2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Safety Report

2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: Good crash ratings, but persistent transmission and electrical issues, including stalling risks, despite recall.

17Complaints
1Recalls
★★★★☆Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (3)Electrical System,Forward Collision Avoidance (2)Electrical System,Engine (1)Vehicle Speed Control,Unknown Or Other,Lane Departure (1)Back Over Prevention (1)Electrical System,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System (1)Electrical System (1)Engine And Engine Cooling (1)Seat Belts (1)Lane Departure,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved respectable crash test ratings from NHTSA, including a 4-star Overall rating, 4-star Frontal, 5-star Side, and 4-star Rollover, its complaint data reveals significant powertrain and electrical system concerns. With 17 total complaints, a notable pattern involves the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which is directly linked to a critical recall. This recall, affecting 2019-2022 Outlander Sport models, addresses a software issue that can lead to engine stalls, increasing crash risk. Several complaints directly reference transmission failures, stalling, and loss of power, even after recall repairs, indicating persistent issues. Beyond the transmission, electrical system problems are also prominent. These range from infotainment system failures, making the touchscreen unusable and causing distraction, to issues with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like Forward Collision Avoidance (FCM) and Blind Spot Warning (BSW) systems. Multiple reports describe the FCM activating without cause, leading to sudden braking and power loss, which is a serious safety hazard. Other electrical complaints include random cylinder misfires and general engine stalling. The vehicle's recall history includes one significant recall related to the CVT software, which can cause engine stalls. Despite this recall, several complaints indicate that the underlying issues, such as stalling and transmission problems, have re-emerged or persisted even after the recall fix. This suggests that the recall may not have fully resolved the safety risk for all affected vehicles. The relatively low number of total complaints (17) for a 2021 model year might seem reassuring, but the severity and recurring nature of the reported issues, particularly those related to stalling and sudden braking, warrant careful consideration.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Cvt Transmission Failure/Stalling
Transmission stalls, goes into limp mode, or fails to accelerate, often after recall repairs. Directly linked to a recall for engine stall risk.		 High Common under 50000 miles
Forward Collision Avoidance (Fcm) False Activation
Vehicle suddenly brakes and loses power without an obstacle, creating a crash risk.		 High Occasional new-40000 miles
Infotainment System Failure
Touchscreen becomes unresponsive, making navigation and other functions unusable and causing driver distraction.		 Medium Occasional 36000-40000 miles
Engine Misfires And Stalling
Multiple and random cylinder misfires leading to stalling and safety risks while driving.		 High Occasional unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport:

Unknown Or Other 17% of complaints

General complaints not categorized, some related to catalytic converter theft and subsequent check engine lights.

Electrical System,Forward Collision Avoidance 11% of complaints

False activation of forward collision warning, leading to sudden braking and power loss.

Power Train:Automatic Transmission 11% of complaints

Transmission stalling, jerking, and entering limp mode, often related to the CVT and recall issues.

Electrical System 5% of complaints

Infotainment system failure, making the touchscreen unusable.

Engine And Engine Cooling 5% of complaints

Engine misfires and stalling issues.

Seat Belts 5% of complaints

Driver side seat belt not locking.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Is the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport received good crash test ratings (4-star Overall, 5-star Side). However, it has 17 complaints, with significant concerns about the CVT transmission causing stalling and loss of power, and false activations of the forward collision avoidance system, both of which are serious safety risks. A recall exists for the CVT software, but complaints suggest issues persist.

What are common problems with the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?

The most reported issues are related to the CVT transmission, including stalling and jerking, often linked to a recall. Electrical system problems are also common, specifically false activations of the forward collision avoidance system leading to sudden braking, and infotainment system failures. Engine misfires and stalling are also noted.

Has the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport been recalled?

Yes, the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has one recall (NHTSA ID: 21V-870) concerning the POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE. This recall addresses a software issue in the continuously variable transmission that can lead to an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

How does the 2021 Outlander Sport perform in crash tests?

The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport received strong crash test ratings from NHTSA: a 4-star Overall rating, 4 stars for Frontal crash, 5 stars for Side crash, and 4 stars for Rollover resistance.

Are there issues with the transmission in the 2021 Outlander Sport?

Yes, there are significant and recurring issues with the CVT transmission. Multiple complaints describe stalling, jerking, and loss of acceleration, even after a recall repair for a software issue that can cause engine stalls. This is a major concern for this model.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Despite good crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of persistent and serious powertrain and electrical system issues, particularly concerning the CVT and ADAS, which may not be fully resolved by recalls. Thorough pre-purchase inspection and review of service history are highly recommended.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The data includes 17 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 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.