2018 MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport Problems

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Complaints Reported

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Complaints by Component

AIR BAGS

3 complaints

On 05AUG25, my wife was involved in a frontal collision while driving our 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The vehicle struck another vehicle at an estimated speed of over 30 mph, resulting in significant damage to the front passenger side, including deformation of the hood and front quarter panel. Despite the severity of the impact, no airbags deployed. My wife was properly restrained and sustained visible bruising across her torso. She is currently in her second trimester of pregnancy. The seatbelt force alone presented a serious safety risk to her and our unborn child. There were no airbag system warning lights prior to the collision, and the SRS appeared to be functioning normally. The failure of the airbags to deploy under these conditions indicates a potential defect in the supplemental restraint system. This appears to be a dangerous failure of the airbag system. We are requesting a formal investigation into the SRS components and crash sensor functionality of this vehicle model.

Aug 08, 2025

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

This is a follow-up and correction to a complaint previously submitted for VIN [XXX] regarding airbag non-deployment during a passenger-side T-bone collision on [XXX]. A [XXX] child was properly restrained in a rear-facing car seat in the rear passenger-side seat. The vehicle was struck directly on the passenger side at an estimated 30 mph. The front passenger door was deformed to the point it can no longer be opened. Despite this significant side impact and the presence of an occupied child seat in the rear, no side curtain airbags deployed—including those designed to protect rear outboard passengers. This vehicle is equipped with side curtain airbags as standard equipment. We believe this may constitute a failure of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) to perform as intended under FMVSS 214 and 226. We request that this report be associated with the prior complaint and considered in any manufacturer or regulatory investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Aug 08, 2025

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag light warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the air bag sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Feb 10, 2025

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2 complaints

I am filing this complaint regarding serious safety issues with my 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, VIN: [XXX] , purchased from Carvana in 2019. Recurring transmission problems have created a significant safety risk for me and others. About a year after purchase, the vehicle’s transmission began failing, and I replaced it in 2021. Despite this, the transmission warning light activates intermittently in stop-and-go traffic, and now the vehicle has started stalling on highways, creating a critical hazard by suddenly losing power. In 2021, I took the vehicle to a now-closed Mitsubishi dealership in Brooklyn, where I was informed that this transmission issue was not covered, despite it being a drivetrain problem that should have been under the 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. My research suggests this model may have a Transmission Control Unit (CVT-ECU) defect, potentially causing stalling. Carvana has stated this issue is Mitsubishi’s responsibility, as it is likely manufacturing-related rather than due to prior use. Given Carvana’s stance and the severe safety implications of stalling, I urge NHTSA to investigate if this vehicle, or others with similar transmissions, pose a broader safety risk. Summary of Safety Concerns: 1. Recurring Transmission Problems: Transmission was replaced in 2021, yet the warning light persists, indicating unresolved issues. 2. Stalling on Highways: Vehicle loses power without warning, posing a major hazard in high-speed traffic. 3. Potential Manufacturing Defect: Research suggests a CVT-ECU defect, likely explaining the stalling. These issues leave me unable to rely on my vehicle safely. For my safety and others, I request an investigation into these transmission issues in the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport to determine if there is a larger safety concern. Thank you for your attention. I am available to provide further information as needed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Nov 12, 2024

ISSUE #1 Transmission light turns on and car starts feeling forced. My car is available for inspection upon request. Transmission issue almost caused the vehicles behind me bump into my vehicle, on a 75 mile highway going uphill. My vehicle was at normal speed then suddenly Transmission light comes on then car felt forced and immediately dropped speed. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer. Warning lamps of the problem came on a few minutes prior failure. ISSUE #2 Vehicle dies frequently and has turned off while driving, it has been inspected 2 times already for same issue. Only getting the battery replaced, but issue continues. No warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, the issue began approximately the beginning of 2019.

