2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Safety Report
2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. 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 | High (7) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (167) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 10 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train | Compare power train issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2020 | Compare against the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander with 27 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander before buying across this generation. |
Mitsubishi Outlander 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 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander | 49 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander | 231 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander | 55 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander | 29 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander | 27 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander | 197 | 7 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander, 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.
Power Train
46 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Mitsubishi onlyService Brakes
12 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Mitsubishi onlyExterior Lighting
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting issues Mitsubishi onlyStructure
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Mitsubishi onlyUnknown Or Other
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Mitsubishi onlyLatches/Locks/Linkages
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Latches/Locks/Linkages issues Mitsubishi onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
Reliability Score
The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander receives a reliability score of 9 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 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
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 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission Failure Multiple reports of transmission slipping and frequent stall, especially in the CVT system. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Parking Brake Failure Several instances of the parking brake failing to function or sticking, posing a safety risk. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Seat Belt Buckle Assembly Recall for rear seat belt buckle assembly issues, though less frequent. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Structure Recall for structure-related issues, including support device/strut problems. |
Medium | 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 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander:
Issues with transmission slipping and frequent stall, especially in the CVT system.
Problems with the parking brake failing to function or sticking.
Recall for rear seat belt buckle assembly issues.
Recall for structure-related issues, including support device/strut problems.
Recall Details for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
The following 7 recalls have been issued for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander by NHTSA:
Summary: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles sold and/or currently registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The liftgate gas spring ...
Consequence: A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2025. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-25-002
Summary: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2016 Outlander and Outlander Sport vehicles. The rust prevention coating on the rear brake operating shafts could have been peeled off during the assembly process. As a result, water entering the rear brake caliper boot may cause the parking brake operating shafts to corrode and possibly bind.
Consequence: If the parking brake operating shafts bind, the parking brakes may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brakes do not engage properly, the vehicle could rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake caliper assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 4, 2021. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-005.
Summary: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Outlander and 2018-2019 Outlander PHEV vehicles. The second-row center seat belt buckle may interfere with the right-side seat belt buckle when the seat backs are folded down. The interference may cause the right-side seat belt buckle cover to come off, making the buckle latch inoperable and unable to restrain an occupant.
Consequence: An unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will modify the second-row center seat belt buckle cover, install a new warning label to the second-row seat support base, and provide a new warning label insert for the owner's manual, free of charge. The recall began September 1, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-20-004.
Summary: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Outlander and 2013-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles. Water may enter the rear brake calipers causing the parking brake actuator shafts to corrode and possibly bind.
Consequence: If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear brake calipers and replace the parking brake boot and lever or the brake caliper body, as necessary. Dealers will also replace the piston assembly of the rear brake caliper. These repairs will be performed 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...
Summary: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Outlander, 2015-2016 Lancer and Outlander Sport, and 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles. These vehicles may have defective relays that can result in an engine stall, reduced engine power or the engine overheating.
Consequence: If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected relays, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-005.
Summary: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2016 Outlander and Outlander Sport vehicles. The inside door latch mechanisms may not latch securely in high temperatures, allowing the doors to open while vehicle is in motion.
Consequence: If a door opens while the vehicle is being driven, it can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-002.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A hesitation during acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
transmission went out
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that upon manually activating the parking brake, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The vehicle was taken to Jack's Independent Service Inc, where it was diagnosed and determined that the parking brake operating shafts were corroded. The dealer related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V741000 (Parking Brake); however, ...
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred repeatedly after coming to a complete stop. The contact stated that because of the failure, the contact was nearly inv...
On the freeway TRANSMISSION FAILURE SERVICE light came on and the cars acceleration geared, had to immediately pull over on the side of the freeway, restarted the car with emergency lights to get out of the freeway. Vehicle would not accelerate much and the rpm was switching fast up and down. Check engine light came on the next day and the diagnosis read catalytic converter needs replacement. Car...
I have a CVT system on my SUV and the transmission keeps slipping. A transmission light comes on and the car starts to stall. It happens mostly in stop and go traffic.
I bought a Mitsubishi outlander 2016 and just in couple of month the car doesn’t want to engage on the transmission , the SUV doesn’t go forward or backwards, it sound like the engine tend to try but the car doesn’t move
In less than one year with this car, 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT, is hesitating when accelerating then jerking forward into 4th gear, while driving at various speeds, the steering column vibrates makes loud sound, I’ve replaced the headlights at least 6x, water is getting in the vehicle somehow even a car wish will leave the floorboards soaking wet, the steering sways. This car had given me mo...
