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ProblemsByVin File / 2016-MITSUBISHI-OUTLANDER NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2016 · Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Outlander problems

167 owner complaints and 4 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.8 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2016 Outlander?
Acceptable — with caveats

Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.

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.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
66 reports · fails ~70,202 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
brakes
15 reports · fails ~51,413 mi · avg $450
severe
electrical
12 reports · fails ~35,426 mi · avg $850
severe
body
11 reports · fails ~45,508 mi · avg $1,500
severe
lighting
11 reports · fails ~54,037 mi · avg $250
moderate
steering
8 reports · fails ~28,745 mi · avg $700
severe
airbags
6 reports · fails ~74,857 mi · avg $1,100
severe
engine
6 reports · fails ~55,875 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2016 Outlander's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2016 Outlander?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

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…
12/29/2020 · at 75,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11385543.0 · see lighting pattern →
2016 Outlander · lighting
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…
12/23/2018 · at 63,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11163200.0 · see lighting pattern →
2016 Outlander · powertrain
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…
2016 Outlander · lighting
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…
12/09/2019 · at 36,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11288038.0 · see lighting pattern →
View all 167 owner complaints →
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.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 3 of 4

severe NHTSA 20V741000 November 30, 2020

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc

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.
severe NHTSA 16V563000 July 28, 2016

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc

A hesitation during acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.
severe NHTSA 18V070000 January 26, 2018

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc

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.

Fix: 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 number for this recall is SR-18-002.
View all 4 recalls →

Common questions

Is the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.8 out of 10 based on 167 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 6.8/10 — around the segment average; 4 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 66 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 167 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.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 4 days 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. We are not affiliated with Mitsubishi. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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