Before you buy
This 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has 21 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
16.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
16.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT 2018 has 21 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Electrical faults (7) and airbag malfunctions (6) are top concerns. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Mitsubishi
- Model
- Outlander Sport
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 21
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 25
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 23 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Airbag Malfunctions
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Airbag Malfunctions, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
The 2018 Outlander Sport has a low complaint count, but the pattern of electrical and airbag issues warrants caution. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is recommended.
Electrical faults and airbag malfunctions can affect reliability and safety, making these patterns important to investigate before buying.
May Suit
Budget-conscious buyers who prioritize low initial cost and are willing to perform detailed pre-purchase checks.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking maximum reliability and minimal service visits may want to consider other years or models.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
Inspection Focus
- Inspect electrical system for any warning lights or intermittent failures.
- Check airbag system for proper operation and recall completion.
- Test transmission for smooth shifting and unusual noises.
Before You Close the Deal
- Check for electrical system issues like battery or wiring problems.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has 21 total complaints and 2 recalls. Electrical faults (7 complaints) and airbag malfunctions (6 complaints) are the most reported issues. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: With only one model year analyzed, no direct comparison to other years is available from this data.
Recall context: Two recalls indicate known issues that should be verified as repaired before purchase.
- Electrical faults account for 7 of 21 total complaints.
- Airbag malfunctions account for 6 complaints.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues account for 5 complaints.
- Electrical faults (7 complaints)
- Airbag malfunctions (6 complaints)
- Transmission/drivetrain issues (5 complaints)
Full breakdown
All 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 3 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Air bag symbol is lit on dash. Technicians unable to find issue, nor were they able to reset light. I feel the importance of said system functioning properly needs addressed. Not just we e can't find what is wrong.Nothing else we can do. No, that's b s
Center seat belt will not retract, causing the belt to be unusable and unsafe.
On 05AUG25, my wife was involved in a frontal collision while driving our 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The vehicle struck another vehicle at an estimated speed of over 30 mph, resulting in significant damage to the front passenger side, including deformation of the hood and f…
This is a follow-up and correction to a complaint previously submitted for VIN [XXX] regarding airbag non-deployment during a passenger-side T-bone collision on [XXX]. A [XXX] child was properly restrained in a rear-facing car seat in the rear passenger-side seat. The vehicle …
The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the air bag light warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the air bag senso…
The driver seatbelt come unattached while driving. The car looses electric system while driving
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 t…
The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that the message "Air Bag System Service Required" was displayed. Additionally, the message "Window Washer Fluid Low" was displayed while there was sufficient washer fluid in the reservoir. The contact related…
I was parked in my family yard and my dash service symbols just came on 5 at once. I have not been involved in any collision or any trauma to the vehicle.Those lights are the FCM, LFW, AHB, and ASC service required lights. The FCM will come on go off and come back on. I am concer…
I AM A US ARMY VETERAN AND I NEED YOUR HELP WITH THE FOLLOWING SITUATION. I BOUGHT A MITSUBISHI 2018 OUTLANDER SPORT FROM THE MANATI COOPERATIVE IN APRIL 2019(VIN: [XXX]). THIS VEHICLE HAD A RECALL SINCE SEPTEMBER 14, 2018 AND I GOT IT APRIL 2019 WITH ELECTROMECHANICAL DEFECTS TH…
Vehicle has a permanent engine code poo11 vvt intake
ISSUE #1 Transmission light turns on and car starts feeling forced. My car is available for inspection upon request. Transmission issue almost caused the vehicles behind me bump into my vehicle, on a 75 mile highway going uphill. My vehicle was at normal speed then suddenly Tran…
On 07/01/2022 low beam & high beams went out at the same time. Driving without headlights at night when they went out. Could have hit anything not knowing I didn't have any lights. Someone yelled at me from another vehicle to let me know my lights wasn't on keep turning lights on…
The contact owns a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the mechanic to have the wheel bearing and front hub replaced, the mechanic found out that the front passenger’s side ABS wheel speed sensor fractured inside the assembly housing.…
THE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 63 MPH ON A RURAL BLACKTOP, WHEN A WHITE TAIL DEER RAN INTO THE SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHERE THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT AND REAR DOOR MEET. THE COLLISION CAUSED BOTH DOOR WINDOWS TO SHATTER, AND THE DOORS ARE DENTED SO BAD THEY CANNOT BE OPENED…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT THE GEAR FROM DRIVE INTO REVERSE WITH THE FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A HOUSE WALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO WARNING …
MY 2018 OUTLANDER SPORT SE HAS VERY POOR ACCELERATION WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A COMPLETE STOP. AFTER READING ABOUT A SIMILAR RECALL FOR THE 2015-2016 OUTLANDER SPORT I FEEL MY VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME SYMPTOMS. *TR
ON MAY 1, 2020 I DROVE ABOUT 15 MILES FROM MY HOME TO MEDFORD, OREGON. I MADE ONE STOP AND UPON GETTING BACK INTO THE VEHICLE, I COULD NOT START OR TURN OFF THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENT OF THE VEHICLE. THE MAINFRAME KEPT SHOWING "ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED" I COULD NOT LOCK…
THE TRANSMISSION HAS LESS THEN 100,000 MILES AND HAS GONE OUT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY IT SLIPPED. THEN IN ABOUT 3 MILES ON FILTH STREET WENT OUT COMPLETELY
PUSH BUTTON START FAILED. DASH MESSAGE "ELECTRICAL FAILURE". CAR WAS PARKED. TRIED TO START. BUTTON STARTED FLASHING AND MESSAGE APPEARED ON DASHBOARD. AFTER SECOND ATTEMPT, HEARD AN ELECTRICAL SHORT BEHIND THE GLOVE BOX AREA.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
Safety recalls
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Two recalls indicate known issues that should be verified as repaired before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 21 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Outlander Sport has a low complaint count, but the pattern of electrical and airbag issues warrants caution. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is recommended. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (7 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (6 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (5 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 21 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. Two recalls indicate known issues that should be verified as repaired before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?▾
The 2018 Outlander Sport has a low complaint count, but the pattern of electrical and airbag issues warrants caution. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is recommended. Electrical faults and airbag malfunctions can affect reliability and safety, making these patterns important to investigate before buying. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpectorAI.
Wider context: See the full Mitsubishi Outlander Sport reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.