The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport shows some reliability concerns, particularly with its power train system. The single recall associated with a software error in the transmission control unit may lead to significant issues such as engine stalling at high speeds, indicating a need for caution among owners.
Key Factor:Power train-related issues
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (1) than the average MITSUBISHI vehicle (0.1). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
1 recall for this vehicle0.1 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
πWhy This Matters
The presence of a recall linked to the power train, specifically concerning engine stalling due to a software fault in the transmission control unit, represents a crucial safety risk for drivers. This defect can affect vehicle performance significantly, particularly at high speeds where stalling poses serious dangers on the road. Additionally, the number of complaints (15) suggests that users have experienced ongoing frustrations with related systems, underscoring potential quality control shortcomings that could affect overall ownership experience.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
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Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
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Primary Risk Area:Warning
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Vs Brand: Worse than avg (0.1)
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Summary: Year-over-year analysis indicates that while the Outlander Sport has entered the market with some commendable engineering features, its reliability profile is marred by specific issues related to its power train. Compared to industry expectations for compact SUVs in this segment, these concerns elevate its risk profile notably.
Safety & Reliability Score
91/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-0.75
Investigation Impact-0
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport
Model Year2021
MakeMITSUBISHI
ModelOutlander Sport
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Jan21
NEWProduction
Feb22
RECALLRecall Issued
May22
ISSUEFirst Report
Consumer Complaint Analysis
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Most Reported Issue
5 complaints (33% of total)
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Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
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Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 15 consumer complaints by severity level.
π High
2(13%)
π‘Medium
5(33%)
π’Low
8(53%)
Mileage Failure Analysis
βοΈEngineering Insight
The peak failure range of 0-20k miles presents a critical point for current owners and prospective buyers alike. With an average failure mileage of approximately 9617 miles, it is evident that issues may arise early in vehicle ownership. Early detection and addressing known problems can prevent more significant complications down the road.
π Mileage data extracted from 5 of 15 complaints (33% coverage)
0-20k
4 reports (80%)
20k-40k
0 reports (0%)
40k-60k
1 reports (20%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.
π οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
POWER TRAIN
π―Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Power Train Control Module
Issue: Software errors may lead to unintended reduction in gear ratio causing potential engine stalls.
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Contact your dealer to ensure any necessary updates or repairs are completed promptly.
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Ask about any software updates or repairs related to power train control before finalizing your purchase.
Campaign:21V274000
π‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your MITSUBISHI dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (1)
Campaign: 22V563000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
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Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
0 investigations
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No active investigations for this vehicle.
Consumer Complaints
15 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Outlander Sport.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Warning33%
Stall33%
Acceleration Issues20%
Fire13%
Check Engine Light13%
Jerk7%
Stuck7%
Noise7%
Crash/Accident7%
Battery7%
Otherπ΅ Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE
I was turning out of my neighborhood and as I accelerated to merge with traffic my car started jerking. My dashboard βDβ 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.
ElectricalπΆ Medium
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
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.
Safety Systemsπ΅ Low
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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.
Engine/Powertrainβ οΈ High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
Electricalπ΅ Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Infotainment system failed. Touchscreen does not work incurring a major distraction when trying to change to navigation or utilize android auto.
Engine/Powertrainπ΅ Low
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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.
Otherπ΅ Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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 Iβm not sure what to do from here.
Safety Systemsπ΅ Low
SEAT BELTS
Driver side seat belt is not locking.
Safety Systemsπ΅ Low
LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
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.
Engine/PowertrainπΆ Medium
POWER TRAIN
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.
β¨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #22V563000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about the reliability of the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
The reliability of the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is impacted by known issues within its power train system. With one recall addressing critical software errors that can lead to engine stalling and several complaints reported by owners, it's imperative for potential buyers to be informed about these risks before purchasing.
Are there common problems reported by owners of the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
Yes, owners have reported several complaints primarily focused on power train malfunctions. Issues include unexpected engine performance changes and concerns stemming from software glitches leading to potential safety risks during operation.
πYear-over-Year Context
β‘οΈStable Pattern
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.
π§What This Means for You
Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified MITSUBISHI service centerβrepairs are performed at no cost to you.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in MITSUBISHI's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used
Request the VIN from the seller and verify the 'Clean' recall status via NHTSA.
This specific Outlander Sport year is noted for its strong reliability foundations.