Last updated: 2026-07-26
2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Reliability Report
The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander scores 76/100 ("Good"). With 3 recalls and 30 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
3
Complaints
30
Complaint Rate
11.1per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$519
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,200–$3,400
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
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11)
- AIR BAGS (4)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2020 is 1 year after the second facelift refresh.
- Year 7 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.
2020: This Model Year
2020 is 1 year after the second facelift refresh.
Should You Buy the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander?
At 76/100, the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2020 is 1 year after the second facelift refresh.
Owners log 30 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (11). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander, which scored 8 points higher. See also the 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +$2 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize SUV
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (11%)
Cons
- −Moderate recall count
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (11 complaints)
- −AIR BAGS: Owners of the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander frequently report issues with airbag... (4 complaints)
Compare 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander With
2020 Dodge Journey
Reliability: 77/100
2020 Jeep Renegade
Reliability: 75/100
2020 Buick Encore GX
Reliability: 70/100
2020 Cadillac XT4
Reliability: 68/100
2020 Cadillac XT6
Reliability: 72/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11)
- AIR BAGS (4)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
11.1
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 20.2
Safety Incidents
5
Crashes
0
Fires
7
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
STRUCTURE
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
Consequence
A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2026. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-26-001. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov June 3, 2026. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V507.
STRUCTURE
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles sold and/or currently registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
Consequence
A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2025. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-25-002
SEAT BELTS
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Outlander and 2019 Outlander PHEV vehicles. The seat belt for the right side second-row seat may have been assembled incorrectly.
Consequence
An incorrectly assembled seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right side second-row seat belt and replace it as necessary, free of charge. This recall began June 17, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-002.
Buying a used 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander? Check its history first
Every 2020 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
2020 Mitsubishi Outlander NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 18.5%
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 2020 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
22–27 MPG
Running cost: $2,700–$3,900/yr
Fuel + repair
20–25 city / 27–30 hwy MPG
Plug-in Hybrid
25 MPG
Running cost: $2,900/yr
Fuel + repair
25 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 2020 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outlander 2WD 2.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 25 | 30 | 27 | $2,200 |
| Outlander Sport 2WD 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 24 | 30 | 27 | $2,200 |
| Outlander 4WD 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 24 | 29 | 26 | $2,300 |
| 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 |
| Outlander 4WD 3.0L 6-cyl | 4-Wheel Drive | Automatic (S6) | 20 | 27 | 22 | $3,400 |
Plug-in Hybrid trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outlander PHEV 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (A1) | 25 | 26 | 25 | $2,400 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander.
Test infotainment system for touchscreen responsiveness
Check for airbag deployment history in crash reports
Verify forward collision avoidance system functionality
Inspect lock actuators for consistent operation
Examine sunroof for any signs of stress or damage
2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Common Problems by Component
30 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
11 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander frequently report issues with the vehicle's touchscreen and infotainment system, with failures often occurring within the first few years of ownership or under 60,000 miles. Symptoms include the touchscreen becoming unresponsive, which affects the ability to control settings, navigation, audio, and hands-free phone functions. Several complaints highlight that this issue can lead to unsafe driving conditions as drivers may need to divert attention from the road to operate these features. Additionally, some owners describe problems with the vehicle's lock actuators and dashboard warning systems, including unexpected brake warnings and collision mitigation system activations. These reports suggest potential safety implications, such as distracted driving or unintended vehicle behavior.
AIR BAGS
4 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander frequently report issues with airbag non-deployment during crashes. Complaints describe incidents where the vehicle's airbags fail to deploy in collisions, including side-impact and rear-end crashes, resulting in injuries. These incidents involve vehicles with varying mileages, from as low as 6 miles to approximately 35,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with crashes leading to a total of six injuries reported across the complaints. Potential buyers should be aware of these airbag deployment issues and the associated safety risks.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander report issues with the vehicle's touchscreen recall process, describing significant delays in receiving parts and unresponsive customer service from dealerships. One complaint highlights a safety concern involving unintended vehicle movement despite being placed in PARK, resulting in a crash and injury. This incident suggests potential issues with the vehicle's parking mechanism or electronic controls. While mileage details are not specified, the timeline from the complaints indicates prolonged unresolved issues. These patterns may be relevant for used car buyers considering this model, particularly in assessing electronic component reliability and service support.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander report issues with the forward collision avoidance system giving false warnings and activating unexpectedly. One complaint describes a warning message about icy roads appearing inappropriately in warm weather conditions, while another describes the forward collision warning light activating and the vehicle braking without any obstacles present. These issues occur at approximately 79,000 miles, suggesting potential concerns for higher-mileage vehicles. No crashes or loss of control are reported in these complaints, but the unexpected braking could present safety concerns. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these reported electronic malfunctions in the collision avoidance system.
STRUCTURE (2 complaints)
STRUCTURE
2 complaintsOwners of the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander report issues related to the vehicle's structure, with one complaint noting the sunroof glass shattering. Another complaint involves a recall notification related to the structure, but the owner did not experience a failure. There are no specific mileage ranges or timelines associated with these complaints, and no safety implications such as crashes or loss of control are mentioned. Used car buyers should be aware of the potential for structural recalls and the isolated report of sunroof glass failure.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1 complaints)
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving on the interstate at an undisclosed speed, there was wind underneath the hood, and the hood was vibrating. The contact was concerned about the hood becoming ajar. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was associated with TSB: 21-42A-001. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was test-driven, and the dealer was able to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 95,730.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander. While the contact’s wife was driving in a school zone, several unknown error codes became displayed. The Lane Departure warning light illuminated, and the automatic high beam headlights malfunctioned. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, and the driver shifted to neutral(N) and back to drive(D) and was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 179,407.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintI was making a turn out of a driveway across a three-lane streets into the left turn lane on the street in front of my children's School, while pulling out of the driveway and crossing the lanes, having clear distance to cross the lanes and visual confirmation from the oncoming drivers as they were waiting for me to proceed, my car abruptly stopped, it breaks on its own and left me across the three lanes sideways exposed to be t-boned. It would not start or move out of the stopped position. I tried to put the car in park and again in drive to no avail the car still would not budge. I had to completely turn off my vehicle and restart it in order to get out of the way of oncoming traffic.
WHEELS (1 complaints)
WHEELS
1 complaintSafety-relatedThe brakes keep giving out, this is the second Mitsubishi and the brakes gave out [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
LANE DEPARTURE (1 complaints)
LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaintGot in my car to go to work and blind spot service required light came on
When Do 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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).
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 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander?
How many recalls does the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
Is the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2020 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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