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ProblemsByVinFile / 2016-MITSUBISHI-OUTLANDERNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Mitsubishi
2016 Mitsubishi Outlander problems
The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander has 168 NHTSA owner complaints and 8 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander has 168 NHTSA owner complaints and 8 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 67 complaints, typically surfacing around 70,202 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Mitsubishi Outlander owner complaints by model year
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
8
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 Outlander?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average
8 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
4 / 5 overall
Overall★★★★★4/5
Frontal crash★★★★★4/5
Side crash★★★★★5/5
Rollover★★★★★4/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
powertrain — 67 owner reports
· tends to show around 70,202 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
brakes — 15 owner reports
· tends to show around 51,413 mi · ~$450 to fix
electrical — 12 owner reports
· tends to show around 35,426 mi · ~$850 to fix
body — 11 owner reports
· tends to show around 45,508 mi · ~$1,500 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: brakes is flagged
severe on this model
, showing up around 51,413 mi.
Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 8 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 6.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
engine (~$3,100) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you,
what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact
year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2016 Outlander· lighting
This is now my second complaint to you. Again on the headlights this time they went out at the same time while driving on a two lane highway shortly after midnight.thank god I had high beans even though I'm sure the people I passed didn't appreciate it. Since owning this SUV I…
Low beam headlight bulbs have burned out for the 2nd time since I have bought this car in 1 years time. Last time was september 2018 and now again december 2018. There is no water or condensation inside of the assembly. Just replacing both bulbs and they will work again, but…
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…
I was driving tonight and my lights went out, ( for the 3rd time) I have replaced these lights twice already the last time being a few months ago...now they both go out while driving! I have owned several Mitsubishi cars and this is the first one I have had so many issues with…
Had a problem with your 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov June 3, 2026. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V507.
A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: 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
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.
Fix: 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.
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10 based on 168 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander?
The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average; 8 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 67 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 70,202 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander a good used car to buy?
It scores 6.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 168 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 70,202 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 67 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 70,202 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 70,202 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Mitsubishi Outlander has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 168 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Mitsubishi/Outlander.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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