Editorial perspective by Shop Foreman · Lead technician
At the shop, Mitsubishi transmission and driveline issues have a recognizable signature. 519 documented complaints across 39 year-model entries from 2005 to 2024 is consistent with what we see come in. 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander tops the list, but the pattern repeats across years. Multiple generations are affected. 6 injury reports on the record — not a category to wave off. Across the 243 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 55,717 miles. Repair exposure averages $2,500, which is meaningful money outside warranty. Pull a transmission fluid sample if you can. Color and smell tell you more than mileage alone. If the fluid is dark or smells burnt, walk.
Worst-affected Mitsubishi model-years for powertrain Top 25 by complaint volume
How many Mitsubishi powertrain complaints are on file with NHTSA?
519 complaints across 39 model-year entries from 2005 to 2024. No active recall campaigns currently cover this category for Mitsubishi.
Which Mitsubishi model has the most powertrain complaints?
The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander leads with 137 complaints in this category. Next: 2016 Outlander (68) and 2008 Lancer Evolution (36).
What does it cost to fix Mitsubishi powertrain problems?
Independent shops average $2,500 for powertrain repairs across the Mitsubishi lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Mitsubishi powertrain recalls?
No active NHTSA recalls currently cover powertrain issues on Mitsubishi vehicles. The complaints are owner-reported and have not risen to a manufacturer recall.
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database.
Editorial commentary written by Shop Foreman, an independent contributor to ProblemsByVin
and not affiliated with Mitsubishi.
Severity ratings derive from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities on the NHTSA complaint and recall record.
Repair cost averages reflect independent-shop pricing and may differ in your area.