CarBrief

Owners filed 171 complaints with NHTSA for the 2016 Outlander, and the most reported group is the power train[1][2]. NHTSA lists 11 recalls for the model year, so check your VIN[3].

171owner complaints[1]
11recalls[3]
22–27MPG combined (EPA)[4]
4–5★NHTSA overall rating[5]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 171 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Outlander[1]. Nine mention a crash, one a fire and seven an injury. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several parts. The counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.

The component groups named most often:

What owners describe. We read a small sample of the complaint texts. A few come from Outlander Sport owners, since NHTSA files both names under this model year.

In a sample of power train complaints we read, owners describe hesitation or a delay when accelerating, and an engine that keeps revving instead of shifting. Two describe a transmission replacement[2]. One owner says the hesitation came back after the software update from recall 16V563[13].

In a sample of brake complaints, owners describe a parking brake or rear caliper that stuck or would not hold. Others describe a pedal that did not stop the car, or shaking when braking[7]. Of these groups, brakes lists the most crashes, 3, along with 2 injuries[7].

In the engine sample, owners describe stalling, lost power and hesitation[6]. The electrical sample is similar, with stalling, one case tied to a relay, plus door locks and USB ports that stopped working[9]. The engine group lists 2 crashes and 1 fire[6]. The electrical group lists 2 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries[9].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 11 recalls for this model year in our data[3]. Some name only the Outlander Sport, or other years, so check your VIN on NHTSA.gov before you count on one. Newest first:

Fuel economy

EPA ratings for the Outlander[4][24][25]:

Version City / Highway / Combined MPG Annual fuel cost
2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), front-wheel drive[4] 25 / 30 / 27 $2,500
2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), 4-wheel drive[24] 24 / 29 / 26 $2,600
3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), premium, 4-wheel drive[25] 20 / 27 / 22 $3,750

The Outlander Sport has its own ratings, from 24 combined MPG for the 2.4L with 4-wheel drive[26] to 27 combined MPG for the 2.0L automatic with front-wheel drive[27]. The EPA fuel cost uses current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA rates the Outlander AWD 5 stars overall, with 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 for side crash and 4 for rollover, and a rollover risk of 16.4%[5]. The FWD version gets 4 stars overall, with the same frontal, side and rollover stars and a rollover risk of 18.5%[28].

The Outlander Sport gets 4 stars overall in both AWD and FWD[29][30].

Engine and size

EPA lists these power ratings for the 2016 Outlander[31][32][33]:

Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models. All three versions listed are 183 inches long, 71 inches wide and 66 inches high, on a 105 inch wheelbase[34][35][36].

Version Curb weight
ES FWD[35] 3,252 lb
ES AWC[34] 3,384 lb
SE/GT S AWC[36] 3,516 lb

How 2016 compares with other years

2003: 116 complaints, 6 recalls20032004: 52 complaints, 4 recalls2005: 19 complaints, 1 recalls2006: 21 complaints, 1 recalls20062007: 125 complaints, 9 recalls2008: 58 complaints, 12 recalls2009: 46 complaints, 13 recalls20092010: 60 complaints, 10 recalls2011: 88 complaints, 14 recalls2012: 36 complaints, 10 recalls20122013: 68 complaints, 14 recalls2014: 86 complaints, 9 recalls2015: 235 complaints, 12 recalls20152016: 171 complaints, 11 recalls17120162017: 78 complaints, 6 recalls2018: 93 complaints, 6 recalls20182019: 56 complaints, 6 recalls2020: 57 complaints, 4 recalls2021: 19 complaints, 3 recalls20212022: 229 complaints, 10 recalls2023: 58 complaints, 2 recalls2024: 27 complaints, 1 recalls20242025: 18 complaints, 2 recalls2026: 6 complaints, 1 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Outlander model year. The 2016 is highlighted[3].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20031166
2004524
2005191
2006211
20071259
20085812
20094613
20106010
20118814
20123610
20136814
2014869
201523512
201617111
2017786
2018936
2019566
2020574
2021193
202222910
2023582
2024271
2025182
202661

NHTSA has 171 complaints and 11 recalls on file for 2016[3]. Only two other model years list more complaints, 2015 with 235 and 2022 with 229[3]. Five years list more recalls, led by 2011 and 2013 with 14 each[3]. For comparison, 2017 lists 78 complaints and 6 recalls[3].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, and the recall count can include recalls that cover several years. Treat this as a rough guide only.

