2016 Mitsubishi Outlander

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 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 Es Awc, 4dr SUV Es FWD, 4dr SUV Se/GT S Awc
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
27 combined · 25 city / 30 hwy
Length
183.5 in
Curb weight
3,252–3,516 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
11 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

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

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander is a small SUV offered with 3 engines (2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 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 3,384 lb (4dr SUV Es Awc).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (25 city / 30 highway), 10% better than the 2016 small SUV average of 24.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.

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

It has 11 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 171 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2016

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 Outlander — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 Outlander →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV Es Awc183.5 in71.3 in66.1 in105.1 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,384 lb56/44
4dr SUV Es FWD183.5 in71.3 in66.1 in105.1 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,252 lb57/43
4dr SUV Se/GT S Awc183.5 in71.3 in66.1 in105.1 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,516 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 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 30 / 27+10%$2,500321
Outlander Sport 2WD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive24 / 30 / 27+10%$2,500328
Outlander 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)4-Wheel Drive24 / 29 / 26+13%$2,600333
Outlander Sport 4WD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)4-Wheel Drive23 / 29 / 26+13%$2,600342
Outlander Sport 2WD2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive23 / 29 / 25+2%$2,700347
Outlander Sport 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive23 / 28 / 25+2%$2,700355
Outlander Sport 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)4-Wheel Drive22 / 27 / 24+4%$2,800361
Outlander 4WD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)4-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 22-4%$3,750391
6/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
24.6 MPG2016 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander.

Similar 2016 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 Mitsubishi Outlander (this car)27 MPGNot rated11
2016 Toyota RAV432 MPGNot rated3
2016 Honda CR-V29 MPGNot rated3
2016 Toyota 4Runner19 MPGNot rated8
2016 Hyundai Tucson28 MPGNot rated5
2016 Subaru Forester27 MPGNot rated3
2016 Mazda CX-529 MPGNot rated4

Recalls (11)

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
Parking Brake · Nov 30, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V741000 · 21,758 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2016 Outlander and Outlander Sport vehicles. The rust prevention coating on the rear brake operating shafts could have been peeled off during the assembly process. As a result, water entering the rear brake caliper boot may cause the parking brake operating shafts to corrode and possibly bind.
Risk
If the parking brake operating shafts bind, the parking brakes may not engage or disengage fully. If the parking brakes do not engage properly, the vehicle could rollaway, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear brake caliper assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 4, 2021. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-005.
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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch · Apr 6, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V233000 · 35,674 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2016 Outlander and Outlander Sport vehicles. The inside door latch mechanisms may not latch securely in high temperatures, allowing the doors to open while vehicle is in motion.
Risk
If a door opens while the vehicle is being driven, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the door latches, free of charge. The recall began August 25, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-002.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge And Attachments · Dec 2, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V867000 · 50,228 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to June 1, 2012, and 2016 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured January 11, 2016, to July 8, 2016. The lift gate support outer tube on the affected vehicles may have insufficient anti-corrosion treatment that can allow the outer tube to corrode due to salt and water penetration.
Risk
If the outer tube corrodes, there may be a rapid loss of the gas used to provide lift assistance, causing the lift gate to fall suddenly, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lift gate supports, free of charge. The recall began on January 20, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-011.
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

171Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
9Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
7Injuries reported
54,900 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train69
Engine28
Unknown Or Other19
Service Brakes17
Electrical System17
Vehicle Speed Control14
Structure › Body13
Exterior Lighting12
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
23/04: 223/05: 223/06: 123/07: 123/08: 123/09: 123/10: 123/11: 123/12: 124/01: 324/05: 124/06: 224/09: 324/11: 225/01: 125/02: 225/06: 125/09: 125/10: 125/11: 126/02: 126/07: 126/08: 126/09: 223/0423/0723/1024/0124/0925/0225/1026/07max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 Mitsubishi Outlander buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 11 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 69 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Engine — 28 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Service Brakes — 17 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 54,900 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 2016 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
2015 Outlander28183.5 inNot rated12233

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