CarBrief

NHTSA has 57 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Outlander[1], and four recalls apply to it[2]. Two of them cover liftgate gas springs that can corrode and let the liftgate fall[3][4].

57owner complaints[1]
4recalls[2]
22–27MPG combined (EPA)[5]
4–5★NHTSA overall rating[6]

Owner complaints

NHTSA lists 57 owner complaints for the 2020 Outlander[1]. Six mention a crash and none mention a fire. NHTSA lists 8 injuries and no deaths[1]. These are unverified reports. One complaint can name several components, so the group counts below add up to more than 57[1].

Component group Complaints
Electrical System[7] 16
Unknown or other[8] 15
Engine[9] 10
Forward collision avoidance[10] 7
Power train[11] 7
Air bags[12] 5
Seat belts[13] 3
Brakes[14] 3

We read a small sample of the complaint texts for the larger groups. Here is what owners describe.

The air bag group is small at 5 complaints, but it carries 3 crashes and 6 injuries[12]. The unknown or other group has the same crash and injury counts[8]. We do not have enough detail to say more about either.

The sample is small, so treat these themes as things to check on a car you are considering, not as a measure of how often they happen.

Recalls

Four recalls apply to this model year in our data[2]. Newest first:

Owners can call Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820[3].

Fuel economy

The EPA lists several versions under the Outlander and Outlander Sport names. Combined ratings run from 22 to 27 MPG for gasoline versions[5][17].

Version City / highway / combined MPG EPA annual fuel cost
Outlander 2WD, 2.4L[5] 25 / 30 / 27 $2,500
Outlander 4WD, 2.4L[18] 24 / 29 / 26 $2,600
Outlander 4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl, premium[17] 20 / 27 / 22 $3,750
Outlander Sport 2WD, 2.0L[19] 24 / 30 / 27 $2,500
Outlander Sport 4WD, 2.0L[20] 23 / 29 / 26 $2,600
Outlander Sport 2WD, 2.4L[21] 23 / 29 / 25 $2,700
Outlander Sport 4WD, 2.4L[22] 23 / 28 / 25 $2,700

The Outlander PHEV is rated 25 MPGe combined with 310 miles of range[23]. The EPA fuel cost uses current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new[5].

Among the gasoline versions, the 3.0L six-cylinder has the lowest rating and needs premium fuel[17].

Safety ratings

NHTSA rates the Outlander at 5 stars overall with all-wheel drive[6] and 4 stars with front-wheel drive[24]. The Outlander PHEV with all-wheel drive also gets 5 stars overall[25]. The Outlander Sport gets 4 stars overall, both with all-wheel drive[26] and front-wheel drive[27].

Every version is rated 4 stars for frontal crashes and 5 stars for side crashes, and 4 stars for rollover[6][24][25][26][27]. NHTSA's rollover risk figures are 16.4% for the Outlander AWD[6], 18.5% for the Outlander FWD[24], 13.7% for the PHEV[25], 16.9% for the Outlander Sport AWD[26] and 19.1% for the Outlander Sport FWD[27].

Engine and size

The EPA test list shows three engines for the 2020 Outlander:

The size figures below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models. All three versions listed are 185 in long, 71 in wide, 67 in tall, with a 105 in wheelbase[31][32][33].

Version Curb weight
Outlander ES AWC[31] 3,406 lb
Outlander SE/GT S AWC[32] 3,549 lb
Outlander PHEV[33] 4,178 lb

How 2020 compares with other years

2003: 116 complaints, 6 recalls20032004: 52 complaints, 4 recalls2005: 19 complaints, 1 recalls2006: 21 complaints, 1 recalls20062007: 125 complaints, 9 recalls2008: 58 complaints, 12 recalls2009: 46 complaints, 13 recalls20092010: 60 complaints, 10 recalls2011: 88 complaints, 14 recalls2012: 36 complaints, 10 recalls20122013: 68 complaints, 14 recalls2014: 86 complaints, 9 recalls2015: 235 complaints, 12 recalls20152016: 171 complaints, 11 recalls2017: 78 complaints, 6 recalls2018: 93 complaints, 6 recalls20182019: 56 complaints, 6 recalls2020: 57 complaints, 4 recalls5720202021: 19 complaints, 3 recalls20212022: 229 complaints, 10 recalls2023: 58 complaints, 2 recalls2024: 27 complaints, 1 recalls20242025: 18 complaints, 2 recalls2026: 6 complaints, 1 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Outlander model year. The 2020 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20031166
2004524
2005191
2006211
20071259
20085812
20094613
20106010
20118814
20123610
20136814
2014869
201523512
201617111
2017786
2018936
2019566
2020574
2021193
202222910
2023582
2024271
2025182
202661

NHTSA has 57 complaints and 4 recalls for the 2020 Outlander[1][2]. 2019 is close on complaints with 56 and has 6 recalls[2]. 2021 has far fewer, with 19 complaints and 3 recalls[2].

