2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Safety Report
2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (21) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 4 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Air Bags | Compare air bags issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2021 | Compare against the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport with 17 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport before buying across this generation. |
Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Mitsubishi Outlander Sport years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | 47 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | 73 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | 26 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | 163 | 8 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | 17 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport | 229 | 9 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Air Bags
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Mitsubishi onlyPower Train,Electrical System
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Electrical System issues Mitsubishi onlyPower Train
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Mitsubishi onlyAir Bags,Seat Belts,Unknown Or Other
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags,Seat Belts,Unknown Or Other issues Mitsubishi onlySeat Belts
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Seat Belts issues Mitsubishi onlyElectrical System,Seats
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Seats issues Mitsubishi onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Reliability Score
The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport receives a reliability score of 5 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bag Symbol Lit Technicians were unable to find the issue or reset the light, indicating a potential malfunction in the air bag system. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Center Seat Belt Not Retracting This issue renders the seat belt unusable and unsafe, posing a significant risk to the driver and passengers. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Forward Collision Avoidance System Recalled due to potential issues, this system is crucial for safety and should be addressed promptly. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Code P011 Vvt Intake This code indicates a problem with the engine's variable valve timing, which may affect performance. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport:
Issues with air bags and seat belts are commonly reported.
Recalled due to potential issues, this system is crucial for safety.
Issues with the electrical system, including headlights and seat belts, have been reported.
Transmission issues have been reported, causing the transmission light to turn on and affecting driving.
Recall Details for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport by NHTSA:
Summary: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system and 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross vehicles and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system and/or an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) system. The software for the Hydraulic Unit Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may be incorrect, possibly preventing the intervention of a safety syste...
Consequence: If the safety systems do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the Hydraulic Unit-ECU software, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-008.
Summary: Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Outlander Sport, 2018-2019 Eclipse Cross, and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system that detects pedestrians. Due to incorrect software, the FCM-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) may apply braking for longer than needed, even after a pedestrian is no longer detected.
Consequence: If the FCM-ECU software activates the brake for longer than necessary, the driver may react by applying additional braking. The resulting rapid deceleration of the vehicle can increase the risk of a rear-end collision.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the FCM-ECU software with updated software, free of charge. The recall is began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-007.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 4 complaints involved crashes. 3 reported injuries or fatalities.
Air bag symbol is lit on dash. Technicians unable to find issue, nor were they able to reset light. I feel the importance of said system functioning properly needs addressed. Not just we e can't find what is wrong.Nothing else we can do. No, that's b s
Center seat belt will not retract, causing the belt to be unusable and unsafe.
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 ...
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 sustai...
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 ...
The driver seatbelt come unattached while driving. The car looses electric system while driving
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 intermitten...
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), Servi...
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 wa...
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 REC...
Vehicle has a permanent engine code poo11 vvt intake
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 dea...
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...
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...
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.
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 O...
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
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 ...
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
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.
Showing 20 of 21 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Has the 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT have?
The 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT has 21 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 4 involved crashes. 3 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT?
The 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT involve air bags (3 complaints), power train,electrical system (2 complaints), power train (2 complaints). Other affected components include air bags,seat belts,unknown or other, seat belts, electrical system,seats.
How many crash reports does the 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT have?
There are 4 crash reports associated with the 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT out of 21 total complaints (19.0% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT have?
There are no fire reports for the 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT?
3 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT is generally recommended. It has 21 complaints, 2 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT are: 1. AIR BAGS (3 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (2 complaints), 3. POWER TRAIN (2 complaints), 4. AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER (1 complaints), 5. SEAT BELTS (1 complaints). AIR BAGS is the single most-reported problem area with 3 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT?
Be cautious of potential air bag and seat belt issues, and ensure the forward collision avoidance system is functioning properly. The 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT has 21 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT?
The 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT receives a reliability score of 5/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 21 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 4 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Air bag symbol lit and Center seat belt not retracting.
What are the known issues with the 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT?
Known issues with the 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT include: Air bag symbol lit, Center seat belt not retracting, Forward collision avoidance system, Engine code P011 VVT intake. These are based on patterns found across 21 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
Yes, there are recalls for the forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control systems.
What should I do if the air bag symbol is lit on my dashboard?
Have the vehicle inspected by a professional to diagnose and address the issue.
Can you explain the engine code P011 VVT intake?
This code indicates a problem with the engine's variable valve timing, which may affect performance.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of potential air bag and seat belt issues, and ensure the forward collision avoidance system is functioning properly.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The data includes 21 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16