2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine (3) · Vehicle Speed Control (2) · Power Train (2)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Mitsubishi Outlander Sport model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (1)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module:software 2022-08-02 · campaign 22V563000 · 76,508 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (47)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System 2026-03-30 · TSB-25-54-002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this revised technical service bulletin instructs dealers to confirm that the sda2 audio unit touch screen is unresponsive, and if confirmed, to replace the sda2 audio unit.
Electrical System 2026-01-30 · PB-25-54-002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this parts bulletin provides clarification on the correct part numbers to order / use based upon the situation of repair / replacement.
Electrical System 2026-01-29 · TSB-25-54-002 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this technical service bulletin instructs dealers to confirm that the sda2 audio unit touch screen is unresponsive, and if confirmed, to replace the sda2 audio unit.
Seat Belts 2025-11-21 · TECH TALK 289 · Other
tech talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. it covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications.
Electrical System 2025-09-24 · TIN-25-54-007 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this technical information notice informs dealers that the apple carplay and android auto icons do not show up on the display when the radio is replaced under warranty extension and how to correct the issue..
Electrical System 2025-03-03 · TSB-25-54-002 · Warranty Program/Extension
this technical service bulletin informs dealers of a warranty extension for an unresponsive touch screen on the sda2 audio unit.
Showing the 6 most recent of 47 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-09-22 · Vehicle Speed Control“i own a 2021 mitsubishi outlander sport. mitsubishi's records show that safety recall c2204r/sr-22-004 was previously completed on my vehicle. this recall addressed improper cvt-ecu software programming that could cause an incorrect cvt gear-ratio command and potentially result in engine over-rev, engine damage, stalling, and an increased risk of a…”
2026-09-19 · Engine“at freeway speeds in the heat the vehicle intermittently and suddenly flashes yellow check engine light and vehicle shakes as it loses most of the engine power, forcing a slow or stop to "limp it" off the highway. no warnings no noises no change in emissions noted. calls to dealerships and have been told they don't know what it is and haven't heard…”
2026-03-25 · Unknown Or Other“the brand new from the factory transmission that got replaced at a dealership to “fix” the initial recall stalled and went into limp mode while driving at under 50,000 miles. …”
2026-01-09 · Engine · 6,000 mi“the contact owns a 2021 mitsubishi outlander sport. the contact stated that the catalytic converter was stolen from the vehicle, and a new catalytic converter was installed. the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the v…”
2025-11-06 · Vehicle Speed Control“i was turning out of my neighborhood and as i accelerated to merge with traffic my car started jerking. my dashboard “d” 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…”
2025-02-08 · Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings“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. …”
2024-12-11 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera“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. …”
2024-08-02 · 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.…”
2024-07-05 · Electrical System“infotainment system failed. touchscreen does not work incurring a major distraction when trying to change to navigation or utilize android auto.…”
2024-05-14 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:catalytic Convertor · 47,000 mi“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. …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.