Last updated: 2026-07-26
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Reliability Report
The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander scores 84/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 0 recalls and 0 owner complaints.
Recalls
0
Complaints
0
Complaint Rate
0per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$519
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,200–$2,400
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is 2 years after the second facelift refresh.
- Year 8 in the Third generation (GF/GG/ZJ/ZK/ZL; 2012) (2014–2024).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 3rd generation Outlander (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2014: Third generation (GF/GG/ZJ/ZK/ZL; 2012) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2016: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2019: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is 2 years after the second facelift refresh.
Should You Buy the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander?
The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander earns an Excellent 84/100 reliability score. 2021 is 2 years after the second facelift refresh.
At 0 per 10,000 vehicles sold, its complaint rate sits below the SUV segment average, and most owners report a trouble-free ownership experience.
A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, new or used.
Compared to the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander, which scored 22 points lower. See also the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Strong reliability score
- +$2 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize SUV
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (11%)
- +No recalls issued
Cons
No recurring complaint themes yet.
Compare 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander With
2021 KIA Seltos
Reliability: 59/100
2021 Chevrolet Trailblazer
Reliability: 63/100
2021 Jeep Renegade
Reliability: 75/100
2021 Buick Encore GX
Reliability: 74/100
2021 Cadillac XT4
Reliability: 71/100
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
No recalls are on record for the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander — uncommon, and a strong signal of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
0
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 16.7
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
Buying a used 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander? Check its history first
Every 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2021 Mitsubishi Outlander NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Safety Technologies
Mitsubishi OutlanderRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$519
vs $521 avg for midsize SUV
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
11%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Mitsubishi Outlander Resale Value
The Mitsubishi Outlander is estimated to retain about 59% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Mitsubishi Outlander model overall and is not specific to the 2021 model year.
- Value Retained
- 59%
- Depreciation
- 41%
- Listings Analyzed
- 90
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Mitsubishi Outlander depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
25–27 MPG
Running cost: $2,700–$2,900/yr
Fuel + repair
23–24 city / 28–30 hwy MPG
Plug-in Hybrid
26 MPG
Running cost: $2,800/yr
Fuel + repair
26 city / 26 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outlander Sport 2WD 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 24 | 30 | 27 | $2,200 |
| Outlander Sport 4WD 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 23 | 29 | 26 | $2,300 |
| Outlander Sport 2WD 2.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 23 | 29 | 25 | $2,400 |
| Outlander Sport 4WD 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 23 | 28 | 25 | $2,400 |
Plug-in Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outlander PHEV 2.4L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 26 | 26 | 26 | $2,300 |
Best & Worst Mitsubishi Outlander Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Mitsubishi Outlander Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Mitsubishi Outlander year is 2021 with a reliability score of 84/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2025 (82/100) and 2024 (79/100).
2021
(Current Model)
2025
2024
Mitsubishi Outlander Years to Avoid
The worst Mitsubishi Outlander year is 2022 with a score of 62/100, primarily due to structure (69) issues.
Mitsubishi Outlander Reliability Score Trend
Mitsubishi Outlander reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 76/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 84/100 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 62/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 82/100 | Excellent |
Mitsubishi Outlander Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander?
How many recalls does the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
Is the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Mitsubishi Outlander.
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Score: 84/100
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Score: 83/100
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