NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Safety Ratings
The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-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 PHEV presents a strong federal safety profile for used-market shoppers, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, which places it in the Exceptional band. The vehicle achieved a five-star overall NHTSA rating and received full marks for its crash-avoidance technology, scoring a perfect ten points in that category.
The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV received a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, sourced entirely from NHTSA federal safety 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 ranks 26 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 13.7% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 17 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 26 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander?
The 2021 model year marks a meaningful jump in the NHTSA Safety Index, rising ten full points from the 2020 model year's score of 80/100 in the Strong band to 90/100 in the Exceptional band. That ten-point gain is driven by a near-perfect defect record score of 19 out of 20 and a maximum avoidance technology score of 10 out of 10, reflecting the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the lineup. The crash-protection component contributes 61 of a possible 70 points, anchored by the five-star overall NHTSA rating and the perfect five-star side result. The single recall on record targets transmission control module software rather than a structural or fire-related hazard, which keeps the defect record score high. The 17 reported complaints are modest for a model year of this age, though the cluster of three Forward Collision Avoidance allegations and two Lane Departure reports is worth monitoring given that this vehicle's avoidance tech is central to its high Index score. Taken together, the federal data picture for this specific model year is notably stronger than its immediate predecessor.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Outlander PHEV achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, buoyed by a perfect five-star score in side-crash protection. In frontal and rollover assessments, the vehicle secured four stars each. Its rollover risk is measured at 14 percent, with dynamic tip testing returning a "No Tip" result, indicating optimal performance in that specific evaluation.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15521
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 have any recalls?
One recall was issued for this model year. The campaign targets the powertrain automatic transmission control module software on certain 2019-2022 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with a continuously variable transmission. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but used-market buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
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?
Seventeen owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The top components alleged are the Electrical System with six reports, Engine and Unknown Or Other categories with four each, and Forward Collision Avoidance with three. All are unverified consumer allegations and have not been established as confirmed defects.
17 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander?
The 2021 Outlander PHEV was subject to a recall involving the transmission control module software. Any prospective buyer of this model year should verify the completion of this remedy through NHTSA's recall lookup tool using the vehicle's VIN. An open recall on a used vehicle is the seller's responsibility to rectify, and documentation of its resolution is prudent before finalizing a purchase.
- The 2021 model year Safety Index of 90/100 represents a ten-point improvement over the 2020 model year score of 80/100, a year-over-year gain that places this specific year in the Exceptional band for the first time in recent model history.
- NHTSA's dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result for this model year, and the rollover risk is quantified at 14 percent, both of which factor into the four-star rollover rating.
- The one recall on record for this model year involves transmission control module software on CVT-equipped vehicles, a campaign that spans the 2019-2022 Outlander Sport range and requires VIN-level verification to confirm completion.
- Three of the 17 unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA specifically allege issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, a component that earned full marks in the Safety Index avoidance-tech scoring and warrants attention during any pre-purchase inspection.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander places
The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Mitsubishi Outlander safety questions
Was the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander earned 5 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 13.7%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 17 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander. 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 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 15521), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mitsubishi Outlander 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 26 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.