I am reporting an ongoing intermittent electrical problem with the ETACS (Electronic Time and Alarm Control System) or a potentially related electrical control circuit in my 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport LE. Multiple accessories, including the backup camera, power mirrors, radio, and USB/accessory power outlet, intermittently lose power and stop functioning together. These components may randomly begin working again coming on and off while driving. This is particularly concerning because these are not simply convenience features. When the backup camera stops working, the driver loses an important visual aid when reversing, increasing the risk of striking pedestrians, children, objects, or other vehicles, particularly in areas with limited visibility. When the power mirrors stop working, the driver may be unable to properly adjust or reposition the mirrors to maintain adequate visibility of surrounding traffic, creating dangerous blind spots when changing lanes, merging, or backing up. The fact that multiple unrelated accessories fail simultaneously suggests a possible common electrical supply, relay, wiring, grounding, or ETACS control-module problem rather than individual component failures. The radio has even been replaced with an OEM unit, but the problem continues. Fuses have also been checked and replaced without resolving the issue. I am concerned that an intermittent failure within the ETACS or its associated electrical circuits could indicate a broader reliability issue that may affect other electronically controlled vehicle functions. These failures occur unpredictably while operating the vehicle and cannot be reliably prevented by the driver. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate whether this is a recurring electrical or ETACS-related defect in Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles. Losing multiple safety-related visibility aids without warning creates an avoidable risk to drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists.
The worst 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Electrical8
- Airbags6
- Transmission5
- Brakes3
- Driver assistance2
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Electrical8
- Airbags6
- Transmission5
- Brakes3
- Driver assistance2
- Seat belts2
- Acceleration1
- Body1
- Engine1
- Lights1
- Seats1
- Steering1
- Suspension1
- Visibility1
Recalls 2
Forward collision avoidance: software: pedestrian/cyclist/object/obstacle/ recognition
- What is wrong
- Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, Outlander Sport, 2018-2019 Eclipse Cross, and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system that detects pedestrians. Due to incorrect software, the FCM-ECU (Electronic Control Unit) may apply braking for longer than needed, even after a pedestrian is no longer detected.
- Risk
- If the FCM-ECU software activates the brake for longer than necessary, the driver may react by applying additional braking. The resulting rapid deceleration of the vehicle can increase the risk of a rear-end collision.
- Remedy
- MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the FCM-ECU software with updated software, free of charge. The recall is began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1‑888‑648‑7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-007.
Recall number 18V620000 · Recall details
Forward collision avoidance: adaptive cruise control
- What is wrong
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with a Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) system and 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and Eclipse Cross vehicles and 2017-2018 Outlander vehicles equipped with an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system and/or an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) system. The software for the Hydraulic Unit Electronic Control Unit (ECU) may be incorrect, possibly preventing the intervention of a safety system such as automatic emergency braking, Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), or the Brake Auto Hold (BAH) function when any of these systems are in use.
- Risk
- If the safety systems do not function as intended, it can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will update the Hydraulic Unit-ECU software, free of charge. The recall began October 16, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1‑888‑648‑7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-008.
Recall number 18V621000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 103
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers
- This Technical Service Bulletin instructs the dealer to update the Smartphone Link Display Audio software...
- Service Manual Revision
- Service Manual Revision
- Service Manual Revision
- This Revised Technical Information Notice provides dealers with the requirements needed to be entered into...
- This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd...
- This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load...
- This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of...
- This Technical Service Bulletin provides service manual corrections to the CVT maintenance procedure.
See all 103 bulletins for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
What 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Air bag symbol is lit on dash. Technicians unable to find issue, nor were they able to reset light. I feel the importance of said system functioning properly needs addressed. Not just we e can't find what is wrong.Nothing else we can do. No, that's b s
Center seat belt will not retract, causing the belt to be unusable and unsafe.
