looked at now. The transmission service light came on, the FCM temporarily not available, came on, and the BSW light came on.

Reported
Dec 2023
Incident date
Dec 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11561895 at NHTSA →
Power TrainAug 2023 · ODI 11535929Details +

The contact owns a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the automotive power started fluctuating, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle coasted off the roadway and was shifted into park; however, several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle would not accelerate above 30 MPH with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been intermittent but gradually became a recurring failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V563000 (Power Train). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Reported
Aug 2023
Incident date
Jun 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11535929 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherJun 2023 · ODI 11526076Details +

Since March 2023 my car has being to Bell Mitsubishi for AC problems the compressor stops working starts making noises and every time the compressor the failed the vehicle stalled. As of right now Mitsubishi does not know why this is happening I have not being provided with a loaner car or rental. today 6/8/2023 my car has being at the dealer for almost 2 weeks they claimed they put a brand new A/C system but is not working. They don't have an ETA for my car to be done. I depend on my vehicle to commute to work. I commute every day 17 miles each trip.

Reported
Jun 2023
Incident date
Mar 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11526076 at NHTSA →
Power TrainOct 2022 · ODI 11488905Details +

The contact owns a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine misfired and the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was notified of the failure but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V563000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 900.

Reported
Oct 2022
Incident date
Aug 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11488905 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemOct 2022 · ODI 11488453Details +

I was driving approximately 35MPH on a 4-lane road with no vehicles in front of me. The car came to a hard stop. The stop was so hard that my purse flew from the passenger seat to the floor. I was wearing my seat belt which tightened up but my body still moved forward causing me neck pain. I did notice briefly that a flashing yellow light was on the dashboard. There were no objects in front of me. The driver of the car behind me had to slam on their brakes and almost hit my car. My car stayed still for about 15 seconds and then the automatic brake was released.

Reported
Oct 2022
Incident date
Oct 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11488453 at NHTSA →
Electrical SystemSep 2022 · ODI 11483298Details +

The contact owns a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was stalling and not accelerating as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an unknown recall repair. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000.

Reported
Sep 2022
Incident date
Aug 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11483298 at NHTSA →
EngineMay 2022 · ODI 11464938Details +

This was in a rental from National Car Rental from the Las Vegas airport. I was driving down the road at about 65-70 MPH when the vehicle's brakes just slammed on, and everything about the car just died. There was a huge groaning sound as it happened - kind of like when you are in 'park' and push the gas pedal and it revs really high. I tried shifting into neutral, nothing changed, and all the lights and functions of the car went out. I did my best to "direct" (couldn't steer) the car to the edge of the road. It was a busy remote highway, I was in the 'fast' lane. so could move over as far as I could to the other side of the white line while basically groaning to a halt. When I stopped all of the power shut down, the car would not restart and at first the battery and "service engine now" lights came off, then everything stopped. After a bit the battery came back on so I could at least charge my phone to use it to call for assistance. I have an email from National saying it appeared to be an engine malfunction. When this happened I was on Highway 93 between Las Vegas and Kingman Arizona (right around mile marker 30). It is a split highway with a dirt median. I was on the inside of the median. Fortunately when it happened there was no one directly behind me or they would have hit me. This is the main thoroughfare between NV and northern AZ here, so it is basically semi trucks going >70 mph the whole stretch. I had to sit in the car for 2 hours waiting for the tow truck to arrive. I did not get out of the car because I was more scared of distracting a driver and veering into me, whereas sitting in the car I was just as scared, but I thought at least I had an airbag if I was crashed into. I was honestly terrified the whole time. I sent numerous emails and made numerous calls that document all of this. I have pictures and video of the situation. The car was picked up by Jone's Towing from Kingman AZ.

Reported
May 2022
Incident date
May 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11464938 at NHTSA →

Recalls(1)

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.

Power TrainFeb 2022 · 22V563000Details +

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with continuously variable transmissions and mechanical key ignition systems. A software error in the transmission control unit (CVT-ECU) may incorrectly reduce the transmission gear ratio at high speeds, which can result in an engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will update the CVT-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-22-004.

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

2021 Mitsubishi OUTLANDER SPORT SUV FWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

2021 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 2WD2.4L 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

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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.

2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?

Owners filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the 2021 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 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?

The most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (35% of complaints) and unknown or other (18%).

How many recalls does the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have?

1 recall has been issued that affect the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, covering components such as power train. 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 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport between 25 and 27 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.