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Mitsubishi Outlander Sport cvt failure problems

29 of the 482 owner complaints about the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport describe cVT failure, most of them for the 2015 model year.

owner complaints
29
worst model year
2015
typical mileage
57,000
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2024
    1
  • 2021
    2
  • 2020
    1
  • 2019
    1
  • 2018
    1
  • 2017
    3
  • 2016
    3
  • 2015
    16
  • 2011
    1

Often reported together

Jerking 7Stalling 6Transmission failure 4Loss of power 4Hesitation 4Won't shift 2Shudder 2

Trouble codes mentioned

P0776 3P0868 1P084A 1P0843 1P0730 1P0446 1

What owners say

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Acceleration, Transmission · KS

I own a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Mitsubishi's records show that Safety Recall C2204R/SR-22-004 was previously completed on my vehicle. This recall addressed improper CVT-ECU software programming that could cause an incorrect CVT gear-ratio command and potentially result in engine over-rev, engine damage, stalling, and an increased risk of a crash. My vehicle experiences serious and concerning problems following sustained driving at highway speeds. The vehicle begins to sputter and does not operate normally. Multiple dashboard warning lights begin flashing, and the backup camera activates and displays on the screen even though the vehicle is actively traveling forward and has not been placed in reverse. Because of these experiences, I intentionally avoid driving my vehicle for extended periods at higher highway speeds. I am particularly concerned about whether these symptoms could be associated with the CVT, CVT-ECU, vehicle electronics, or the condition previously addressed by Safety Recall C2204R/SR-22-004. The fact that Mitsubishi's records indicate the recall was completed raises additional concern for me about whether the recall remedy remains effective or whether my vehicle is experiencing a related condition. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document and review this complaint to determine whether my vehicle may be experiencing a recurrence or continuation of the condition addressed by C2204R/SR-22-004, an issue with the effectiveness of the recall remedy, or another safety-related defect. I am especially concerned about the possibility of loss of vehicle performance while traveling at highway speeds and the abnormal activation of the backup camera while the vehicle is moving forward.

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Transmission · IL

While driving on a highway at approximately 55–60 mph, the vehicle suddenly lost its ability to accelerate and maintain power. The engine RPM increased, but the vehicle would not respond normally, creating a significant safety hazard in traffic. The CVT transmission intermittently enters a reduced-power mode (limp mode), making it difficult to safely merge or continue driving. Diagnostic trouble codes P0776 (Pressure Control Solenoid B Performance) and P0730 (Incorrect Gear Ratio) were confirmed by an independent transmission repair shop, which diagnosed the transmission as failed and recommended replacement. This vehicle has previously been subject to CVT-related recalls, but the transmission still experienced this failure.

Filed Jun 21, 2025 · Acceleration, Transmission · TX

Car during acceleration feels very jerky, safety issue as during turns if acceleration it might jerk make it feel a bit unknown of what speed it might be. additionally such jerkiness might cause driver to be kicked back into seat and head rest potentially causing injury. Feel like it might be CVT slipping at times.

Filed Jun 7, 2025 · MD

I have a CVT system on my SUV and the transmission keeps slipping. A transmission light comes on and the car starts to stall. It happens mostly in stop and go traffic.

Filed Jun 3, 2025 · MI

My vehicle kept going into "limp mode" so I took it to the shop and they basically said $9,000 to replace. It's a 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport which I purchased from Carvana just over a year ago. After reading up on my vehicle, I found there were recalls on the CVT transmission the previous years because of the same exact issues. It's very unsafe because on more than one occasion, I pulled out of a parking lot and, drove for about a half a mile and then suddenly, my car loses power and starts to slow down in traffic. Now the expense to replace is just about what I owe on the vehicle. When I look online, there's many customers who have gone though the same thing. Now I have a car payment for the next 4 years on a car that I cannot safely drive. The issues from the previous years have not been resolved with the 2017 model year. I will continue to pay on it and leave it parked until there's a recall.

Filed Feb 23, 2025 · Transmission · IA

Took the car in for routine cvt fluid and filter change. Mechanic completed the task Took the vehicle for a road test and at highway speed the cvt transmission shifted to a higher gear and revved the motor rpms immediately over 6000 to 7000. Threw it into neutral and took back to the shop. It was diagnosed from their the transmission was ruined.

Filed Jan 18, 2025 · Transmission · PA

The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) system failed. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The failure caused the vehicle to lose acceleration, delay response to the gas pedal, and jerk while driving. These issues made it unsafe to drive, as the car could not maintain a consistent speed, risking accidents, especially in traffic or during merging. Yes, the issue was confirmed by the dealer, Jim Shorkey Mitsubishi North Huntingdon, after inspection. They verified the problem and provided diagnostic codes indicating internal transmission failure (P0776, P0868, P0446). 01-16-25 The vehicle was inspected by the dealership’s service department. It has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Yes, warning lamps or messages were displayed prior to the failure about 7-14 days prior. The symptoms, including delayed acceleration, jerking motions, and loss of power, appeared suddenly on [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 12, 2024 · Electrical, Transmission · NY

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 vehicle’s 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 Mitsubishi’s responsibility, as it is likely manufacturing-related rather than due to prior use. Given Carvana’s 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)

Filed Sep 29, 2024 · Engine · MD

Unknown. The transmission service light comes on and the vehicle drags until you turn the car off and restart it. I noticed online there's a CVT transmission recall and was wondering if this is what is happening to my vehicle.

Filed May 14, 2024 · CO

I had a recall on this vehicle for the CVT software update which i got fixed by mitsubishi at the dealership but now its doing the same thing and seems worse, everytime I push on the gas it does not excelerate and usually gets stuck at 30-45MPH no matter how much i press on the gas, and the rpms get stuck at 3-4 thousand rpms which causes a safety threat when we are driving. I did some research and found out that this a well known issue with mitsubishi and its outlander sports vehicles I’m not sure what to do from here.

Related recalls

Power train: automatic transmission: control module: softwareReported August 2, 2022 · 76,508 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with continuously variable transmissions and mechanical key ignition systems. A software error in the transmission control unit (CVT-ECU) may incorrectly reduce the transmission gear ratio at high speeds, which can result in an engine stall.
Risk
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will update the CVT-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1‑888‑648‑7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-22-004.

Recall number 22V563000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)Reported July 28, 2016 · 82,436 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles and 2016 Outlander and Lancer vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a constant velocity transmission (CVT) that, in certain driving conditions, may cause a delay in the vehicle accelerating.
Risk
A hesitation during acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.

Recall number 16V563000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: cooling unit and linesReported July 22, 2016 · 45,731 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured June 25, 2014, through November 25, 2015 and equipped with a 2.0L engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). During assembly, a clamp for a CVT hose may not have been properly secured, allowing the hose to detach and leak transmission fluid.
Risk
If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may become inoperable, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if leaking transmission fluid contacts an a hot surface there is an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the hose clamps, correcting their installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2016. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1‑888‑648‑7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-16-005.

Recall number 16V548000 · Recall details

Questions about the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport cvt failure

Which Mitsubishi Outlander Sport years have cVT failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2015 (16 complaints), 2016 (3 complaints) and 2017 (3 complaints).

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