Service Manual Revision - This Technical Service Bulletin provides corrections to the description of special tools used to install the oil seal within the Automatic Transaxle sections of the applicable Service Manuals.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Mitsubishi Outlander powertrain problems
moderate 135 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
135
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 135 powertrain complaints filed for the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 17 model years of Mitsubishi Outlander we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 135.
Powertrain accounts for 58% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 11 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers directing them to diagnose and test drive customer vehicles with F1CJC/W1CJC (CVT-8) transmissions that may exhibit a shudder or surge condition possibly caused by a poor reaction of the hydraulic pressure circuit.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin updates the Automatic Transmission section of the affected Service Manual, to correct information in the diagnosis data list reference table for automatic transmissions F6AJA and W6AJA.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander and Outlander Sport report persistent CVT transmission problems starting as early as 500–3,500 miles and continuing into the 100,000+ mile range. The most consistent complaint is hesitation or complete loss of power during acceleration from a stop or low speed (typically 0–30 mph), where depressing the accelerator produces little or no response for several seconds before the vehicle lurches forward with a jerk. At highway speeds (50–75 mph), owners report the transmission hunting between gears, RPM surging up and down, or sudden erratic downshifts that feel like the transmission is slipping and re-engaging. Multiple owners describe unintended acceleration, shuddering, stalling at traffic lights or in intersections, and refusal to shift into Drive or Reverse after restart. The transmission service light and check engine light illuminate frequently. Dealers report internal transmission failures, fluid pressure sensor codes (P084A), and fluid leaks at 30,000–124,000 miles. Mitsubishi's recall SR-16-006 (CVT-ECU software update) and TSB-20-23-001 (CVT-ECU reflash and oil change) have not resolved the underlying transmission defect for many owners. Replacement costs quoted range from $3,500 to $10,000. Several owners cite warranty denial or exclusion of their VIN from recall programs despite identical symptoms to those in formal recalls.
Same Mitsubishi Outlander powertrain reports on nearby years: 2016
Failure modes owners describe
CVT transmission hesitation and loss of power during acceleration
Vehicle hesitates, delays, or completely loses power when accelerator is depressed from a stop or low speed. Takes several seconds to respond; then lurches or jerks forward abruptly. Occurs intermittently or on nearly every acceleration.
When: 500–3,500 miles on new vehicles; 30,000–124,000 miles on used/second-owner vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: No response when accelerator pedal depressed from stop; Delayed acceleration with eventual jerk or lunge; Difficulty accelerating onto highways or merging; Vehicle unable to accelerate at traffic lights or stop signs; Intermittent; difficult for dealers to reproduce
Codes mentioned: P084A (CVT fluid pressure sensor performance), P0776 (transmission pressure solenoid), P0843 (CVT transmission fluid pressure)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers quote complete CVT transmission replacement at $3,500–$10,000. Mitsubishi's CVT-ECU software update and reflash do not resolve issue. Some owners report transmission fluid exchange attempted without success.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall SR-16-006 (2016, CVT-ECU software update); TSB-20-23-001 (April 2020, CVT-ECU reflash and oil change). Many owners report VINs not included in recall despite matching symptoms. Second-owner powertrain warranty typically expired at 60,000 miles.
CVT transmission shuddering, jerking, and surging
Vehicle shudders, shakes, or jerks during acceleration, gear shifting, or at idle. RPM surges up and down without accelerating. Engine hunts between gears at highway speeds.
When: As early as day one after purchase; continues throughout ownership; 30,000–90,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering from day one during test drive at 55–75 mph; Shaking during acceleration from stop or low speed; RPM fluctuations between 500–1,000 at idle, worsens with AC on; Sudden banging or loud noise from transmission; Vehicle hunts between gears at highway speeds (50–75 mph)
Codes mentioned: P0017 (cam/crank shaft timing misalignment, reported in one case), P084A (CVT fluid pressure sensor), Transmission service required warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers attempted fixes include loose transmission cable adjustment (ineffective), throttle body cleaning (ineffective), transmission fluid exchange (failed), and complete transmission replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall SR-16-006 (CVT-ECU software update); TSB-20-23-001 (CVT-ECU reflash). One owner reports receiving the update/reflash without actual transmission replacement, problem persists.
CVT transmission stalling and refusal to move
Vehicle stalls suddenly while driving, at traffic lights, in intersections, or while decelerating. After restart, vehicle may not accelerate in Drive or Reverse, or moves only after multiple restarts. Transmission may lock up entirely.
When: 30,000–124,000 miles; can occur at any speed or from complete stop
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden stalling at traffic lights, intersections, or during highway driving; Vehicle will not accelerate after stalling; Vehicle will not shift into Reverse or Drive; Requires multiple restarts to regain motion; Vehicle accelerates only a short distance before stalling again; Complete transmission lockup requiring tow
Codes mentioned: P084A (CVT fluid pressure sensor), Transmission service required warning light, Check engine light (intermittent)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report transmission replacement quotes of $7,000–$10,000. Some dealerships quote transaxle replacement. One owner had transmission replaced in December 2015 but same stalling issue recurred within weeks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall SR-16-006; TSB-20-23-001. Some owners denied recall coverage after software update failed to resolve issue. One owner reports Mitsubishi replaced transmission but problem recurred; dealership refused further warranty assistance.
