Mitsubishi Outlander transmission and drivetrain problems, 2016–2027
122 of the 807 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mitsubishi Outlander 2016–2027 name the transmission and drivetrain (NHTSA’s “Power Train” heading — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, axles and differentials — NHTSA files them under one heading). The loudest years: 2016 (71), 2017 (13), 2019 (10). Filed under the same heading across these years: 3 manufacturer bulletins, 2 recall campaigns. Every figure is a linked federal record; none is a failure rate, none a repair cost, and none a verdict on one car.
Mitsubishi Outlander transmission and drivetrain problems by model year
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsOne row per model year on file, newest first. A year marked in depth has its own page: the complaints, the owners’ words and every document under this heading for that year.
| Model year | Complaints naming the transmission and drivetrain | Share of the year’s | Typically at | On file under the heading | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
| 2026 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
| 2025 | 0 | — | — | 8 TSBs | the year → |
| 2024 | 5 | 19% | — | 23 TSBs | the year → |
| 2023 | 0 | — | — | 28 TSBs | the year → |
| 2022 | 4 | 2% | — | 1 recall | the year → |
| 2021 | 3 | 16% | — | 7 TSBs · 1 recall | the year → |
| 2020 | 6 | 11% | — | 23 TSBs · 1 recall | the year → |
| 2019 | 10 | 18% | — | 28 TSBs · 1 recall | the year → |
| 2018 | 10 | 11% | — | 30 TSBs | the year → |
| 2017 | 13 | 17% | — | 32 TSBs | the year → |
| 2016 in depth | 71 | 42% | 78k | 35 TSBs · 1 recall | the record → |
Two things the counts carry that are not the car: how many of each year were sold, and how long each has been on the road — an older year out-counts a newer one before anything is wrong with it. The share column is the honest comparison across years: what part of that year’s complaints named the transmission and drivetrain. Nothing here is a rate.
When the transmission and drivetrain complaints were filed, and at what mileage
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled per calendar year, every model year together: 2016: 3 · 2017: 5 · 2018: 5 · 2019: 11 · 2020: 16 · 2021: 13 · 2022: 16 · 2023: 19 · 2024: 13 · 2025: 11 · 2026: 10
Across the model years, half of the 70 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the transmission and drivetrain problem between 25,000 and 90,000 miles. A median of reports, not the life of a part.
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the transmission and drivetrain, from the model years with the most to say. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the vehicle hesitated upon depressing the accelerator pedal, and the engine revved. The transmission warning light illuminated and the message "Transmission Hot" was displayed.
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while accelerating at various speeds, the vehicle failed to shift into the intended gear. The contact then stated that the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The check engine and the transmission warning lights were illuminated.
The contact owns a 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle was shuddering, and it was difficult to stabilize the steering wheel before the vehicle shut off. The check transmission message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the residence.
Cvt transmission bad at 81,000 miles as well as the transfer case causing delay in shifting and rough shifting
Took the car in for routine cvt fluid and filter change. Mechanic completed the task Took the vehicle for a road test and at highway speed the cvt transmission shifted to a higher gear and revved the motor rpms immediately over 6000 to 7000. Threw it into neutral and took back to the shop.
What is on file about the transmission and drivetrain, across the years
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsRecall campaigns filed under this heading, any model year
- 22V563000 HighAug 2, 2022 · 76,508 vehicles
- 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.
- 16V563000 ModerateJul 28, 2016 · 82,436 vehicles
- Mitsubishi 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.
3 manufacturer bulletins filed under this heading, any model year
- Jun 18, 2026
- This Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers addresses the issue of abnormal noise and vibration from the rear differential assembly and provides the procedure to complete the repair.
- Jun 3, 2024
- Service Manual Revision - This Technical Service Bulletin provides corrections to the description of special tools used to install the oil seal within the Automatic Transaxle sections of the applicable Service Manuals.
- Mar 25, 2024
- Service Manual Revision - This Technical Service Bulletin instructs dealers to diagnose and test drive vehicles exhibiting a shudder or surge condition possibly caused by poor reaction of the hydraulic pressure circuit.
Every one filed under the heading is listed. Quote the document number at a service desk — it is a diagnosis the maker has already written down.
Other systems with a record on the Mitsubishi Outlander
Source: the same filesEvery system, every model year: Mitsubishi Outlander problems by year →
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsWhich Mitsubishi Outlander years have the most transmission and drivetrain complaints?
2016, 71; 2017, 13; 2019, 10. Raw counts, and an older year has had longer to collect them; by share of each year's own complaints the loudest is the 2016 (42%).
Is there a recall for the transmission and drivetrain on the Mitsubishi Outlander?
Yes — 2 campaigns are filed under this heading across these model years: 22V563000 (2022), 16V563000 (2016). A recall is matched by VIN, and applies to specific years; check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
When do transmission and drivetrain problems show up on the Mitsubishi Outlander?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 65,000 miles across the model years; half of them between 25,000 and 90,000. That is when reports cluster, not the life of a part.
What does NHTSA's "Power Train" heading cover?
The transmission, transfer case, driveshafts, axles and differentials — NHTSA files them under one heading. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.