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Mitsubishi Outlander Sport transmission failure problems

20 of the 482 owner complaints about the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport describe complete transmission failure, most of them for the 2015 model year.

owner complaints
20
worst model year
2015
typical mileage
79,000
Is there a fix? There are 3 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2018
    1
  • 2017
    2
  • 2016
    1
  • 2015
    14
  • 2014
    2

Often reported together

CVT failure 4Loss of power 3Won't shift 2Stalling 2Jerking 2Overheating 1

Trouble codes mentioned

P0868 1P084A 1P0776 1P0446 1

What owners say

Filed Jun 29, 2026 · Acceleration, Transmission · IL

Purchased used car in July 2024 and was able to drive it maybe 2 months and the transmission would not shift and would come to a complete stop. Not a safe feeling driving in 3 lanes of traffic on a busy highway at rush hour. Transmission light on and took to mechanic and was told this make and model is notorious for transmission failure and it needs replacing. The odometer is 86316 and car has been sitting now for two years. Of course we went exactly 100 miles over the warranty and now have to pay 5000-9000 dollars for a replacement with no guarantee warranty. So now we have the car paid off and can’t drive it because it’s out of budget to replace. Thanks a lot Mitsubishi for nothing.

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 Oct 10, 2024 · Acceleration, Transmission · GA

While driving to work at approximately 6:30 am , as I was signaling to merge onto the on ramp the cars gas pedal stop controlling the speed of my car. I pulled over to the side of the road and my car would not move. I tried to put the heat shifter into park but it was stuck in drive. I had to have the towed to a mechanic which informed me that I needed a new transmission. (3 different independent shops). After being told what it would cost to repair the vehicle the vehicle is still parked in my driveway.

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 May 28, 2024 · Transmission · 79,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the gear independently shifted causing the engine to rev up and then immediately shifted back into the intended gear and stabilized. The vehicle failed to accelerate without a slight hesitation at a rate slower than intended. The Service Engine and Transmission Failure warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the VIN not being included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 16V563000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 79,000.

Filed Sep 27, 2023 · Transmission · TX

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is having problems shifting and accelerating. There is a Transmission service needed light that comes on the dash when turned on. Recently it would not go over 40 - 45 MPH, and continued to go slower. I had to turn the car off and back on which helped a little. I have taken the vehicle to the dealership and they confirmed the faulty transmission and they gave me a printed quote for a new transmission. The mileage is at 101162 and the main problem is when I try to reach 65 MPH speed I feel the transmission goes back to a lower speed so I always stock with 40 - 45 MPH and so hard to accelerate again. we own another 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport with 196k miles on it and never faced any transmission issues we always change the J4 fluid and the filter on time. for sure there's something wrong with this year's model (2015) from the manufacturer because our 2014 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport with 196k miles is still sharp.

Filed Jul 30, 2023 · Transmission · NC

My 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport transmission failed at 45,000 miles. I had my car diagnosed and was told I needed a new transmission. In addition, my safety was put at risk because my vehicle would not accelerate at a traffic light when needed to go. It would also not get up to speed when merging into the highway and it would not maintain the speed limit while driving. This was a very dangerous situation for me. I was not able to accelerate at stop lights, which could have caused me to get hit from behind. In addition to this, I was unable to maintain a safe speed on the highway. My car would only get up to 40 miles per hour when the speed limit would be 60 to 70 miles per hour. Furthermore, my car was taken to the Mitsubishi dealership service center and was inspected. I was told that I needed a new transmission. Lastly, the day before I took my car in to get diagnosed the serve light on my car came on and said, “Service Transmission Required.”

Filed Jul 21, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · FL

My 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is having problems shifting and accelerating. There is a Transmission service needed light that comes on the dash when turned on. A few months ago I had to start manually shifting which barely got me by. Recently it would not go over 25 MPH, and continued to go slower and slower until it stopped and would not accelerate at all. I have had to drive on the far right of the road with my hazards on and barely made it from A to B while cars zoomed past me. I had to turn the car off and back on which helped a little. I feel like when it is low on gas, that also makes it worse? I have taken the vehicle to the dealership that sold it to me who confirmed the faulty transmission and they gave me a printed quote for a new transmission. The mileage is at 89,811 and I've had it for almost 2 years. I first started noticing issues shortly after purchase when it would shake when idle once in a while or would have a hard time accelerating after stopping. The first time it would not accelerate was about a year ago. I no longer can rely on this vehicle for transportation.

Filed Aug 8, 2022 · Transmission · WI

Transmission failed, needs transmission replaced. Mitsubishi Outlander Sport gt 2017 car starts shifts into gear and won’t go just revs up. Towed to garage and told needs new transmission.

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 transmission failure

Which Mitsubishi Outlander Sport years have complete transmission failure problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2015 (14 complaints), 2014 (2 complaints) and 2017 (2 complaints).

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