Mitsubishi Outlander Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 183 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the Mitsubishi Outlander across 21 model years. The 2016 model year has the most (64). The words owners use most often: “cvt transmission” (7% of reports).
- 183power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 5mention a crash
- 3mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 38%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- CVT transmission: mentioned in 13 of 183 complaints (7%)
At what mileage do power train problems happen?
Based on 110 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 183 complaints, 5 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury.
Mitsubishi Outlander power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outlander | 1 | 7% | — |
| 2024 Outlander | 4 | 15% | — |
| 2023 Outlander | 4 | 8% | 46,000 |
| 2022 Outlander | 8 | 4% | 47,500 |
| 2020 Outlander | 1 | 3% | 5,500 |
| 2019 Outlander | 3 | 10% | 6,500 |
| 2018 Outlander | 3 | 5% | 20,900 |
| 2017 Outlander | 7 | 14% | 77,000 |
| 2016 Outlander | 64 | 44% | 79,800 |
| 2015 Outlander | 25 | 47% | 34,000 |
| 2014 Outlander | 7 | 16% | 106,501 |
| 2013 Outlander | 4 | 15% | 71,000 |
| 2012 Outlander | 6 | 27% | 134,148 |
| 2011 Outlander | 6 | 10% | 68,500 |
| 2010 Outlander | 6 | 10% | 144,500 |
| 2009 Outlander | 5 | 11% | 171,240 |
| 2008 Outlander | 9 | 16% | 49,000 |
| 2007 Outlander | 8 | 6% | 115,000 |
| 2005 Outlander | 3 | 16% | 80,000 |
| 2004 Outlander | 3 | 6% | 34,400 |
| 2003 Outlander | 6 | 5% | 97,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Model years: 2016
Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles and 2016 Outlander and Lancer vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a constant velocity transmission (CVT) that, in certain driving conditions, may cause a delay in the vehicle accelerating.
Risk: A hesitation during acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: MMNA has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the CVT control unit with modified software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2016. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-006.
Power train:automatic transmission; power train:transfer case (4-wheel drive)
Model years: 2007, 2009
Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2007 and 2009 Outlander vehicles. During servicing, the affected vehicles were repaired with replacement transfer case assemblies whose oil seal may come out of position.
Risk: If the oil seal dislodges, automatic transmission fluid (ATF) may enter the transfer case assembly, reducing the ATF pressure in the transmission, resulting in poor transmission shifting or the inability of the vehicle to be driven, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transfer assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 30, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-005.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
This vehicle exhibits a severe and dangerous acceleration hesitation, accompanied by a sudden, momentary loss of engine torque when pulling out from stops or trying to merge onto highways. This unexpected loss of power leaves the vehicle stranded briefly in oncoming traffic, creating an immediate…
My 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has experienced recurring, severe powertrain failures causing a dangerous 'PHEV System Fault / Power Reduced' limp mode at highway speeds, dropping instantly from 60+ MPH to severely restricted speeds. This creates an immediate risk of a high-speed rear-end…
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle unintendedly decreased speed. No warning lights illuminated. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or…
The car itself should not be sold considering the number of complaints about the transmission issues. Iâve only had the car a month and Its started to stall and jerks when in acceleration. The gears started to not shift properly and the car would not go over 20 miles without jerking. I took the…
2 issues contributed to accident: 1st - Vehicle did not go into Park when button on gear shift was pushed. Driver did not notice that vehicle remained in Drive and exited the vehicle. 2nd - Vehicle did not automatically engage the emergency brake/park mode it is designed to do when Vehicle is in…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Mitsubishi Outlanders have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 183 owner complaints about power train for the Mitsubishi Outlander. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Mitsubishi Outlander power train?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about power train problems on the Mitsubishi Outlander?
The most frequent phrase is “cvt transmission”, in 13 of 183 complaints.
Other Mitsubishi Outlander problems
- Suspension problems (173)
- Electrical System problems (164)
- Structure problems (157)
- Engine problems (139)
- Air Bags problems (110)
See all Mitsubishi Outlander problems.