VehicleVerdict

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport sits mid-pack among Outlander Sport years: 34 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 35, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (8), other (7), and transmission (6), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

34

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

1

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other Outlander Sport years?

Outlander Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted279 complaints2011: 47 complaints2012: 18 complaints2013: 59 complaints2014: 58 complaints2015: 279 complaints2016: 42 complaints2017: 47 complaints2018: 37 complaints2019: 42 complaints2020: 34 complaints2021: 28 complaints2022: 21 complaints2023: 15 complaints2024: 2 complaints2025: 1 complaints2026: 2 complaints
Outlander Sport NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Outlander Sport years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine824%
Other721%
Transmission618%
Electrical System515%
Seat Belts39%
Fuel System13%
Brakes13%
Driver Assistance13%
Airbags13%
Speed Control13%

Does the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V563000TransmissionAugust 2, 2022 · 76,508 units

Defect

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 at high speeds, which can result in an engine stall.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 12, 2024

“5/14/2021 Vehicle parked on a hill 45 minutes before it began to roll and flipped over. Car was in park and emergency break was engaged during the time of the incident. This is a hazard and could cause great bodily harm or death. I have children and they could have been in the car at the time of…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 14, 2021 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 26, 2023

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 29, 2024

“The buckles for the side seats in the rear are So short they're almost hidden inside the seat making it difficult for anyone who is not child sized to find and/or buckle. I do ride share and this is an issue for 90% of my rides.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Seat Belts · April 21, 2022

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport — common questions

Is the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport reliable?

It is close to typical for the Outlander Sport: 34 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2020 Outlander Sport problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (8 complaints), other (7 complaints), transmission (6 complaints).

Does the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mitsubishi Outlander Sport years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Outlander Sport years to avoid are 2015, 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among Outlander Sport years belongs to 2025.

How safe is the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.