Sep 19, 2022

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

MY 2018 OUTLANDER SPORT SE HAS VERY POOR ACCELERATION WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A COMPLETE STOP. AFTER READING ABOUT A SIMILAR RECALL FOR THE 2015-2016 OUTLANDER SPORT I FEEL MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME SYMPTOMS. *TR

May 08, 2020

THE TRANSMISSION HAS LESS THEN 100,000 MILES AND HAS GONE OUT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY IT SLIPPED. THEN IN ABOUT 3 MILES ON FILTH STREET WENT OUT COMPLETELY

Jan 28, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS

1 complaint

The driver seatbelt come unattached while driving. The car looses electric system while driving

Feb 07, 2025

VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that the message "Air Bag System Service Required" was displayed. Additionally, the message "Window Washer Fluid Low" was displayed while there was sufficient washer fluid in the reservoir. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V621000 (Forward Collision Avoidance, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical System). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 62,366.

Oct 08, 2024

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

1 complaint

I was parked in my family yard and my dash service symbols just came on 5 at once. I have not been involved in any collision or any trauma to the vehicle.Those lights are the FCM, LFW, AHB, and ASC service required lights. The FCM will come on go off and come back on. I am concerned that these issues can cause a crash or other issue on road. I have not had this issue before and again my vehicle was at a standstill but it was running.

Nov 05, 2023

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

I AM A US ARMY VETERAN AND I NEED YOUR HELP WITH THE FOLLOWING SITUATION. I BOUGHT A MITSUBISHI 2018 OUTLANDER SPORT FROM THE MANATI COOPERATIVE IN APRIL 2019(VIN: [XXX]). THIS VEHICLE HAD A RECALL SINCE SEPTEMBER 14, 2018 AND I GOT IT APRIL 2019 WITH ELECTROMECHANICAL DEFECTS THAT CAUSE DEATH DRIVING AND ARE A DEADLY DANGER. AND NOW THE MITSUBISHI DOES NOT WORK AND CANNOT BE DRIVEN DUE TO THE RECALL. THE ABOVE SHOULD BE CONSIDERED A LEMON LAW CASE AND I NEED YOUR HELP WITH THIS VIOLATION OF MY CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS. RESPECTFULLY, [XXX], US ARMY RETIRED INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Jun 28, 2023

ENGINE

1 complaint

Vehicle has a permanent engine code poo11 vvt intake

Jan 18, 2023

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 complaint

On 07/01/2022 low beam & high beams went out at the same time. Driving without headlights at night when they went out. Could have hit anything not knowing I didn't have any lights. Someone yelled at me from another vehicle to let me know my lights wasn't on keep turning lights on nothing. Made appt. with York Mitsubishi they seen me on 07/19/2022 they said the ETACS need to be replace control unit, time & AL8637 Power to fuse block no power to fuse @14.15 to light plugs, ETACS wont Ground -> will not power relay -> To power fuses -> To power bulbs.

Aug 17, 2022

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR

1 complaint

The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the mechanic to have the wheel bearing and front hub replaced, the mechanic found out that the front passenger’s side ABS wheel speed sensor fractured inside the assembly housing. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,000.

Jul 22, 2021

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 63 MPH ON A RURAL BLACKTOP, WHEN A WHITE TAIL DEER RAN INTO THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT AND REAR DOOR MEET. THE COLLISION CAUSED BOTH DOOR WINDOWS TO SHATTER, AND THE DOORS ARE DENTED SO BAD THEY CANNOT BE OPENED. THE SIDE AIRBAGS ON THE VEHICLE DID NOT DEPLOY EVEN AFTER TAKING A DIRECT HIT FROM THE DEER.

Dec 16, 2020

Crash: 1

POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

1 complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT THE GEAR FROM DRIVE INTO REVERSE WITH THE FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A HOUSE WALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS BEFORE OR AFTER THE FAILURE OCCURRED. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT ADVISED THAT THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL BEFORE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN REPAIR FACILITY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACTS RIGHT HAND WAS INJURED THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000.

