Is the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander have?

8 recalls on file for this model year.

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:54:57.777Z

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 144
Recalls: 8
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2016: 144 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2003	116
2004	52
2005	19
2006	21
2007	125
2008	58
2009	46
2010	60
2011	58
2012	22
2013	26
2014	45
2015	53
2016	144
2017	51
2018	57
2019	29
2020	31
2022	217
2023	48
2024	26
2025	15
2026	3

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

44% · 63 reports

Most commonly citing torque converter.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-23

Also filed under Engine and electrical system

Engine

14% · 20 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Service brakes

12% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owned a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. While driving 35 MPH, the check engine, ABS, and temperature warning indicators illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-11-26

Also filed under Service brakes, hydraulic

Respectfully, we bought our brand new 2016 Outlander from the dealership this may. My wife rear ended a car less than a month later on the highway. She said the car didn't stop when she hit the brakes and that the brakes don't work.

NHTSA ODI report, 2016-09-06

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and structure

On the outlanders speed control sensor on the back hubs the lil ears that hold the sensor in place have broken off both sides of my car there's is no way to replace them makeing my car shift different drive funny and it's just about made me wreck a...

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-19

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

Exterior lighting

8% · 12 reports

Electrical system

8% · 12 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Safety timeline

8 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2016Complaint volume 144 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2016-08-15Power train16V563000 Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles and 2016 Outlander and Lancer vehicles.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-08-25Latches/locks/linkages17V233000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-10-24Electrical system17V609000 Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Outlander, 2015-2016 Lancer and Outlander Sport, and 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-03-27Parking brake18V070000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-09-01Seat belts20V403000 Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Outlander and 2018-2019 Outlander PHEV vehicles.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-05-04Parking brake20V741000 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.

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2025-10-06Structure25V507000 Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2026-06-17Structure26V252000 Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles.

Remedy: MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2026. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-26-001.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 63 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 20 reports on file for this year.
Service brakes: 17 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 16V563000 · Power train
Recall 17V233000 · Latches/locks/linkages
Recall 17V609000 · Electrical system
Recall 18V070000 · Parking brake
Recall 20V403000 · Seat belts
Recall 20V741000 · Parking brake
Recall 25V507000 · Structure
Recall 26V252000 · Structure

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

202031

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 44% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander have?: 8 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.