Should you buy a used 2016 Outlander?

The 2016 model year has more complaints than most years of this model, with power train, engine and brake reports leading[1][2][6][7]. Owners in the samples we read describe hesitation and stalling, so a long test drive is worth it. Run the VIN on NHTSA.gov to see which of the 11 recalls apply and whether they were done[3]. The 5 star overall rating for the AWD version is a plus[5]. Our data cannot say how reliable the car is compared with others, and it does not cover price or towing.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Power train has the most complaints on file, 71 of 171[1][2]. Engine has 29 and brakes 25[6][7]. In the samples we read, owners describe hesitation, stalling and sticking parking brakes.
How many recalls does the 2016 Outlander have?
NHTSA lists 11 recalls for this model year, and some name only the Outlander Sport[3][19][23]. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Outlander get?
EPA rates the 2.4L at 26 to 27 combined MPG and the 3.0L 6-cylinder at 22 combined MPG[4][24][25].
How safe is the 2016 Outlander?
NHTSA gives the AWD version 5 stars overall and the FWD version 4 stars[5][28].
Is 2016 a bad year for the Outlander?
It has the third most complaints of the listed years, 171, behind 2015 and 2022[3]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 171 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander (9 mention a crash, 1 a fire, 7 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. 71 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 78,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  3. Owner complaints and recalls for every Mitsubishi Outlander model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  4. EPA rating for Outlander 2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 30 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 29 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 48,700). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 25 complaints name the brakes component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 41,892). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 19 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 21,200). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 17 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 13,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 14 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 16,998). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 14 complaints name the speed control component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,968). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 13 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,518). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. Recall 16V563, filed July 28, 2016: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm / Pcm / Tecm). NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 26V252, filed April 20, 2026: Structure › Body › Hatchback / Liftgate › Support Device / Strut. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 25V507, filed August 7, 2025: Structure › Body › Hatchback / Liftgate › Support Device / Strut. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 20V741, filed November 30, 2020: Parking Brake. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 20V403, filed July 13, 2020: Seat Belts › Rear / Other › Buckle Assembly. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 20V279, filed May 18, 2020: Structure › Frame And Members. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 18V103, filed February 9, 2018: Visibility › Windshield Wiper / Washer › Linkages. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 18V070, filed January 26, 2018: Parking Brake. NHTSA recall database
  21. Recall 17V609, filed September 29, 2017: Electrical System › Starter Assembly › Relay. NHTSA recall database
  22. Recall 17V233, filed April 6, 2017: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Doors › Latch. NHTSA recall database
  23. Recall 16V867, filed December 2, 2016: Structure › Body › Hatchback / Liftgate › Hinge And Attachments. NHTSA recall database
  24. EPA rating for Outlander 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 29 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  25. EPA rating for Outlander 4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  26. EPA rating for Outlander Sport 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 27 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  27. EPA rating for Outlander Sport 2WD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 30 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  28. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 18.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
  29. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  30. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  31. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 148 hp. www.epa.gov
  32. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 166 to 168 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  33. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 224 hp. www.epa.gov
  34. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, OUTLANDER 4DR SUV ES AWC: length 183 in, width 71 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,384 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  35. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, OUTLANDER 4DR SUV ES FWD: length 183 in, width 71 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,252 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  36. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, OUTLANDER 4DR SUV SE/GT S AWC: length 183 in, width 71 in, height 66 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,516 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.