2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jun 17, 2025 · 30 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Outlander Sport years
More complaints than other years 4th of 16 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 30 complaints with NHTSA about the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. That ranks 4th out of 16 Outlander Sport model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (8 complaints, 27%), typically at around 79,740 miles. Complaints mention 3 crashes, 4 injuries. There are 10 safety recalls covering this model year.

Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Mitsubishi Outlander. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: ajay_suresh, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine8 · ~79,740 mi
Electrical System6 · ~62,435 mi
Unknown or Other5 · ~90,500 mi
Air Bags4 · ~100,000 mi
Service Brakes4 · ~58,973 mi
Power Train3
Seat Belts3 · ~98,990 mi
Electronic Stability Control (esc)2 · ~42,885 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling2 · ~133,025 mi
Steering2 · ~86,688 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine827%79,740——
Electrical System620%62,435——
Unknown or Other517%90,500——
Air Bags413%100,000——
Service Brakes413%58,973——
Power Train310%———
Seat Belts310%98,990——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)27%42,885——
Engine and Engine Cooling27%133,025——
Steering27%86,688——
Structure27%———
Suspension27%41,133——
Visibility27%113,000——
Seats13%58,757——
Visibility/wiper13%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2017, with 6 complaints
2014: 4201442015: 4201542016: 4201642017: 6201762018: 5201852019: 3201932021: 1202112024: 2202422025: 120251

n = 30 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport recalls (10)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Structure:frame and members; suspension:front:control arm:lower armMay 18, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V279000 · 141,200 vehicles

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.

Risk: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.

Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:linkagesFeb 9, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V103000 · 158,651 vehicles

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles. Water may enter between the hood and windshield and cause the front wiper link ball joint to corrode, possibly resulting in the wiper link separating and the wipers becoming inoperative.

Risk: Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rod of the wiper link and the wiper motor crank arm, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 10, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-004.

Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleysJan 26, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V069000 · 141,053 vehicles

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive belt to detach.

Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-001.

Structure:body:hatchback/liftgate:hinge and attachmentsDec 2, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V867000 · 50,228 vehicles

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to June 1, 2012, and 2016 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured January 11, 2016, to July 8, 2016. The lift gate support outer tube on the affected vehicles may have insufficient anti-corrosion treatment that can allow the outer tube to corrode due to salt and water penetration.

Risk: If the outer tube corrodes, there may be a rapid loss of the gas used to provide lift assistance, causing the lift gate to fall suddenly, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lift gate supports, free of charge. The recall began on January 20, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-011.

Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motorOct 31, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V792000 · 93,801 vehicles

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to January 5, 2015. In the affected vehicles, water may drop between the hood and the windshield and leak into the wiper motor breathing hole. The water may cause internal corrosion of the windshield wiper motor and the possible failure of the motor.

Risk: Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The manufacturer has begun the recall, but parts are not yet available; a second notice will be sent when parts are available. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-010.

Equipment:other:labelsSep 21, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V579000 · 2 vehicles

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured on December 3, 2010. The affected vehicles are equipped with incorrect certification labels that were installed during manufacturing. The incorrect labels do not have the correct vehicle identification numbers (VIN) printed on the label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification."

Risk: A vehicle must comply with all regulatory requirements to ensure that it is safe.

Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will install corrected certification labels, free of charge. The recall began on October 8, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-010.

Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac system:fan/motorApr 20, 2015 · NHTSA campaign 15V233000 · 76,958 vehicles

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Lancer vehicles manufactured March 16, 2009, to March 30, 2011, 2010-2011 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to December 1, 2010, 2010-2011 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to January 7, 2011, 2009-2011 Outlander vehicles manufactured February 10, 2009, to June 22, 2011, and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to November 19, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the blower motor may fail.

Risk: Failure of the blower motor may reduce the performance of the windshield defroster, diminishing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-003.

Service brakes, hydraulicSep 12, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V560000 · 2 vehicles

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured on September 3, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the switch sleeve in the brake booster may crack and prevent the brake pedal from returning properly.

Risk: If the pedal is unable to move back to the proper position, the vehicle may not move as expected, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake booster, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began in October 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-008.

Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleysSep 12, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V562000 · 165,923 vehicles

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4B1 engines, have an engine pulley and belt arrangement for turning the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (if equipped). These pulleys may experience unusual wear and allow for belt detachment.

Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-009.

Visibility:sun/moon roof assemblyJun 20, 2013 · NHTSA campaign 13V255000 · 3,181 vehicles

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, through March 29, 2011. The panoramic glass roof may have been installed without primer being applied before the adhesive.

Risk: Without primer being used, the panoramic glass roof may have reduced adhesion, possibly allowing the glass roof to detach from the vehicle, resulting in a road hazard to other vehicles.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners and dealers will inspect the panoramic glass to see if primer was installed. If primer is not present, the glass will be reinstalled. The recall began on July 8, 2013. MMNA's recall number is SR-13-007. Customers may contact MMNA at 1-888-648-7820.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH in the rain, the windshield wipers were fully engaged; however, wiper motor failed to operate as intended. The failure obstructed the driver's visibility, preventing the driver from safely operating the…

Visibility · received Jun 17, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11667422

Not starting due to corrosion issues

Structure · received Jun 1, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11591869

The contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 25–30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the check engine, 4-WD, ABS, traction…

Engine and Engine Cooling · received Jan 25, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11567714

The contact owns a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V279000 (Structure, Suspension) however, the contact was unable to schedule the recall repair because she was unable to get a response from the dealer. The contact stated…

Suspension · received Sep 30, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11435017

I know this car has four recalls on it. But i'm having issues with what it feels like to be the transmission. I have been googling slow or sluggish acceleration issues and other people have been having the same problem. Then i came across a recall for the outlander sport involving the cvt in newer…

Engine · received Jun 16, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11220449

Other Mitsubishi Outlander Sport years

2012 Outlander Sport →

See all Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems by year, every Mitsubishi model, or the Mitsubishi VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?

Owners most often report engine, electrical system, unknown or other problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 8 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?

Yes, 10 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Outlander Sport model years, the 2011 has more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.