What is the 2011-2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport CVT shudder, slipping, and premature failure?

The Jatco-built CVT used across most Outlander Sport years is prone to shuddering, jerking, hesitation when shifting from park to drive/reverse, whining or whirring noise during acceleration, and slipping (engine revs without proportional acceleration). Degraded CVT fluid and bel… Repairs typically run $3,000-$5,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Underbody and Subframe Rust/Corrosion?

The Outlander Sport is susceptible to accelerated underbody rust and corrosion, particularly in salt-belt states. The rear subframe, fuel tank straps, and brake lines are the most affected areas, with rust perforation occurring in as little as 5-7 years. Repairs typically run $200-$3,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Windshield wiper motor/linkage water intrusion and corrosion?

NHTSA recall 16V792000 covers certain 2011-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles whose wiper-motor breathing hole can admit water from the hood-to-windshield area and cause internal motor corrosion and failure. Recall 18V103000 separately covers certain 2011-2016 vehicles whose front wip… Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport AC Compressor Premature Failure?

The AC compressor in the Outlander Sport frequently fails between 50,000 and 80,000 miles. The compressor clutch bearing seizes or the internal reed valves break, contaminating the AC system with metal debris. Repairs typically run $600-$1,400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport CVT Judder and Hesitation?

The Outlander Sport CVT develops a judder during low-speed acceleration and deceleration. The transmission hesitates when pulling away from stops, and the simulated shift points feel rough and inconsistent. Repairs typically run $200-$4,000. Severity: medium.

Mitsubishi · Known Issues

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Problems & Issues

2013 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

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All 8 Known Issues

On the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2.0L 4B11 I4, aWD Outlander Sport models use a two-lobe fuel tank shaped around the rear driveline, with a main sending unit and a separate sub sending unit measuring the second lobe. Mitsubishi's ECM does not simply watch the sub sender's voltage - it runs a consumption rationality test. Mitsubishi's published service data for this generation sets DTC P2066 when fuel consumption calculated from injector operation reaches 10 litres (2.6 gallons) while the level derived from the sub fuel level sensor has changed by less than 2 litres (0.5 gallon), or when the sub sender's resistance is 13 ohms or below or 70 ohms or above (earlier calibrations used a 30-litre consumption threshold). NHTSA recall 13V112000 documents the manufacturing defect behind this on 2013 AWD cars: certain Outlander Sport AWD vehicles manufactured June 11 through December 11, 2012 were built without the fuel sending unit harness for the sub sending unit, producing a false fuel tank level reading. With the sub sender never reporting a changing level, the gauge shows far more fuel than the tank holds, and the ECM's rationality monitor flags the implausible sub-sender data. The real-world consequence is the serious one for this code family: the driver may believe fuel remains when the tank is empty, and the engine stalls while driving. Outside the recall population the same monitor is set by an aged or contaminated sub level sensor, a corroded sub-sender connector, or a failed fuel pump module assembly.

This issue also affects: Mitsubishi Lancer

Common Symptoms

Check engine light with P2066 stored
Fuel gauge reads far higher than actual fuel in tank
Engine stalls from running out of fuel while the gauge shows fuel remaining
Fuel gauge does not move as fuel is used
Low fuel warning light behaves erratically
Range-to-empty display is inaccurate

How to Fix

For any 2013 AWD Outlander Sport, check the VIN against NHTSA recall 13V112000 (Mitsubishi campaign SR-13-005) first. If the vehicle is in the population, the dealer installs the proper fuel sending unit harness free of charge, which restores the sub sender's signal and cures both the false gauge reading and the stored code; buy nothing before that check is made. If the car is outside the recall, follow Mitsubishi's published diagnostic sequence for P2066: read stored codes with the scan tool, then verify the combination meter's fuel gauge operation - Mitsubishi's flow has you condemn the ECM only after the gauge and the sub sensor check out. With the gauge exonerated, test the sub fuel level sensor through its float travel and confirm its resistance stays inside the specified band rather than sitting at or below 13 ohms or at or above 70 ohms, and inspect the sub-sender connector and the harness run along the tank for corrosion, water intrusion, spread terminals and chafe, since a poor connection produces exactly the same non-tracking signal as a dead sender. Mitsubishi lists a failed fuel pump module or sub level sensor as the most likely cause. When the sub sender or the pump module assembly is replaced, seal the tank flange with a new gasket, then clear the code and drive several gallons' worth of fuel before assuming the repair holds - the monitor cannot re-run until enough fuel has been consumed to satisfy its threshold.

What you need to diagnose it

The repair instructions explicitly call for reading stored codes. Use a scanner that can read the named code families before choosing a repair.The recommended scanner supports these code families; confirm your exact year, model and module coverage before buying.

ANCEL AD310 Classic OBD-II Scanner
Read & clear engine (P) codes
$20–$40View

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices are approximate and may vary.

Reading and clearing the code is DIY work. Module replacement or reprogramming is not — most modules are VIN-programmed, so a new one does nothing until a shop codes it to your car. Check for an open recall or service bulletin before buying anything.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $650

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has 8 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Front lower control arm / crossmember corrosion (Salt Belt states), Rear parking brake caliper corrosion (parking brake binds/won't engage), CVT shudder, slipping, and premature failure. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport reliable?

The 2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has 8 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Front lower control arm / crossmember corrosion (Salt Belt states) and Rear parking brake caliper corrosion (parking brake binds/won't engage) and CVT shudder, slipping, and premature failure and Underbody and Subframe Rust/Corrosion. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems?

Repair costs for known Mitsubishi Outlander Sport issues range from $0 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2013-2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Front lower control arm / crossmember corrosion (Salt Belt states)?

Mitsubishi SR-21-001 and NHTSA recall 21V144000 cover certain 2013-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles currently or previously registered in specified road-salt jurisdictions. Insufficient front-crossmember rust protection can allow corrosion after long exposure to snowmelt water and a… Severity: high.

What is the 2013-2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Rear parking brake caliper corrosion (parking brake binds/won't engage)?

NHTSA recall 18V070000 covers certain 2013-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles whose rear-caliper lever boots can admit water, corroding and binding the parking-brake actuator shafts so the brake may not engage or disengage fully. Recall 20V741000 adds a bounded 2016 population whose s… Severity: high.

All 8 Known Issues

2011-2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: CVT shudder, slipping, and premature failure#

2011-2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: CVT Judder and Hesitation#

2013-2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: Front lower control arm / crossmember corrosion (Salt Belt states)#

2013-2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: Rear parking brake caliper corrosion (parking brake binds/won't engage)#

2011-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: Underbody and Subframe Rust/Corrosion#

2011-2016 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: Windshield wiper motor/linkage water intrusion and corrosion#

2011-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: AC Compressor Premature Failure#

2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: Sub Fuel Sending Unit Harness Omitted at the Factory on 2013 AWD Models#

Other Mitsubishi Models