CVT transmission unintended acceleration and loss of control
Vehicle accelerates on its own without pedal input or accelerates erratically with sudden power shifts. Steering may seize. Sudden loss of drive power during turning or merging, forcing driver toward traffic.
When: 30,000–90,000+ miles; can occur during turns, merges, or while coasting
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle lunges forward or accelerates unintendedly; Sudden loss of power while turning, causing vehicle to drift into oncoming lane or curb; Steering wheel seizes when transmission fails; RPM spikes without corresponding acceleration or with sudden deceleration; Vehicle rolls forward when shifted into Reverse
Codes mentioned: P084A (CVT fluid pressure sensor), Transmission service required warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report transmission replacement as only remedy. One owner bumped curbs due to hesitation; another nearly veered into oncoming traffic.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall SR-16-006 and TSB-20-23-001 listed but do not address unintended acceleration; VINs often excluded from recall. No manufacturer assistance provided.
CVT transmission fluid leak and internal failure
Transmission fluid leaks from transmission housing. Internal transmission components fail, including metal shavings found in fluid by independent mechanics. Fluid pressure sensors malfunction.
When: 30,000–77,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Visible transmission fluid leak beneath vehicle; Low transmission fluid reservoir (one owner found no fluid); Metal shavings in transmission fluid (discovered by independent mechanic); Transmission warning light and check engine light illuminate
Codes mentioned: P084A (CVT fluid pressure sensor performance), P0776 (transmission pressure solenoid), P0843 (CVT transmission fluid pressure)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid exchange attempted but failed to resolve issue. Metal shavings indicate internal wear requiring full transmission replacement ($3,500–$10,000).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls specifically for transmission fluid leaks. Some owners' VINs excluded from recall despite matching symptoms.
Inhibitor switch failure (transmission will not shift)
Transmission inhibitor switch fails, preventing vehicle from shifting into Drive or Reverse, or causing erratic shifting. Replacement of inhibitor switch does not resolve underlying transmission issue.
When: 3,500–8,700 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not shift into Drive or Reverse; Vehicle stalls or loses power when attempting to accelerate from stop; Sudden loss of motive power in middle of intersection
Repairs/costs cited: Mitsubishi dealership replaced inhibitor switch on 4/21/15; failure recurred on 4/26/15. Independent mechanics suspect underlying transmission defect not addressed by switch replacement alone.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership replaced inhibitor switch based on engineer review of data recorder; no other remedy offered. Owner pursued lemon law claim with attorney.
Synthesized from 135 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 11 most recent
I bought my vehicle towards the end of october with less than 40000 miles and I keep encountering an acceleration issue and high engine RPM, the issues periodically 'resolve' them self only to come back a little further down the road, the issues I encounter aren't exactly the same but I think they are very closely related/connected to each other; accelerating from low speed (0-30): I tend to…
Several instances where acceleration failed momentarily were followed by a recall. Several weeks after the issue was 'corrected", acceleration failed to generate a speed past 30 MPH for a few moments, then 25 MPH, and I barely managed to get back at home at no more than 20 MPH. Every time I stepped on the gas, it caused acceleration to decrease until I stopped and coasted at 20.
On 12/13/2015 I was at a one way stop intersection and as I proceeded to accelerate through the intersection the vehicle lost power to the drive wheels momentarily and then reengaged with a jerk. It felt like the transmission slipped and then grabbed or reengaged. A few days before this I had received a recall notice to have the transmission control program replaced. I have since taken the…
Purchased vehicle brand new and have been experiencing jerking and hesitation during acceleration. When stopped at a light, vehicle doesn't move with when trying to accelerate and then suddenly jerks off. Took the vehicle back to two different Mitsubishi dealerships, including the one of purchase, and they are finding no codes or issues wrong. *tr
Car won’t drive over 10 mph The problem was supposed to fixed a year ago by car max in Woodbridge now it happened again
Hi to whom it may concern Mitsubishi recalled our 2015 outlander for defective CVT transmission, we took it to the dealership workshop, were they upgrade or fixed although after few days, we tried many times to run the car on CVT, but its useless, noise, delayed bumpy acceleration, the car is not safe and reliable.
The SUV seems to miss or hesitate when slowing to make a turn. It feels like it sputters or sticks at times when accelerating or slowing down. It usually rides smooth when driving at a constant speed, but sort of jerks when acceleration changes. I wanted to know if there were any recalls because I want to be sure the problem won't create a driving hazard. *tr
We purchased new a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport which has a Recall regarding the CVT transmission causing Vehicle Hesitation when Accelerating increasing the risk of a crash. We began experiencing "Hesitation when Accelerating" along with a "Transmission Service Required Light" in November 2023. Upon contacting a Mitsubishi Dealership, we were told by a Service Rep that the Recall had already…
For those of you who had the same issue as I did with hesitation at low speeds and the engine RPM at higher speeds - I received this letter on friday december 4th - please take your vehicles into the dealership and get them fixed- you will no longer have to worry about getting into an accident - and it's not the inhibitor switch.
Driving nov 6 and I heard a noise, almost thought I hit a pot hole or something, come to a red light and dmy car .akes a whining noise and will not go. I put in a claim to my insurance company which was denied before they even looked at the car, I called back and made an adjuster look at the car because I had already been told that the transmission was going to cost about $7,000. I'm a single…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 135 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 83 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 22,000 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 51,021. A quarter of owners report trouble before 22,000; a quarter make it past 90,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2015/Mitsubishi/Outlander.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.