NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Safety Ratings
The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 17 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, with a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, presents a strong safety profile. Its crash-test results are solid, contributing to this assessment. Only a single recall has been issued for this model year. Owners have lodged a modest volume of complaints. It is notable that while forward collision warning and lane departure warning are available, they are offered as optional features rather than standard equipment.
The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport received an NHTSA 5-star side-impact rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, derived entirely from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ranks 51 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 17 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 51 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport moved one point higher on the NHTSA Safety Index, rising from 85 in the 2020 model year to 86 in 2021, keeping the vehicle solidly in the Strong band. That incremental gain reflects a defect record subscore of 19 out of 20, the strongest component in the index breakdown, indicating a limited recall footprint for this year. Crash protection contributed 61 of a possible 70 points, anchored by the 5-star side-impact result, while the avoidance tech subscore of 6 out of 10 reflects that both forward collision warning and lane departure warning remain optional equipment rather than standard fitment. Buyers who did not select those packages at purchase are driving without those systems. The single recall targets CVT transmission control module software across the 2019 to 2022 Outlander Sport range, a campaign that is software-based and does not carry a park-outside directive. The 17 unverified complaint allegations are relatively low in volume, though the 6 electrical system reports and 3 forward collision avoidance reports are worth monitoring as unverified signals.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport achieved a 4 out of 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. While its frontal and rollover protection both received 4 stars, the vehicle's side-impact performance stands out, earning a perfect 5 stars. The rollover risk was assessed at 17 percent, with the dynamic tip test concluding without a tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15522
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have any recalls?
One recall covers the 2021 Outlander Sport. Mitsubishi Motors North America recalled certain 2019 to 2022 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with a continuously variable transmission due to a control module software issue in the powertrain automatic transmission system. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE22V563000
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the CVT-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-22-004.
Reported 2022-08-02
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
Seventeen unverified owner allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently cited components in these unverified reports are the Electrical System with 6 allegations, followed by Engine and Unknown Or Other categories each with 4, and Forward Collision Avoidance with 3. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged.
17 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
A significant software recall affecting the continuously variable transmission (CVT) system marked the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Prospective owners should verify the recall completion status via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. Any Mitsubishi dealer is obligated to perform the necessary remedy at no cost if the action remains outstanding.
- The 2021 model year carries one active recall targeting CVT transmission control module software, affecting Outlander Sport vehicles from the 2019 to 2022 model range - VIN verification is essential for used buyers.
- NHTSA awarded this specific model year a 5-star side-impact score, the only category to achieve a perfect rating, while frontal and rollover protection each landed at 4 stars with a measured rollover risk of 17 percent.
- The avoidance tech subscore of 6 out of 10 reflects that forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional add-ons for the 2021 model year, meaning used examples may lack these systems entirely depending on original trim and option selection.
- Seventeen unverified NHTSA complaint allegations exist for this model year, with the Electrical System accounting for 6 of them and Forward Collision Avoidance accounting for 3 - a pattern worth asking about when inspecting a specific used example.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport places
The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport safety questions
Was the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 17 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Outlander Sport years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15522), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 51 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.