Oct 02, 2020

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

1 complaint

ON MAY 1, 2020 I DROVE ABOUT 15 MILES FROM MY HOME TO MEDFORD, OREGON. I MADE ONE STOP AND UPON GETTING BACK INTO THE VEHICLE, I COULD NOT START OR TURN OFF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT OF THE VEHICLE. THE MAINFRAME KEPT SHOWING "ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED" I COULD NOT LOCK THE VEHICLE FOR SAFETY. I COULD NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE AS IT IS ITS MAIN PURPOSE. I COULD NOT TURN OFF THE UNIT WHICH MOST LIKELY RAN THE BATTERY DOWN AND IS MOST LIKELY DEAD. IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP WHICH CANNOT ACCESS RECALL INFORMATION. THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME $150 TO DIAGNOSE, AND CANNOT PERFORM ANY RECALL WORK. I PURCHASED THIS CAR TO AVOID GETTING FIRED FROM A JOB THAT I HAD TO TRAVEL AN HOUR EACH WAY. THREE MONTHS LATER THEY LAID ME OFF. NOW THE CAR I PURCHASED IS NOT WORKING. I HAD CONTACTED THE PLACE I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM AFTER I PURCHASED BEFORE THIS HAPPENED TO GET HELP WITH THE RECALL WHICH THEY ASSURED ME THERE WAS A PLACE LOCALLY. WHICH THERE IS NOT. THE CLOSEST PLACE IS CALIFORNIA OR PORTLAND. NOW THAT THE CAR IS NOT DRIVEABLE, I CANNOT GET IT TO THE RIGHT DEALERSHIP TO BE FIXED UNDER WARRANTY. I DON'T HAVE EXTRA FINANCES TO MANAGE THIS. I AM A SINGLE PARENT ON UNEMPLOYMENT AND I NEED A VEHICLE TO BE ABLE TO WORK. THIS SITUATION IS CRITICAL AND I AM VERY UPSET AND DISAPPOINTED IN THE LACK OF HELP AND SUPPORT I HAVE RECEIVED TO HAVE A WORKING SAFE RELIABLE VEHICLE. SITUATION: I DROVE TO TOWN. PARKED IN A PARKING LOT. WHEN I RETURNED TO THE VEHICLE. IT WOULD NOT START. BRAKES ARE LOCKED. STEARING WHEEL LOCKED. SHIFTER LOCKED. RADIO ON. ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS WOULD NOT SHUT OFF DRAINING THE BATTERY. WINDOWS CAN ROLL DOWN, BUT CANNOT USE POWER LOCKS TO LOCK THE VEHICLE.

May 04, 2020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

PUSH BUTTON START FAILED. DASH MESSAGE "ELECTRICAL FAILURE". CAR WAS PARKED. TRIED TO START. BUTTON STARTED FLASHING AND MESSAGE APPEARED ON DASHBOARD. AFTER SECOND ATTEMPT, HEARD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX AREA.

May 06, 2019

SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

I HAD A RECALL SCHEDULE AN APPOINT WITH MITSUBISHI DEALER IN DES MOINES, IA * WENT TO MY APPT TODAY 10-25 AND WAS TOLD THEY CANNOT DO THE RECALL BECAUSE THE COMPUTER THEY NEED TO RESET THE SOFTWARE IS DOWN. NO CALL OR OFFER TO GIVE ME A LOAN CAR DUE TO THE SAFTEY ISSUE OF THE RECALL. I DO NOT THINK THAT ANY DEALERSHIP SHOULD TAKE RECALLS AND SAFTEY ISSUES WITH THE RECALLS THE LIGHTLY. THANK YOU

Oct 25, 2018

4.7/5.0

106 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How many problems does the 2018 MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport have?

The 2018 MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport currently has 19 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2018 MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport?

The most common problems reported for the 2018 MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2018 MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2018 MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.