Across the 25 model years in the list, 13 have more complaints than 2020 and 11 have fewer[2]. On recalls, 15 years have more than 4, one year (2004) has the same number and 8 have fewer[2]. The highest complaint counts are 235 for 2015 and 229 for 2022[2].

Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so read them as a rough guide only.

Should you buy a used 2020 Outlander?

The 2020 Outlander sits near the middle of its model line on complaints, with 57 on file[1][2]. The recalls are the first thing to check, so confirm that the liftgate gas spring recalls have been done, and for an Outlander Sport, the CVT software update[3][4][15]. Some owners in our complaint sample describe touchscreen failures after the warranty ended, so test the screen and phone pairing before you buy[7]. Safety ratings are 4 or 5 stars overall depending on version[6][24][26].

Frequently asked questions

What are the common problems with the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander?
NHTSA lists 57 complaints[1]. The largest groups are electrical with 16, unknown or other with 15 and engine with 10[7][8][9]. In 7 of the 12 electrical complaints we read, the touchscreen stopped responding[7].
Does the 2020 Outlander have any recalls?
Yes. Four recalls apply in our data: liftgate gas springs (26V252 and 25V507), CVT software on the Outlander Sport (22V563) and a second-row seat belt (20V280)[3][4][15][16].
What gas mileage does the 2020 Outlander get?
The EPA combined ratings for gasoline versions run from 22 to 27 MPG[5][17]. The 2WD 2.4L Outlander is rated 27 MPG combined[5], and the 3.0L 4WD is rated 22[17]. The PHEV is rated 25 MPGe[23].
How safe is the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander?
NHTSA gives 5 stars overall for the all-wheel-drive Outlander[6] and 4 stars for the front-wheel-drive version[24].
Is 2020 a good year for the Outlander?
It has 57 complaints and 4 recalls[1][2]. 13 of the 25 listed model years have more complaints and 11 have fewer[2].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 57 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander (6 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 8 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Mitsubishi Outlander model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. Recall 26V252, filed April 20, 2026: Structure › Body › Hatchback / Liftgate › Support Device / Strut. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 25V507, filed August 7, 2025: Structure › Body › Hatchback / Liftgate › Support Device / Strut. NHTSA recall database
  5. EPA rating for Outlander 2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 30 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 16 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 15 complaints name the unknown or other component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 10 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 7 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 7 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 5 complaints name the air bags component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 3 complaints name the seat belts component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 3 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. Recall 22V563, filed August 2, 2022: Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module › Software. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 20V280, filed May 18, 2020: Seat Belts › Rear / Other. NHTSA recall database
  17. EPA rating for Outlander 4WD, 3.0L 6-cyl, Automatic (S6), Premium, 4-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,750. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  18. EPA rating for Outlander 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 29 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for Outlander Sport 2WD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 30 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. EPA rating for Outlander Sport 4WD, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 29 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. EPA rating for Outlander Sport 2WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 29 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  22. EPA rating for Outlander Sport 4WD, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (AV-S6), Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 28 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. EPA rating for Outlander PHEV, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (A1), Regular Gas and Electricity: 25 MPGe combined, 310 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  24. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 18.5%. NHTSA vehicle records
  25. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 13.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
  26. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 16.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  27. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 19.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  28. EPA Test Car List, 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 117 to 148 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  29. EPA Test Car List, 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 166 to 168 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
  30. EPA Test Car List, 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander with 3.0L 6-cylinder: rated 224 hp. www.epa.gov
  31. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, OUTLANDER 4DR SUV ES AWC: length 185 in, width 71 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,406 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, OUTLANDER 4DR SUV SE/GT S AWC: length 185 in, width 71 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 3,549 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, OUTLANDER PHEV 4DR SUV: length 185 in, width 71 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 105 in, curb weight 4,178 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.