2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Safety Report
2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (27) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 5 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Electrical System | Compare electrical system issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2024 | Compare against the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander with 16 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2022 | Check the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander before buying across this generation. |
Mitsubishi Outlander Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Mitsubishi Outlander years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander | 29 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander | 197 | 7 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander | 55 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander | 35 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2017 Mitsubishi Outlander | 49 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander | 16 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Electrical System
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Mitsubishi onlyElectrical System,Unknown Or Other
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Unknown Or Other issues Mitsubishi onlyAir Bags
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Mitsubishi onlyStructure
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Structure issues Mitsubishi onlyUnknown Or Other
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Mitsubishi onlyElectrical System,Forward Collision Avoidance
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Forward Collision Avoidance issues Mitsubishi onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander
Reliability Score
The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System Issues Multiple drivers have reported dashboard warnings and radio system failures, indicating potential electrical system issues. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Structural Issues Recall for certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2022 Outlander models due to structural issues, particularly with the hatchback/liftgate support device. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Service Brakes Some drivers have experienced brake warnings at safe speeds, indicating potential service brake issues. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Rear Seat Belt Malfunctions Reports of rear seat belt malfunctions have been noted, potentially affecting passenger safety. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander:
Issues with the electrical system, including dashboard warnings and radio system failures, are the most common problems reported.
Structural issues, particularly with the hatchback/liftgate support device, have been reported.
Some drivers have experienced brake warnings at safe speeds, indicating potential service brake issues.
Reports of rear seat belt malfunctions have been noted, potentially affecting passenger safety.
Recall Details for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander by NHTSA:
Summary: 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 ...
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
Summary: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 5 complaints involved crashes. 4 reported injuries or fatalities.
Multiple times I have been driving at a safe speed with no other vehicles or people around and the dashboard will beep and light up brake! Brake!
The radio system failed two years ago Many drivers with the same car have similar problem.
The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V507000 (Structure) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
I believe the locks should be recalled my Lock Actuatora on my 2020 Mitsubishi outlander keeps going out……both my passenger front and back are out for a second time. And driver side doesn’t always unlock and lock with the key fob. All have been fixed before and it has been less than a year after being fixed. This is a safety issue and I think they need to put a recall out!
UNKNOWN
The 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 vehi...
I 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 thre...
The driver's seat goes forward but doesn't life up. It is stuck in a reclined position. The motor doesn't work to lift the sit up but does for the forward movement,. When you revlind seat it does not incline. Chair motor is not sold separately but was told the whole drivers seat have to be replaced
The touchscreen does not work. This creates a safety issue as hands free driving is no longer am option. There are 1000s of complaints directly to Mitsubishi and they're not doing anything about it. The response is basically "we're aware our equipment failed, go to a dealership and pay to have it replaced" That should not be the consumer's out of pocket cost as Mitsubishi is fully aware of faulty ...
The touchscreen controlling many functions and settings of the vehicle failed. That means there are numerous settings and driving options that can no longer be accessed and that any functions requiring touch such as navigation, music, and others requires using your connected device while driving (meaning looking and touching your phone while driving). This creates unsafe driving conditions for ...
Airbag system Service Required. I came on when I had passer in 2 row seat.I just brought this vehicle.
The 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)
The touch screen is inoperable so you can't control the radio or aspects of the car such as how the lights, wipers, maintenance, etc. are set. This is a hazardous situation. I contacted the dealer, and they knew exactly what I was referring to as they said they don't repair the system but only replace and it is $3.200. My auto was only 3 years old but had over 36,000 miles (the warranty). Why ...
The touchscreen does not work. This impairs use of the hands free telephone usage, volume levels, and altering of settings. This is a known problem, and Mitsubishi has recalled it in Australia. It is unsafe for any driver to not have ready access to hands free phone usage as it is well known how often distracted driving due to phones has caused accidents.
Got in my car to go to work and blind spot service required light came on
The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while crossing an intersection at 35 MPH; another vehicle ran a red light and crashed into the contact's front driver-side door. The contact was knocked across the two-lane road and hit a telephone pole on the passenger side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The authorities arrived on the scene and assiste...
In less than 60k miles since manufacture of the vehicle, the infotainment screen began to be insensitive to touch. 6k miles later it no longer works. During that time it was inconsistently working. This is a safety issue due to the driver focusing their eyes on the infotainment screen, while repeatedly pressing the same button, instead of the road. Most times, the driver had to pull over to ma...
Touch screen radio stopped working by touch reported the problem and was told by our dealer they couldn’t fix it it had to go to another dealer. That dealer said they could fix it and sent us back by the time they had time for us the warranty was out and they want us to pay for it after only 2 years. A family member had this say issue and sued and got a settlement and radio fixed
After reversing out of say the drive way or parking spot there is a thump noise after putting the car into drive and proceeding to go. I have taken it to the dealer and they state multiple people are experiencing the same thing and that they have been in contact with Mitsubishi about it and they say it is normal. I have never had this happen in any vehicle I have ever owned before and for it to be...
The left back seat on the 2nd row rocks. I’m expecting twins and it’s not safe for the babies.
Showing 20 of 27 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander
Has the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER been recalled?
Yes, the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER have?
The 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER has 27 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 5 involved crashes. 7 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER?
The 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER involve electrical system (5 complaints), electrical system,unknown or other (3 complaints), air bags (3 complaints). Other affected components include structure, unknown or other, electrical system,forward collision avoidance.
How many crash reports does the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER have?
There are 5 crash reports associated with the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER out of 27 total complaints (18.5% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER have?
There are no fire reports for the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER.
How many injuries are reported for the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER?
7 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER is generally recommended. It has 27 complaints, 2 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER?
The components with the most failures on the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER are: 1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (5 complaints), 2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints), 3. AIR BAGS (3 complaints), 4. STRUCTURE (2 complaints), 5. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints). ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the single most-reported problem area with 5 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER?
Be aware of potential electrical system and structural issues, and check for recalls related to these areas. The 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER has 27 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER?
The 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 27 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 5 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Electrical System Issues and Structural Issues.
What are the known issues with the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER?
Known issues with the 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER include: Electrical System Issues, Structural Issues, Service Brakes, Rear Seat Belt Malfunctions. These are based on patterns found across 27 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any known electrical system issues with the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Yes, multiple drivers have reported dashboard warnings and radio system failures.
What should I do if I experience brake warnings at safe speeds?
Have the service brakes checked by a professional mechanic.
Are there any recalls related to the structural issues of the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Yes, there is a recall for certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2022 Outlander models due to structural issues.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential electrical system and structural issues, and check for recalls related to these areas.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander. The data includes 27 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 5 reported crashes, 7 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16