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Mitsubishi Outlander Sport check engine light comes on

32 of the 482 owner complaints about the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport describe check engine light, most of them for the 2015 model year.

owner complaints
32
worst model year
2015
typical mileage
65,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Stalling 10Hesitation 8Shudder 2Transmission failure 1Won't shift 1

Trouble codes mentioned

P0017 1

What owners say

Filed Sep 19, 2026 · Engine · TX

At freeway speeds in the heat the vehicle intermittently and suddenly flashes yellow check engine light and vehicle shakes as it loses most of the engine power, forcing a slow or stop to "limp it" off the highway. No warnings no noises no change in emissions noted. Calls to dealerships and have been told they don't know what it is and haven't heard of any issues.

Filed Mar 3, 2026 · Transmission · 65,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and failed to accelerate as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure persisted after driving for more than an hour. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle received a tune-up, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V563000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Filed Jan 9, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 6,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that the catalytic converter was stolen from the vehicle, and a new catalytic converter was installed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the dealer, but no assistance was provided. The failure persisted. The contact recently received an Extended Warranty for the infotainment touch screens due to common software and connectivity failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.

Filed Nov 25, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · PA

The vehicle has exhibited recurring ignition-system and powertrain malfunctions involving repeated ignition-coil failures, engine misfires, and catalyst-system efficiency faults. These issues cause intermittent loss of power, hesitation during acceleration, and unstable engine performance. The malfunction has occurred multiple times since the date of purchase and has been confirmed through diagnostic trouble codes related to misfire events and catalyst-system operation. A certified Mitsubishi dealership confirmed that the failure pattern aligns with an active manufacturer recall and corresponding Technical Service Bulletin affecting the same model year, engine type (4B11), and vehicle platform. I was informed that the vehicle “falls under” the same defect pattern listed in the current recall/TSB; however, because the vehicle no longer has an active factory warranty, the dealership stated they would have to sell the repair parts rather than process the issue under recall or warranty coverage. Despite this, the same safety-related symptoms described in the recall and TSB continue to occur. The defect presents a safety hazard because the vehicle may lose power or fail to accelerate when entering traffic, merging, or navigating intersections. Warning indicators have appeared repeatedly, including the check engine light and catalyst-system warnings. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by authorized service personnel on multiple occasions. All components and diagnostic documentation are available for inspection upon request.

Filed Jul 20, 2024 · Airbags, Electrical · GA

Cannot remove key after car is off and in parked and engine lights keeps coming on and off throwing off a code making it hard for car to start sometimes

Filed Jun 28, 2024 · Transmission · 145,000 miles · AZ

The contact owns a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted and the front wheels lost traction. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V563000 (Power Train) however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Filed Jun 12, 2024 · Engine · 45,000 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine a cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.

Filed May 24, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · 105,979 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated; however, the contact stated that the warning light was due to a failed O2 sensor. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was 105,979.

Filed May 14, 2024 · Engine · 47,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the Service Engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local AutoZone where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

Filed Mar 11, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · GU

The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact received notification the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V563000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated while waiting for the recall remedy, other electrical and mechanical failure occurred. The failure mileage was unknown.

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleysReported January 26, 2018 · 141,053 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive belt to detach.
Risk
If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, 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-18-001.

Recall number 18V069000 · Recall details

Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleysReported September 12, 2014 · 165,923 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4B1 engines, have an engine pulley and belt arrangement for turning the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (if equipped). These pulleys may experience unusual wear and allow for belt detachment.
Risk
If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1‑888‑648‑7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-009.

Recall number 14V562000 · Recall details

Questions about the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport check engine light

Why does the check engine light come on in the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?

Owners who report it most often also describe engine stalls while driving, hesitation when accelerating and shudder or vibration when accelerating, and the codes they mention most are P0017.

Which Mitsubishi Outlander Sport years have check engine light problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2015 (13 complaints), 2020 (6 complaints) and 2021 (5 complaints).

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