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2016 Mitsubishi Outlander

Gas
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
8 EPA-rated configurations
Data refreshed 2026-09-11
F
Safety Signal
35 / 100 from the NHTSA recall record
RecallsNHTSA campaigns11
Complaintsowner reports to NHTSA170
Crash ratingNHTSA overall5★
Fuel economybest combined, EPA27 mpg
202720262025202420232022202120202019201820172016

The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander is sold in the U.S. as a gas compact SUV with 8 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Outlander 2WD, is EPA-rated at 27 mpg combined. NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for this model year, which gives it a Safety Signal grade of F. Owners have filed 170 complaints, most often about the power train. NHTSA crash-tested it at 5 stars overall.

Specs & fuel economy

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov
ConfigurationPowertrainDriveEngine / motorCityHwyCombAnnual fuel*
Outlander 2WDGasFWD2.4L 4-cyl253027$2,300
Outlander Sport 2WDGasFWD2.0L 4-cyl243027$2,300
Outlander 4WDGas4WD2.4L 4-cyl242926$2,400
Outlander Sport 4WDGas4WD2.0L 4-cyl232926$2,400
Outlander Sport 2WDGasFWD2.0L 4-cyl232925$2,500
Outlander Sport 2WDGasFWD2.4L 4-cyl232825$2,500
Outlander Sport 4WDGas4WD2.4L 4-cyl222724$2,600
Outlander 4WDGas4WD3.0L 6-cyl202722$3,500

*EPA estimate at 15,000 miles/year at EPA reference fuel and electricity prices. fueleconomy.gov record ids: 36329, 37257, 36337, 37259, 37256, 37258, 37260, 36338.

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Recalls (11)

Source: NHTSA recall database
▲high

Structure

SR-26-001
108,046 vehicles
ProblemMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.RiskA gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.FixMMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2026. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-26-001. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov June 3, 2026. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V507.
NHTSA campaign 26V252000reported Apr 20, 2026Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
▲high

Structure

SR-25-002
121,529 vehicles
ProblemMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles sold and/or currently registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.RiskA gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.FixMMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2025. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-25-002
NHTSA campaign 25V507000reported Aug 7, 2025Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
▲high

Parking Brake

SR-20-005
21,758 vehicles
ProblemMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2016 Outlander and Outlander Sport vehicles. The rust prevention coating on the rear brake operating shafts could have been peeled off during the assembly process. As a result, water entering the rear brake caliper boot may cause the parking brake operating shafts to corrode and possibly bind.RiskIf the parking brake operating shafts bind, the parking brakes may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brakes do not engage properly, the vehicle could rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.FixMMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake caliper assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 4, 2021. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-005.
NHTSA campaign 20V741000reported Nov 30, 2020Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
▲high

Seat Belts

SR-20-004
177,000 vehicles
ProblemMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Outlander and 2018-2019 Outlander PHEV vehicles. The second-row center seat belt buckle may interfere with the right-side seat belt buckle when the seat backs are folded down. The interference may cause the right-side seat belt buckle cover to come off, making the buckle latch inoperable and unable to restrain an occupant.RiskAn unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.FixMMNA will notify owners, and dealers will modify the second-row center seat belt buckle cover, install a new warning label to the second-row seat support base, and provide a new warning label insert for the owner's manual, free of charge. The recall began September 1, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-20-004.
NHTSA campaign 20V403000reported Jul 13, 2020Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
▲high

Suspension

SR-20-003
141,200 vehicles
ProblemMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.RiskA detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.FixMMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.
NHTSA campaign 20V279000reported May 18, 2020Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
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Visibility

SR-18-004
158,651 vehicles
ProblemMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles. Water may enter between the hood and windshield and cause the front wiper link ball joint to corrode, possibly resulting in the wiper link separating and the wipers becoming inoperative.RiskLoss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.FixMMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rod of the wiper link and the wiper motor crank arm, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 10, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-004.
NHTSA campaign 18V103000reported Feb 9, 2018Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
▲high

Parking Brake

SR-18-002
170,354 vehicles
ProblemMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Outlander and 2013-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles. Water may enter the rear brake calipers causing the parking brake actuator shafts to corrode and possibly bind.RiskIf the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.FixMMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear brake calipers and replace the parking brake boot and lever or the brake caliper body, as necessary. Dealers will also replace the piston assembly of the rear brake caliper. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-002.
NHTSA campaign 18V070000reported Jan 26, 2018Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
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Electrical System

