2021 Mitsubishi Outlander: common problems and reliability
The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander has 17 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine. Owners most often flag cvt transmission reliability concerns — widespread anxiety about long-term durability, particularly in non-hybrid 4-cylinder models, though specific failure reports are less frequent than the concern. owners stress the necessity of regular fluid changes. frequency: very frequent.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
17
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles (US, public record).
Where owners report problems
electrical system
6
engine
4
forward collision avoidance
3
vehicle speed control
2
lane departure
2
Recalls affecting the 2021 Outlander
power train:automatic transmission:control module:software
Campaign 22V563000
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 transmis…
What owners say across generations
Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The vehicle is consistently praised for its strong value proposition, driven by aggressive pricing, significant dealer discounts, a compelling 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and attractive financing
CVT transmission reliability concerns — widespread anxiety about long-term durability, particularly in non-hybrid 4-cylinder models, though specific failure reports are less frequent than the concern. Owners stress the necessity of regular fluid changes. Frequency: very frequent.
Underpowered 4-cylinder engine — described as sluggish, barely adequate, and struggling with merging/passing, especially in pre-2021 models. Frequency: very frequent.
Interior material quality and dated design — use of hard plastics, lack of refinement, and an overall feeling of being outdated compared to segment rivals, particularly in pre-2021 models. Frequency: very frequent.
Software and app connectivity problems — the Mitsubishi app is reported to be unreliable, failing to start the vehicle remotely; remote start is a paid subscription feature after an initial trial, which was a point of frustration for some buyers. Frequency: recurrent.
Early-build quality and minor failures — isolated reports on newer models (2023-2025) include premature rear brake wear, failing power liftgates, emblems falling off, broken cruise control buttons, and weak batteries in cold weather. Frequency: recurrent.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Outlander.
Typical used price
Used Outlander listings typically run $27,675–$34,020 across 2019 to 2026 model years.