MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT · model year

2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT

33 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2020MITSUBISHIOUTLANDER SPORT carries 33 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires, 1 injury, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2020 OUTLANDER SPORT is engine with 8 filings, followed by unknown or other (7) and electrical system (5). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 14 investigation files overlapping the 2020 OUTLANDER SPORT. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

33
Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

33 filings

Crashes Reported

1 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 — Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 5/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
POWER TRAIN5
SEAT BELTS3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS1
AIR BAGS1
SERVICE BRAKES1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL1
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM1

Recalls (1)

22V56300002/08/2022

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with continuously variable transmissions and mechanical key ignition systems. A software error in the transmission control unit (CVT-ECU) may incorrectly reduce the transmission gear ratio

Recent Complaints

20251125POWER TRAIN

The vehicle has exhibited recurring ignition-system and powertrain malfunctions involving repeated ignition-coil failures, engine misfires, and catalyst-system efficiency faults. These issues cause intermittent loss of power, hesitation during acceleration, and unstable engine performance. The malfunction has occurred multiple times since the date of purchase and has been confirmed through diagnostic trouble codes related to misfire events and catalyst-system operation. A certified Mitsubishi dealership confirmed that the failure pattern aligns with an active manufacturer recall and corresponding Technical Service Bulletin affecting the same model year, engine type (4B11), and vehicle platform. I was informed that the vehicle “falls under” the same defect pattern listed in the current recall/TSB; however, because the vehicle no longer has an active factory warranty, the dealership stated they would have to sell the repair parts rather than process the issue under recall or warrant

20251125ENGINE

The vehicle has exhibited recurring ignition-system and powertrain malfunctions involving repeated ignition-coil failures, engine misfires, and catalyst-system efficiency faults. These issues cause intermittent loss of power, hesitation during acceleration, and unstable engine performance. The malfunction has occurred multiple times since the date of purchase and has been confirmed through diagnostic trouble codes related to misfire events and catalyst-system operation. A certified Mitsubishi dealership confirmed that the failure pattern aligns with an active manufacturer recall and corresponding Technical Service Bulletin affecting the same model year, engine type (4B11), and vehicle platform. I was informed that the vehicle “falls under” the same defect pattern listed in the current recall/TSB; however, because the vehicle no longer has an active factory warranty, the dealership stated they would have to sell the repair parts rather than process the issue under recall or warrant

20251125UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The vehicle has exhibited recurring ignition-system and powertrain malfunctions involving repeated ignition-coil failures, engine misfires, and catalyst-system efficiency faults. These issues cause intermittent loss of power, hesitation during acceleration, and unstable engine performance. The malfunction has occurred multiple times since the date of purchase and has been confirmed through diagnostic trouble codes related to misfire events and catalyst-system operation. A certified Mitsubishi dealership confirmed that the failure pattern aligns with an active manufacturer recall and corresponding Technical Service Bulletin affecting the same model year, engine type (4B11), and vehicle platform. I was informed that the vehicle “falls under” the same defect pattern listed in the current recall/TSB; however, because the vehicle no longer has an active factory warranty, the dealership stated they would have to sell the repair parts rather than process the issue under recall or warrant

20251117ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The touchscreen for the main infotainment system is becoming unresponsive. It’s impossible to use the most basic functions while driving without being distracted. It’s caused me to swerve & almost lose control of the vehicle on multiple occasions— as it distracted me from driving because initially the screen had spotty functionality (without any sort of warning, so it seemed like user error). There is currently a service notice from Mitsubishi sent out to all owners of Outlander and Outlander Sports (MY 2020 thru 2022) to replace these units under warranty because of a manufacturing defect. My vehicle is eligible for this, and I’m on the wait list, but that’s the where the bigger problem begins: My local Mitsubishi dealership estimated a 4 month wait period — this was back on 5/9/25; it’s now 11/17/25 so it’s actually been over 6 months. Given that they never called me since May, I called them last week to check the status and they said they do not have an estimated ti

20241010ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

So my push to start has to be pushed twice in order to crank the vehicle and when I first got the car about 9 months ago it didn’t do that and about since January the computer system failed twice and it showed a message about the computer system don’t remember exactly what it said and took a 1/2 to a hour to get it to come back one

20241010UNKNOWN OR OTHER

So my push to start has to be pushed twice in order to crank the vehicle and when I first got the car about 9 months ago it didn’t do that and about since January the computer system failed twice and it showed a message about the computer system don’t remember exactly what it said and took a 1/2 to a hour to get it to come back one

20241007POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle almost stalled. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted to schedule an appointment for a recall repair; however, the contact was unable to take the vehicle to a dealer to have the vehicle diagnosed. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V563000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,551.

