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Mitsubishi OutlanderModel year report

2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems

Compared with other Mitsubishi Outlander years

More complaints than typical for this model

86/100 2.3× a typical year · 50 = typical

Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2013

Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated

Complaints
145filed with NHTSA
Median mileage
60,518miles, 82 complaints with mileage
Recalls
8campaigns on record
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA crash rating
4–5 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
EPA fuel economy
27 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 25 city / 30 hwy

Sources: NHTSA records for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error

What owners report

Owners of the 2016 Outlander most often describe transmission trouble: hesitation, shuddering, slipping and warning messages, frequently reported between roughly 60,000 and 110,000 miles. Secondary themes include fading or failing headlights, brake and parking-brake concerns, and an occasional tailgate strut or shifter problem. Complaints in this sample cluster at moderate mileage rather than on nearly new vehicles.

  1. Transmission and drivetrain

    CVT hesitation, shuddering and transmission failure

    • 49 complaints (34%)
    • median 81,900 mi at 4.7 yrs old (24 state mileage)
    • owner-quoted repair $8,500 (median of 6 quotes)
    • filed 2016–2026

    Complaints describe the vehicle hesitating for a second or more when the accelerator is pressed from a stop, shuddering or shaking at steady speeds (often around 45-60 mph), RPM swings and difficulty accelerating. Many report a 'Transmission Requires Service' message or a check engine light, with some told by dealers or independent shops that the transmission failed a pressure test and needs replacement. A few owners mention diagnostic codes relating to transmission pressure and belt/pulley wear, and some say repairs were declined as out of warranty. Mostly reported between about 45,000 and 110,000 miles, typically during everyday driving and acceleration.

    Recall 16V5630008 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether the CVT fluid was serviced on schedule and whether any transmission software or valve-body work was done. During a test drive, watch for hesitation from a stop and shuddering at steady highway speeds.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “I have a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander with a 2.4l engine and the jatco CVT transmission and only 75,000 miles. The transmission started shifting erratically and shuddering when going certain MPH ranges typically between 45 and 60 MPH. Additionally, the vehicle hesitates to go when the accelerator is pressed. From a stop, it takes 5 seconds for the vehicle to go once it is put in drive. I have a trouble code on my obd of p084a. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11364710, filed 2020-10, 75,000 miles

    “Going about 75 MPH on 64 east in va towards richmond suddenly my rpms jumped to 6 and then back to about 2. I immediately started loosing power and received a transmission service required warning on the dash. I pulled off to the shoulder turned the car off for a minute and started it back and the rpms were jumping all over the place and the car was jerking I couldn't get it above 45. Made it to my daughters apt about 5 miles away and parked it. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11299212, filed 2020-01, 84,000 miles
  2. Brakes

    Brake drag, noise and parking brake binding

    • 19 complaints (13%)
    • median 44,000 mi at 5.0 yrs old (13 state mileage)
    • 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
    • filed 2016–2025

    Owners report grinding or loud noises when braking, rear rotors and pads needing replacement at relatively low mileage, and a caliper that froze or seized. Parking-brake complaints describe the lever being applied with no effect, or rear brakes grabbing and staying engaged with a burning smell and hot wheels; some were told the rear calipers were corroded. Several owners mention recall notices for the parking brake and parts not being available, or the symptom persisting after the recall repair. Reported from low mileage up to around 105,000 miles, including a few cases soon after purchase.

    Recall 20V741000Recall 18V0700001 related service bulletin

    What to check: Ask whether the parking-brake recalls (18V070000 and 20V741000) were completed and whether rear calipers or rotors have been replaced. After a drive, feel the rear wheels for unusual heat and check for a dragging parking brake on a slope.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “Driver side caliper froze. Dealer acknowledged that it was frozen. Not covered by warranty which they advised expired at 60k. Vehicle had 65k miles on it at time of incident. I'm 52 and familiar with vehicle maintenance and have changed many brakes, rotors, calipers. Never have I seen a caliper go bad within 4 years. Definitely a flaw on this vehicle and serious safety issue.”

    NHTSA complaint #11353585, filed 2020-09, 65,000 miles

    “The contact owns a 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. While making a turn, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to stop the vehicle. In addition, an abnormal noise was heard without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000.”

