Verdict
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Fewer reported complaints than most SUV.
Owners filed 17 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 77% of 2021 SUVs. Electrical System leads the reports (35%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2021 SUVs, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
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
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
Fewer complaints than 77% of 2021 SUVs
The bar is this car's percentile among 2021 SUVs by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Electrical System issues lead owner complaints (35% of 17 reports), followed by unknown or other (18%).
+ 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.
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 +Close −
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.
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
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outlander Sport 2WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 24 | 30 | 27 |
| Outlander Sport 4WD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 23 | 29 | 26 |
| Outlander Sport 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 23 | 28 | 25 |
| Outlander Sport 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 23 | 29 | 25 |
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 model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
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 — fewer complaints than 77% of comparable 2021 SUVs, so it sits toward the stronger end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
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.