Mileage: 72,551

20240612ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated before returning to normal functionality. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine a cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.

Mileage: 45,000

20240326ENGINE

The fuel pump is failing causing the car to shut down randomly.

20240326FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

The fuel pump is failing causing the car to shut down randomly.

20240311POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V563000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated while waiting for the recall remedy, other electrical and mechanical failure occurred. The failure mileage was unknown.

20240311ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact received notification NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V563000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The local dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated while waiting for the recall remedy, other electrical and mechanical failure occurred. The failure mileage was unknown.

20240229UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Master light came on and had me sign power of attorney papers and no lawyer or notary was present

20240203ENGINE

The timing chain loose up and cause car to not start up

20240116SERVICE BRAKES

Dec 1,2023 tried to stop and the brakes was grinding and the milage goes up and down as you are driving and it says routine maintenance required when you put the key in to start the outlander as got it from Todd Judy ford in Charleston WV and according to Mitsubishi toll free number it is not in my name [XXX] or my aunt's name [XXX] and they delivered it on September 15, 2023 and took her name and put it through the wv DMV with my insurance application number and [XXX] don't have a driver's license just a wv I'd and would not go over the paperwork that she was signing and they said they will mail us a copy of the paperwork but we have never gotten it through the mail and classified it as a motorcycle wv DMV title number is [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20240116ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Dec 1,2023 tried to stop and the brakes was grinding and the milage goes up and down as you are driving and it says routine maintenance required when you put the key in to start the outlander as got it from Todd Judy ford in Charleston WV and according to Mitsubishi toll free number it is not in my name [XXX] or my aunt's name [XXX] and they delivered it on September 15, 2023 and took her name and put it through the wv DMV with my insurance application number and [XXX] don't have a driver's license just a wv I'd and would not go over the paperwork that she was signing and they said they will mail us a copy of the paperwork but we have never gotten it through the mail and classified it as a motorcycle wv DMV title number is [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20240116VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Dec 1,2023 tried to stop and the brakes was grinding and the milage goes up and down as you are driving and it says routine maintenance required when you put the key in to start the outlander as got it from Todd Judy ford in Charleston WV and according to Mitsubishi toll free number it is not in my name [XXX] or my aunt's name [XXX] and they delivered it on September 15, 2023 and took her name and put it through the wv DMV with my insurance application number and [XXX] don't have a driver's license just a wv I'd and would not go over the paperwork that she was signing and they said they will mail us a copy of the paperwork but we have never gotten it through the mail and classified it as a motorcycle wv DMV title number is [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20231229POWER TRAIN

I have 50,000 miles I’m the original owner, bought it new in 2020, I was leaving work, started my car, blue smoke came out my exhaust, when i drove home from work, on inclines, the car sputters & stalls like it’s about to lose power, accompanied by thick blue smoke, and engine noise. I suspect it’s the piston rings in the cylinder head or valve seals are bad. My car has been parked for months, dealership wants to charge me a diagnostic fee, i take Uber or Lyft to work mind you i have an open loan on this car that I’m still paying. I think Mitsubishi used poor quality parts, piston rings don’t go bad at 50,000 miles neither does valve seals. PLEASE HELP, IM PAYING FOR A CAR I CANT DRIVE.

20231229ENGINE

I have 50,000 miles I’m the original owner, bought it new in 2020, I was leaving work, started my car, blue smoke came out my exhaust, when i drove home from work, on inclines, the car sputters & stalls like it’s about to lose power, accompanied by thick blue smoke, and engine noise. I suspect it’s the piston rings in the cylinder head or valve seals are bad. My car has been parked for months, dealership wants to charge me a diagnostic fee, i take Uber or Lyft to work mind you i have an open loan on this car that I’m still paying. I think Mitsubishi used poor quality parts, piston rings don’t go bad at 50,000 miles neither does valve seals. PLEASE HELP, IM PAYING FOR A CAR I CANT DRIVE.

20230717POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-70 MPH, the vehicle was shaking abnormally and stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated on and off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the CVT-ECU software needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V563000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

Mileage: 57,000

Compare 2020MITSUBISHIOUTLANDER SPORT to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT have?
The 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT has 33 NHTSA complaints, 1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT?
The 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT?
Yes, the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT?
The most-complained component for the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT is ENGINE with 8 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include UNKNOWN OR OTHER and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Is the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.