This 2021 model shows good reliability, primarily driven by a below-average recall rate for the MITSUBISHI brand.
Key Factor:below-average recall rate
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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
Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.
Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.
Focus Area:general reliability
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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:
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
Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 0-20k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 9,617 miles.
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
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
Are there any recalls for the 2021 MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport?
Yes, the 2021 MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport has 1 recorded recall from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE.
Is the 2021 MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport safe to drive?
The 2021 MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport has 1 recall. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.
Where can I check if my 2021 MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport has open recalls?
You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local MITSUBISHI dealer.
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―Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Power train
Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk
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If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm power train recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.
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If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all power train recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaign:22V563000
π‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your MITSUBISHI dealer to verify recall completion status.
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
Verify all 1 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your MITSUBISHI dealer.
If any recalls are open, schedule service immediatelyβrecall repairs are always free.
Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
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If You're Buying Used
Request the VIN before purchase and verify recall status at NHTSA.gov.
This model year shows favorable reliability metrics compared to alternatives.