    NHTSA complaint #10851203, filed 2016-03, 8,000 miles
  3. Engine

    Acceleration hesitation and loss of power

    Mentioned in 9 of 60 sampled complaints

    Owners describe pushing the gas pedal with little or no response, sluggish acceleration, and occasional stalling or jerking that makes merging and passing feel difficult. Some complaints say the cause was never clearly identified, while others were told it related to the transmission or to engine running poorly with ticking and vibration. Dealers reportedly found no stored codes in several cases, and some owners say they were told repairs were not covered. Reported across a wide mileage range, from around 45,000 miles into six figures, often during highway driving or acceleration.

    Recall 17V6090002 related service bulletins

    What to check: Ask whether any diagnostic codes were stored or cleared, and whether the starter relay recall work was completed. Test acceleration from a stop and at highway speed, and note any hesitation, jerking or warning lights.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “On random when driving on several occasions my headlight will go out. Both at the same time. This morning while driving on the highway to work, the lights both just went completely out leaving me in the dark. I had to drive with my brights on for safety. The second problem in the acceleration, you can push the gas but it is has no power to go and hesitate.”

    NHTSA complaint #11318114, filed 2020-03, 61,036 miles

    “Anytime when I'm driving my vehicle I have to continuously release my foot off the gas pedal for it to attempt to shift into the next gear otherwise it continues to rev up the rpms. Also I parked my car turned it off and as I was getting out of the vehicle it the vehicle made a sound as it was trying to start but was struggling. Then it stopped. While driving the steering wheel shakes when braking”

    NHTSA complaint #11151203, filed 2018-11, 68,000 miles
  4. Exterior lighting

    Headlights going out or flickering

    • 11 complaints (8%)
    • median 60,518 mi at 4.0 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
    • filed 2017–2024

    Complaints describe low-beam headlights failing, sometimes both at once, and repeated bulb replacements on the same side. Some owners report flickering or dimming interior and exterior lights, and one attributes it to moisture inside the lamp housing. Several say they were told the repairs were normal wear or not covered. Mostly reported between roughly 20,000 and 75,000 miles, often noticed while driving at night.

    1 related service bulletin

    What to check: Check that both headlights work and ask how often bulbs have been replaced. Look for condensation or water inside the lamp housings and check for flickering with the engine running.

    2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records

    “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 have had the bulbs replaced 5 times on the right side and 7 times on the left.was told by autozone that they believe the seal around the light is causing the moisture to enter and carrode .not sure if this is the real problem!. …”

    NHTSA complaint #11385543, filed 2020-12, 75,000 miles

    “Vehicle hesitates when trying to accelerate. Loss of power and delay.. Lights inside on on dash flicker and headlights flicker and dim in and out. I do not have any photos. This has been happening for about a year.”

    NHTSA complaint #11343517, filed 2020-08, 74,000 miles

Buying note. Have a qualified shop check the CVT with a test drive and any stored codes before buying, since transmission complaints dominate this model year and repair costs can be substantial. Also confirm the transmission, parking-brake and liftgate-strut recalls have been completed and that the headlights and brakes are in good order.

Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.

NHTSA recorded 145 consumer complaints for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. 82 of the complaints include a mileage, and 39% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 60,518 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns and 142 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 13 Mitsubishi Outlander model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 86 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.

Which parts are reported most

Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.

Also reported: Fuel system (5), Steering (5), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (4), Forward collision avoidance (3), Seat belts (2), Seats (2), Suspension (2), Wheels (2), Electronic stability control (1).

Example complaints

Transmission and drivetrain: “Vehicle would not excelerate and almost got into an accident while on highway. No warning was given beforehand, just suddenly acted this way. I had to turn my car off then on quickly to get it going because it wouldnt go. It then tells me there is a transmission problem. I then had to go 40 MPH and no more as it wouldnt let me go faster. Took to an auto place and told me CVT belt slips repeatedly and powder enters the thing. P0776, p0730, p0741, pour a, p0969, p2719. These are the things given to me by auto place.”

