2015 Mitsubishi Outlander

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.

Mitsubishi Outlander
Pictured: 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (fourth generation) IMG 3129. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD Es, 4dr SUV AWD Se/GT, 4dr SUV FWD Es
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
28 combined · 25 city / 32 hwy
Length
183.5 in
Curb weight
3,219–3,505 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
12 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 28 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2015 small SUV (24 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • 12 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 184 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,362 lb (4dr SUV AWD Es).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 32 highway), 17% better than the 2015 small SUV average of 24 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 12 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 233 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2015

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2014 Outlander — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 Outlander →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD Es183.5 in70.9 in66.1 in105.1 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,362 lb57/43
4dr SUV AWD Se/GT183.5 in70.9 in66.1 in105.1 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,505 lb57/43
4dr SUV FWD Es183.5 in70.9 in66.1 in105.1 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,219 lb57/43

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Outlander Sport 2WD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 32 / 28+17%$2,400317
Outlander 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 30 / 27+13%$2,500328
Outlander Sport 4WD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)4-Wheel Drive24 / 30 / 27+19%$2,500330
Outlander Sport 2WD2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 29 / 26+8%$2,600342
Outlander 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)4-Wheel Drive24 / 29 / 26+15%$2,600343
Outlander Sport 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive23 / 28 / 25+4%$2,700349
Outlander Sport 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)4-Wheel Drive22 / 26 / 24+6%$2,800360
Outlander 4WD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)4-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 23+2%$3,550383
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
7/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24 MPG2015 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander.

Similar 2015 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2015 Mitsubishi Outlander (this car)28 MPGNot rated12
2015 Toyota RAV426 MPGNot rated4
2015 Honda CR-V29 MPGNot rated3
2015 Toyota 4Runner19 MPGNot rated9
2015 Subaru Forester27 MPGNot rated3
2015 Mazda CX-529 MPGNot rated3
2015 Toyota Highlander28 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (12)

Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Support Device/Strut · Apr 20, 2026

NHTSA campaign 26V252000 · 108,046 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
Risk
A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2026. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-26-001. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov June 3, 2026. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V507.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Support Device/Strut · Aug 7, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V507000 · 121,529 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles sold and/or currently registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
Risk
A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2025. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-25-002
Structure › Frame And Members · Mar 5, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V144000 · 15,347 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure, such as from road salt use.
Risk
A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied, or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one, free of charge. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-21-001. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 20V-279. Owners not previously notified under 20V-279 were notified on March 22, 2021.
Seat Belts › Rear/Other › Buckle Assembly · Jul 13, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V403000 · 177,000 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Outlander and 2018-2019 Outlander PHEV vehicles. The second-row center seat belt buckle may interfere with the right-side seat belt buckle when the seat backs are folded down. The interference may cause the right-side seat belt buckle cover to come off, making the buckle latch inoperable and unable to restrain an occupant.
Risk
An unrestrained occupant has an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will modify the second-row center seat belt buckle cover, install a new warning label to the second-row seat support base, and provide a new warning label insert for the owner's manual, free of charge. The recall began September 1, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-20-004.
Structure › Frame And Members · May 18, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V279000 · 141,200 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
Risk
A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages · Feb 9, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V103000 · 158,651 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles. Water may enter between the hood and windshield and cause the front wiper link ball joint to corrode, possibly resulting in the wiper link separating and the wipers becoming inoperative.
Risk
Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rod of the wiper link and the wiper motor crank arm, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 10, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-004.
Parking Brake · Jan 26, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V070000 · 170,354 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Outlander and 2013-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles. Water may enter the rear brake calipers causing the parking brake actuator shafts to corrode and possibly bind.
Risk
If the parking brake actuator shaft binds, the parking brake may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brake does not engage properly, the vehicle may move unexpectedly if it is parked on a slope, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear brake calipers and replace the parking brake boot and lever or the brake caliper body, as necessary. Dealers will also replace the piston assembly of the rear brake caliper. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-002.
Electrical System › Starter Assembly › Relay · Sep 29, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V609000 · 132,552 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Outlander, 2015-2016 Lancer and Outlander Sport, and 2015 Lancer Evolution vehicles. These vehicles may have defective relays that can result in an engine stall, reduced engine power or the engine overheating.
Risk
If the engine stalls, there is an increased the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected relays, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-005.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor · Oct 31, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V792000 · 93,801 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to January 5, 2015. In the affected vehicles, water may drop between the hood and the windshield and leak into the wiper motor breathing hole. The water may cause internal corrosion of the windshield wiper motor and the possible failure of the motor.
Risk
Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The manufacturer has begun the recall, but parts are not yet available; a second notice will be sent when parts are available. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-010.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · Jul 28, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V563000 · 82,436 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles and 2016 Outlander and Lancer vehicles. The affected vehicles are equipped with a constant velocity transmission (CVT) that, in certain driving conditions, may cause a delay in the vehicle accelerating.
Risk
A hesitation during acceleration can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the CVT control unit with modified software, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2016. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-006.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit And Lines · Jul 22, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V548000 · 45,731 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured June 25, 2014, through November 25, 2015 and equipped with a 2.0L engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). During assembly, a clamp for a CVT hose may not have been properly secured, allowing the hose to detach and leak transmission fluid.
Risk
If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may become inoperable, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if leaking transmission fluid contacts an a hot surface there is an increased risk of a fire.
Fix
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the hose clamps, correcting their installation, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 15, 2016. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-16-005.
Seat Belts · Nov 21, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V744000 · 54,779 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured July 20, 2012, to July 23, 2014. In the affected vehicles, the front passenger seat belt lap end attachment fastener may not be torqued to specification, and the fastener may loosen with time.
Risk
A loosened and weakened fastener may not be capable of withstanding the load forces associated with a vehicle crash, leaving the seat occupant insufficiently restrained and increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt lap end attachment fastener, free of charge. The recall began on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-714-372-6000. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-011.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

233Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
7Involved a crash
2Involved a fire
5Injuries reported
45,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train138
Engine47
Vehicle Speed Control29
Unknown Or Other26
Electrical System24
Fuel/Propulsion System18
Service Brakes15
Air Bags10
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/10: 223/11: 223/12: 324/01: 224/03: 124/04: 124/05: 224/06: 124/07: 124/09: 124/10: 124/12: 125/01: 125/02: 225/04: 125/07: 125/08: 225/10: 125/11: 126/02: 126/03: 126/06: 126/07: 226/09: 123/1024/0124/0524/0925/0125/0725/1126/06max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 12 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 138 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Engine — 47 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Vehicle Speed Control — 29 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 45,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Outlander years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Outlander27–Not rated00
2026 Outlander28185.4 inNot rated16
2025 Outlander27185.4 in★★★★★218
2024 Outlander27185.4 in★★★★★127
2023 Outlander27185.4 in★★★★★258
2022 Outlander27185.4 in★★★★★10229
2021 Outlander27185 in★★★★★319
2020 Outlander27185 in★★★★★458
2019 Outlander27185 in★★★★★656
2018 Outlander27185 in★★★★★693
2017 Outlander27185 inNot rated678
2016 Outlander27183.5 inNot rated11171

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mitsubishi. How we calculate this →