SR-17-005
132,552 vehicles
ProblemMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Outlander, 2015-2016 Lancer and Outlander Sport, and 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles. These vehicles may have defective relays that can result in an engine stall, reduced engine power or the engine overheating.RiskIf the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.FixMMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected relays, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-005.
NHTSA campaign 17V609000reported Sep 29, 2017Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
●moderate

Latches/Locks/Linkages

SR-17-002
35,674 vehicles
ProblemMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2016 Outlander and Outlander Sport vehicles. The inside door latch mechanisms may not latch securely in high temperatures, allowing the doors to open while vehicle is in motion.RiskIf a door opens while the vehicle is being driven, it can increase the risk of injury.FixMMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-002.
NHTSA campaign 17V233000reported Apr 6, 2017Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
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Structure

SR-16-011
50,228 vehicles
ProblemMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to June 1, 2012, and 2016 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured January 11, 2016, to July 8, 2016. The lift gate support outer tube on the affected vehicles may have insufficient anti-corrosion treatment that can allow the outer tube to corrode due to salt and water penetration.RiskIf the outer tube corrodes, there may be a rapid loss of the gas used to provide lift assistance, causing the lift gate to fall suddenly, increasing the risk of injury.FixMMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lift gate supports, free of charge. The recall began on January 20, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-011.
NHTSA campaign 16V867000reported Dec 2, 2016Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
▲high

Power Train

SR-16-006
82,436 vehicles
ProblemMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles and 2016 Outlander and Lancer vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a constant velocity transmission (CVT) that, in certain driving conditions, may cause a delay in the vehicle accelerating.RiskA hesitation during acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.FixMMNA has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the CVT control unit with modified software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2016. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-006.
NHTSA campaign 16V563000reported Jul 28, 2016Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Owner complaints

Source: NHTSA complaint database
170complaints filed

9 involved a crash · 1 a fire · 7 injuries · 0 deaths reported

Filed per year: 2016: 10 · 2017: 21 · 2018: 16 · 2019: 23 · 2020: 22 · 2021: 25 · 2022: 14 · 2023: 17 · 2024: 11 · 2025: 7 · 2026: 4

Most-cited components

Power Train70
Engine28
Unspecified19
Service Brakes17
Structure12
Vehicle Speed Control12

What owners describe

“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 wi…”Feb 2, 2025 · Suspension · NHTSA owner report
“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 o…”Jan 21, 2025 · Vehicle Speed Control · NHTSA owner report
“The parking brake is sticking when the vehicle is in motion, and it fails to keep the vehicle stationary when engaged. The car cannot operate correctly with the emergency brake engaged. Also it’s not safe since the car cannot be secured. There is an open recall for this issue however my VIN isn’t included but the i…”Sep 29, 2024 · Service Brakes · NHTSA owner report

Complaint counts are raw owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects, and scale with how many were sold. Use them to spot patterns, not to rank.

Crash ratings

Source: NHTSA NCAP
ConfigurationOverallFrontalSideRolloverRollover risk
SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆16%
SUV AWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆17%
SUV FWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆18%
SUV FWD★★★★☆★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆19%

NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.

Other Outlander model years

A

2027 Mitsubishi Outlander

0 recalls · 0 complaints

A

2026 Mitsubishi Outlander

1 recalls · 5 complaints

A

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander

2 recalls · 17 complaints

A

2024 Mitsubishi Outlander

1 recalls · 27 complaints

A

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander

2 recalls · 55 complaints

F

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander

10 recalls · 225 complaints

B

2021 Mitsubishi Outlander

3 recalls · 17 complaints

C

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander

4 recalls · 57 complaints

F

2019 Mitsubishi Outlander

6 recalls · 56 complaints

F

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander

6 recalls · 91 complaints

F

2017 Mitsubishi Outlander

6 recalls · 78 complaints

Sources & method

Safety Signal starts every model-year at 100 and subtracts points per open NHTSA recall campaign by severity: critical 15 (fire risk, park-outside or do-not-drive advisories), high 8 (brakes, steering, airbags, loss of drive power, structure, battery), moderate 6, minor 3 (software, labels, lighting fixed by an update). Floor 35. A ≥ 90, B ≥ 80, C ≥ 70, D ≥ 60, otherwise F. Complaint counts and NHTSA crash ratings are shown separately and are not blended into the grade.

EPA figures come from fueleconomy.gov vehicle records. Recalls, complaints, investigations and crash ratings come from NHTSA's public flat files, refreshed weekly.

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