Mitsubishi Outlander Sport loss of power problems

Filed Oct 31, 2026 · Electrical · NY

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.

Filed May 8, 2026 · Electrical · NJ

While driving, the vehicle will randomly shut off and lose all power. If I jump the car, it starts up and runs fine for a while. Also, there have been several incidents when I park the car, and it immediately loses all power and needs to be jumped. I have had the battery, alternaor and starter checked, and all are working fine per the mechanic. There have also been instances when we are pushing on the gas pedal, but the car appears to be losing power, and we have to pull over to the side of the road, wait a few minutes, and then the vehicle will start and run fine.

Filed Feb 9, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · PA

Car jerks like it’s losing power when pulling off, not sure if it’s transmission issue or engine issue

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 Feb 8, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · SC

Driving home with no other cars around the forward collision warning goes off for no reason losing power and slowing down on it's own. This has been an ongoing situation since the car was new, I've made numerous attempts to have my local dealership look into this situation and all they tell me is to take video when it happens.

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 Mar 24, 2024 · Transmission · IN

The CVT transmission would lose power when making a turn over last few yrs. My safety was put at risk due to oncoming traffic could have hit the car due to loss of power. The service transmission required light just started coming on after dealing with loss of power. Car only has 106,000 miles on it. The car is available for inspection & is currently at TMT Automotive in Bremen IN. Codes coming up are transmission issues. The loss of power issue started in 2018 when the car was purchased; I did not know this was a sign of transmission issue. There was not a warranty on the car when purchased. There were no lights or warnings until last week when the car started lurching forward & light came on for the first time for transmission service. I scheduled a diagnostic appt with TMT as soon as it happened. I do not have documentation yet due to car is at the TMT Automotive, waiting to hear on 3/25/24 from shop if the transmission is bad.

Filed Dec 29, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · PA

I have 50,000 miles I’m the original owner, bought it new in 2020, I was leaving work, started my car, blue smoke came out my exhaust, when i drove home from work, on inclines, the car sputters & stalls like it’s about to lose power, accompanied by thick blue smoke, and engine noise. I suspect it’s the piston rings in the cylinder head or valve seals are bad. My car has been parked for months, dealership wants to charge me a diagnostic fee, i take Uber or Lyft to work mind you i have an open loan on this car that I’m still paying. I think Mitsubishi used poor quality parts, piston rings don’t go bad at 50,000 miles neither does valve seals. PLEASE HELP, IM PAYING FOR A CAR I CANT DRIVE.

Filed Dec 28, 2022 · Transmission · OH

I was on the freeway and all of the sudden the transmission stopped working and I was unable to get to the side of the road safely do to loss of power and traffic conditions. There was transmission warning light that came on and right after that when I pressed on the acceleration the engine would rev, but there was no reaction to the gears. This resulted in me being stuck in an active lane of traffic and nearly being hit several times. I called the police and informed them because I didn’t want to cause an accident but do to another accident I was stranded for 50 minutes in the active lane of traffic. Apparently this is a known issue with this transmission but the manufacturer is not responding and issued a recall like it needs to. Something like this could get someone seriously injured or killed! I’m lucky no one was injured in my situation but on a very busy freeway something like this could cause a huge pile up if a car all of the sudden is just stopped in the middle of the road. Who knows how many people could be hurt or die in a situation like that happening.