MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

1Recalls
17Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT

The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport is a subcompact SUV that has occupied the entry-level crossover segment for well over a decade, targeting budget-conscious buyers who want the ride height and versatility of an SUV without the premium price tag. Slotting below the larger Outlander in Mitsubishi's lineup, it competes in one of the most crowded corners of the American market, appealing especially to first-time SUV buyers and urban commuters.

VERDICT

The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 1 recall on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Outlander Sport as a functional, no-frills subcompact crossover that prioritizes affordability over cutting-edge features or refinement. Most acknowledge it lags behind segment leaders in technology and driving dynamics, but tend to view it as a straightforward, practical option for buyers with modest expectations and a tight budget.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 16.9%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15522

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech6/10
Defect record19/20
Forward collision warning: OptionalLane departure warning: OptionalStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

17 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

0reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsElectrical System 6Unknown Or Other 4Engine 4Forward Collision Avoidance 3Vehicle Speed Control 2Lane Departure 2

Other Outlander Sport years

Rivals in SUV (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-03. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15522), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2021. Class rank 51 of 118 in SUV 2021. Methodology · Disclosure