Transmission light frequently comes on, car stalls/sluggish to respond. Has occurred while driving or at rest. No change despite several transmission servicing/towing expenses. Per online research, others experiencing same issues. Often resolves temporarily by turning off engine and restarting car. Recalls issued for other Mitsubishi models, but not for this car. Needs to be addressed to prevent i...
CVT transmission is slipping really bad and TPS not working .
The emergency brake suddenly failed to function. Applied the brake but there was no tension on the lever & no brake function occuring. I understand there was a VIN specific recall on this vehicle and just wondering how my vehicle that falls under the year, make & model does not qualify for the recall but is suffering from the same exact issue?
The parking brake is sticking when the vehicle is in motion, and it may fails to keep the vehicle stationary when engaged. It has been occurring for a few months. There is a current recall for this issue but my VIN is not included even though it’s the same issue.
The parking brake is sticking when the vehicle is in motion, and it fails to keep the vehicle stationary when engaged. The car cannot operate correctly with the emergency brake engaged. Also it’s not safe since the car cannot be secured. There is an open recall for this issue however my VIN isn’t included but the issue is the same. This has been occurring for a few months, we just were able to fig...
Unknown. The transmission service light comes on and the vehicle drags until you turn the car off and restart it. I noticed online there's a CVT transmission recall and was wondering if this is what is happening to my vehicle.
I was driving home from work when the car started to violently shudder. I took my foot off the accelerator and it stopped, only to happen again when I resumed pressing the gas. This also causes the car to suddenly slow down somewhat dramatically. The tachometer also "bounces". I purchased this vehicle used and drove it for 6 or 7 months with no issues before this happened. I took I to a local me...
Delay in the accelerating pedal and hesitation, transmission will chande gear abnormal.Ac went out at same time.
Transmission control module Shifting goes into limp mode and doesn't allow acceleration until the car is turned off and back on There are other years of my vehicle where this is an active recall. The transmission service required light comes on Codes are as follows PO776 C1560 U0114 U0100
Complete loss of headlights while driving at night. Having to replace headlights monthly. Heater fuse keeps blowing.
My windshield wipers have malfunctioned. They will work for a second than malfunction again. This is creating hazardous conditions that will cause an accident when it is raining.
The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed catalytic converter. The contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The contact was also i...
While traveling on the highway, as I accelerated, my vehicle began to shutter as if it was about to stall. Then the D on the display panel began flashing and a message concerning the transmission was displayed. As I increased my speed the more the car shuttered. I researched and found that this has been an issue with this make and model of this vehicle. After calling a Mitsubishi dealership, I w...
Showing 20 of 167 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
Has the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER been recalled?
Yes, the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER has 7 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER have?
The 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER has 167 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 9 involved crashes. 7 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER?
The 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER 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 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER involve power train (46 complaints), service brakes (12 complaints), exterior lighting (9 complaints). Other affected components include structure, unknown or other, latches/locks/linkages.
How many crash reports does the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER have?
There are 9 crash reports associated with the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER out of 167 total complaints (5.4% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER out of 167 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER.
How many injuries are reported for the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER?
7 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER is acceptable with caveats. It has 167 complaints, 7 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 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER?
The components with the most failures on the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER are: 1. POWER TRAIN (46 complaints), 2. SERVICE BRAKES (12 complaints), 3. EXTERIOR LIGHTING (9 complaints), 4. STRUCTURE (9 complaints), 5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (7 complaints). POWER TRAIN is the single most-reported problem area with 46 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER?
Be cautious of transmission and parking brake issues, as they are the most common problems reported. The 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER has 167 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER?
The 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER receives a reliability score of 9/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 167 owner complaints, 7 recalls, and 10 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Transmission Failure and Parking Brake Failure.
What are the known issues with the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER?
Known issues with the 2016 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER include: Transmission Failure, Parking Brake Failure, Seat Belt Buckle Assembly, Structure. These are based on patterns found across 167 NHTSA complaints. 7 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common issues with the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Transmission failures and parking brake problems are the most common issues.
Are there any recalls for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Yes, recalls have been issued for transmission, parking brake, seat belt, and structure issues.
What should I do if I experience transmission issues?
Have the transmission checked by a professional mechanic immediately.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of transmission and parking brake issues, as they are the most common problems reported.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. The data includes 167 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 7 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 9 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 7 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander 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