The Lemon IndexAll carsMitsubishiOutlander2016
201520173rd generation
Avoid · most complaints: transmission & drivetrain
56 owner complaints, first 3 years 22–27 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2016 Toyota RAV4 372016 Honda CR-V 562016 Nissan Rogue 43
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander
- Transmission failure12 complaintsmostly at 80,000–96,000 miles (128,000–154,000 km)
- Engine stalling11 complaintsmostly at 44,000–90,000 miles (71,000–145,000 km)
- Headlights10 complaintsmostly at 60,000–63,000 miles (97,000–101,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 145 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 13,000 and 53,000 miles (21,000–85,000 km) (the middle half of the 41 complaints, of all 56 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 26V252000 (body structure), 25V507000 (body structure) and 20V741000 (parking brake) done? It has 8 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Any shudder, whine or slipping from the CVT? Ask for CVT fluid service records.
- Any rust or damage underneath, or doors and hatches that don't close right?
- Any oil burning, leaks or check-engine lights? Ask for oil-change records.
- Mitsubishi sent dealers 142 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This technical service bulletin, provided to dealers, updates the engine overhaul (2.4l) section”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Mitsubishi's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 56 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 12K to 53K miles (21K to 85K km) on the car (41 of all 56 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Tail gate lifters not working. Will not hold up tail gate.
2016 Mitsubishi Outlander owner · NHTSA complaint 11255456
More owner reports
Water leak through roof antenna.cerritos Mitsubishi unable to repair.
NHTSA complaint 11032758
Water is leaking through the interior roof and sides of suv. The headliner is damaged with water stains, floors soaking wet if it rains heavy.
NHTSA complaint 11030459
Problems Mitsubishi told dealers about
Mitsubishi sent dealers 142 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This technical service bulletin, provided to dealers, updates the engine overhaul (2.4l) section
- This is a Technical Information Notice sent to dealers, it informs dealers of leaking water…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 8
- Body structure · recall issued 2026 New: most likely still open
The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
- Body structure · recall issued 2025
The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the li.
- Parking brake · recall issued 2020
The rust prevention coating on the rear brake operating shafts could have been peeled off during the assembly process.
Show all 8 recalls
- Seat belts · recall issued 2020
The second-row center seat belt buckle may interfere with the right-side seat belt buckle when the seat backs are folded down.
- Parking brake · recall issued 2018
Water may enter the rear brake calipers causing the parking brake actuator shafts to corrode and possibly bind.
- Electrical · recall issued 2017
These vehicles may have defective relays that can result in an engine stall, reduced engine power or the engine overheating.
- Latches/locks/linkages · recall issued 2017
The inside door latch mechanisms may not latch securely in high temperatures, allowing the doors to open while vehicle is in motion.
- Transmission & drivetrain · recall issued 2016
The affected vehicles are equipped with a constant velocity transmission (CVT) that, in certain driving conditions, may cause a delay in the vehicle accelerating.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Every Mitsubishi Outlander recall, all years · All Mitsubishi recalls
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi Outlander SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mitsubishi Outlander SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,200–$3,400 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
Every Mitsubishi Outlander year. 2016 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2016 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/mitsubishi-outlander/?y=2016" title="Mitsubishi Outlander reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="445" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/mitsubishi-outlander/2016/">Lemon Index</a> (2016 Mitsubishi Outlander reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew about twice the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 210; 100 is average, lower is better). The Mitsubishi Outlander year with the fewest complaints per car sold since 2010 is 2020.
What are the most common 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are transmission & drivetrain (21%), body structure (16%) and engine (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
8 safety recalls (latest: body structure). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander get?
22 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 13,000 and 53,000 miles (21,000–85,000 km) (the middle half of the 41 complaints, of all 56 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2016 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 21% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander cost in fuel a year?
About $2,200 to $3,400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Mitsubishi Outlander year is better than the 2016?
Nearby, the 2019 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a third as many complaints as the average car). Across every year, 2020 drew the fewest.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works