Why won't my 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport start on the first try?

Short answer: Many 2011 Outlander Sport owners reported the engine cranking without starting on the first try, then starting fine on the second. Owners said a dealer update to the engine computer software (for the crankshaft position sensor signal, which tells the computer when to fire) fixed it. If yours has had the update and still does it, have the battery, fuel pump and sensors checked.

Symptom: You turn the key or push the button and the engine cranks for several seconds without catching, or starts and stalls. The second try usually works.

What to check first

1. Ask the dealer to check for the engine computer (PCM) software update for your VIN. Owners brought printouts of Mitsubishi's update list.
2. As a workaround, turn the key to ON, wait about 10 seconds, then start. One owner found it started normally that way.
3. Have the battery tested, especially if you have power-hungry add-ons.
4. If it starts then stalls, ask the shop to check the fuel pump and crank sensor too.

Likely causes

1. Engine computer software (crank sensor signal). Owners said the update fixed it.
2. Weak battery. Low voltage makes starting worse.
3. Fuel pump or crankshaft position sensor. Check if the update doesn't help.

What it usually costs

Owners said the software update was done free under warranty as a documented bulletin, and one owner told others not to pay for it. Out of warranty, ask the dealer for a quote.

Is it safe to keep driving?

It's mostly an annoyance, but a car that stalls right after starting can leave you stuck in traffic or a driveway. Get it fixed. Verify with a mechanic.

DIY or shop?

Dealer for the software update. Battery testing is DIY.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• No recall for the starting problem: it was handled by a software bulletin. Separately, recalls 14V562 and 18V069 cover the accessory drive belt and tensioner on some Outlander Sports. If your car is part of these, the dealer fixes them for free.
• NHTSA complaints: 22 keyword-matched complaints for Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2011–2012 (of 120 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-21; keywords: start, crank, stall, no start). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In 11 Outlander Sport won't start on first try! (page 2) on Mitsubishi Forum, several 2011 owners described long cranking with no start, then a normal start on the second try. One found waiting with the key on before cranking avoided it. Another said the dealer did a reflash (software update).
• In 2011 Outlander Sport STALLS ON STARTUP on Mitsubishi Forum, an owner's car started then died within seconds. The dealer replaced the fuel pump without fixing it. Members pointed to Mitsubishi's crank position sensor software bulletin and the 2012 engine software.
• In 11 Outlander Sport won't start on first try! (page 4) on Mitsubishi Forum, an owner said they had no more starting problems after the bulletin was done. Another said their dealer couldn't reproduce it after nine visits.

My take

Take a video when it happens. Dealers can't fix what they can't see, and a video helps a lot with a warranty claim.

Vehicle focus: 2011–2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport (2.0L).

Safety / mechanic note

A car that stalls right after starting can strand you in traffic. Verify with a mechanic.