NHTSA complaint #11301147, filed 2020-01, 66,669 miles

Brakes: “At approximately 18,500 miles I noticed that there was vibration in both the steering wheel and brake pedal when braking. Based on the mileage I figured it must be something wrong outside of the brakes - took it in for service at jeff d'ambrosio and was told that I needed front rotors, back rotors and back brake pads - and they would not be covered under the warranty. I took it to someone else to service the vehicle (kept the parts) and replaced the front brakes and rotors and will have the back done this weekend - parts were not available. …”

NHTSA complaint #10995820, filed 2017-06, 20,812 miles

Engine: “Fcm keeps blinking and alarm sounding when I started the car. My car been service at car dealership since purchased. After 100k miles they now discovered catalic converter need to be replaced per dealership. But nothing about fcm problem.”

NHTSA complaint #11397037, filed 2021-02, 110,500 miles

Other or unknown: “The shifter assembly came apart after I shifted from park to drive. Plastic pieces and indicator covers popped out through the center console and were visible. While I was driving the bunched up plastic pieces would cause my vehicle to go into neutral, and I would have to hold my shifter in drive to prevent it from slipping back into neutral . Updated 10/25/17”

NHTSA complaint #11019267, filed 2017-08, 21,200 miles

Mileage when problems were reported

39% of the 82 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 26,907 and 90,000 miles.

13%0–1010%10–2516%25–5024%50–7522%75–10015%100–1500%150+
Share of complaints by mileage when the problem was reported, in thousands of miles (82 complaints with mileage). Red bars: under 50,000 miles. Bucket widths differ. Median: 60,518 miles.

Complaints by year filed

Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

20162018202023202220242026
Complaints by year the complaint was filed with NHTSA. Red bars: the last 3 full calendar years used for the trend. The current year (2026) is partial.

Crash test ratings

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.

VersionOverallFrontalSideSide poleRollover
Outlander · SUV AWD★★★★★4 / 5554 · 16.4% risk
Outlander · SUV FWD★★★★☆4 / 5554 · 18.5% risk

Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2016 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.

Neighbouring years: 2015: same overall rating; 2017: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Fuel economy and running cost

EPA ratings for each 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).

VersionEngineTransmissionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Outlander 2WD2.4L 4-cylCVT253027$2,500
Outlander 4WD2.4L 4-cylCVT242926$2,600
Outlander 4WD3.0L 6-cyl6-speed automatic202722$3,750

Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.

Recalls and investigations

See all 8 recalls for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls

Technical service bulletins

TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 142 on record; the latest 10 are shown.

See all 142 bulletins →

Other model years of the Mitsubishi Outlander

YearComplaintsMedian miRecallsCrash ★MPGScore (50 = typical)Trend
20251519,0001—27—Too new
2024265,0001427Too new to compareToo new
20235033,000242750 · TypicalToo new
202221710,0007—27100 · MoreStable
20203266,00034–52725 · FewerRising
20192920,00054–52751 · TypicalRising
20185727,50064–52766 · MoreRising
20175134,00064–52762 · TypicalFalling
201614560,51884–52786 · MoreFalling
20155335,00054–52753 · TypicalRising
20144530,00044–52750 · TypicalFalling
20132661,40054258 · FewerFalling
20122286,0006425—Falling
20115864,0008—2537 · TypicalRising
20106062,00010—2433 · FewerFalling
20094692,50013—2215 · FewerRising
20085899,00012—2221 · FewerFalling
200712588,7899—20Not compared (before 2008)Rising
200621100,0001—22—Stable
20051988,0001—22—Falling
20045263,2504—21Not compared (before 2008)Falling
200311668,2506—21Not compared (before 2008)Rising

All Mitsubishi Outlander model years · Best and worst years by complaints

Frequently asked questions

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

Owners of the 2016 Outlander most often describe transmission trouble: hesitation, shuddering, slipping and warning messages, frequently reported between roughly 60,000 and 110,000 miles. The issues reported most often: CVT hesitation, shuddering and transmission failure; Brake drag, noise and parking brake binding; Acceleration hesitation and loss of power.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander have?

NHTSA recorded 145 consumer complaints for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

What part of the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander is reported most often?

Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 64 complaints (44% of the total), followed by brakes with 22.

Has the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander been recalled?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

How did the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander do in NHTSA crash tests?

NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander 4–5 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.

What gas mileage does the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander get?

The EPA rates the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander (Outlander 2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 27 mpg combined, 25 city and 30 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.

At what mileage are problems with the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander reported?

Among the 82 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 60,518 miles and the middle half falls between 26,907 and 90,000 miles; 39% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).

Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.