This is a follow-up and correction to a complaint previously submitted for VIN [XXX] regarding airbag non-deployment during a passenger-side T-bone collision on [XXX]. A [XXX] child was properly restrained in a rear-facing car seat in the rear passenger-side seat. The vehicle was struck directly on the passenger side at an estimated 30 mph. The front passenger door was deformed to the point it can no longer be opened. Despite this significant side impact and the presence of an occupied child seat in the rear, no side curtain airbags deployed—including those designed to protect rear outboard passengers. This vehicle is equipped with side curtain airbags as standard equipment. We believe this may constitute a failure of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) to perform as intended under FMVSS 214 and 226. We request that this report be associated with the prior complaint and considered in any manufacturer or regulatory investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On 05AUG25, my wife was involved in a frontal collision while driving our 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The vehicle struck another vehicle at an estimated speed of over 30 mph, resulting in significant damage to the front passenger side, including deformation of the hood and front quarter panel. Despite the severity of the impact, no airbags deployed. My wife was properly restrained and sustained visible bruising across her torso. She is currently in her second trimester of pregnancy. The seatbelt force alone presented a serious safety risk to her and our unborn child. There were no airbag system warning lights prior to the collision, and the SRS appeared to be functioning normally. The failure of the airbags to deploy under these conditions indicates a potential defect in the supplemental restraint system. This appears to be a dangerous failure of the airbag system. We are requesting a formal investigation into the SRS components and crash sensor functionality of this vehicle model.
The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag light warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the air bag sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
The driver seatbelt come unattached while driving. The car looses electric system while driving
I am filing this complaint regarding serious safety issues with my 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, VIN: [XXX] , purchased from Carvana in 2019. Recurring transmission problems have created a significant safety risk for me and others. About a year after purchase, the vehicleâs transmission began failing, and I replaced it in 2021. Despite this, the transmission warning light activates intermittently in stop-and-go traffic, and now the vehicle has started stalling on highways, creating a critical hazard by suddenly losing power. In 2021, I took the vehicle to a now-closed Mitsubishi dealership in Brooklyn, where I was informed that this transmission issue was not covered, despite it being a drivetrain problem that should have been under the 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. My research suggests this model may have a Transmission Control Unit (CVT-ECU) defect, potentially causing stalling. Carvana has stated this issue is Mitsubishiâs responsibility, as it is likely manufacturing-related rather than due to prior use. Given Carvanaâs stance and the severe safety implications of stalling, I urge the federal safety agency to investigate if this vehicle, or others with similar transmissions, pose a broader safety risk. Summary of Safety Concerns:     1.    Recurring Transmission Problems: Transmission was replaced in 2021, yet the warning light persists, indicating unresolved issues.     2.    Stalling on Highways: Vehicle loses power without warning, posing a major hazard in high-speed traffic.     3.    Potential Manufacturing Defect: Research suggests a CVT-ECU defect, likely explaining the stalling. These issues leave me unable to rely on my vehicle safely. For my safety and others, I request an investigation into these transmission issues in the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport to determine if there is a larger safety concern. Thank you for your attention. I am available to provide further information as needed.  INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that the message "Air Bag System Service Required" was displayed. Additionally, the message "Window Washer Fluid Low" was displayed while there was sufficient washer fluid in the reservoir. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V621000 (Forward Collision Avoidance, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electrical System). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 62,366.
I was parked in my family yard and my dash service symbols just came on 5 at once. I have not been involved in any collision or any trauma to the vehicle.Those lights are the FCM, LFW, AHB, and ASC service required lights. The FCM will come on go off and come back on. I am concerned that these issues can cause a crash or other issue on road. I have not had this issue before and again my vehicle was at a standstill but it was running.
Compare the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
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Questions about the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Is the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport reliable?
Owners have filed 22 complaints about the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, fewer than a typical Outlander Sport model year.
What is the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport year score?
The 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport scores 71 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
Electrical system, with 8 complaints. Next is airbags (6).
How many recalls does the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have?
2 recalls, covering forward collision avoidance.
What year does the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have the most electrical problems?
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport model years with the most electrical complaints are 2015 (19 complaints), 2013 (11 complaints) and 2017 (11 complaints).
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