2020 MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
Good Reliability

This 2020 model shows good reliability, primarily driven by a below-average recall rate for the MITSUBISHI brand.

Key Factor:below-average recall rate

📋Why This Matters

Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Focus Area:general reliability
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Expert Analysis

The 2020 Outlander Sport analysis highlights key safety metrics.

Safety & Reliability Score

91/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-1.25
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2020 MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport

Model Year2020
MakeMITSUBISHI
ModelOutlander Sport
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan20
NEWProduction
Oct20
ISSUEFirst Report
Feb22
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

8 complaints (32% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 25 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
1(4%)
🟡Medium
7(28%)
🟢Low
17(68%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 0-20k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 11,126 miles.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 9 of 25 complaints (36% coverage)
0-20k
7 reports (78%)
20k-40k
1 reports (11%)
40k-60k
1 reports (11%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

POWER TRAIN

Official Safety Recalls (1)

Campaign: 22V563000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

25 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 Outlander Sport.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning32%
Check Engine Light20%
Stall12%
Acceleration Issues8%
Smoke8%
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

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 warranty coverage. Despite this, the same safety-related symptoms described in the recall and TSB continue to occur. The defect presents a safety hazard because the vehicle may lose power or fail to accelerate when entering traffic, merging, or navigating intersections. Warning indicators have appeared repeatedly, including the check engine light and catalyst-system warnings. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by authorized service personnel on multiple occasions. All components and diagnostic documentation are available for inspection upon request.

Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL 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 time frame for when the infotainment unit will be replaced. A little research online shows this problem is widespread; consumer websites and other general forums have plenty of people detailing similar experiences with this problem and frustration with how Mitsubishi is handling it. To make matters worse, there is only one way to contact Mitsubishi Motors (aside from the dealership) — it’s the basic customer service USA phone number. I have not talked to anyone there because they simply do not answer. And there are no email addresses available either. I sincerely believe this issue needs to be addressed as a safety recall, as it is obviously a distraction while driving and needs to be taken with more priority. The fact they act like they are volunteering to fix this problem, and at their own leisurely pace, is wrong and grounds for a class action lawsuit. This is not about money — this is about people’s safety, and stopping a company from doing whatever they want without any sort of accountability.

Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN 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

Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
POWER 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.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

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.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

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.

Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

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

Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE 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)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2020 MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport?

Yes, the 2020 MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport has 1 recorded recall from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE.

Is the 2020 MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport safe to drive?

The 2020 MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport has 1 recall. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2020 MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local MITSUBISHI dealer.

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Power train

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm power train recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

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If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all power train recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:22V563000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your MITSUBISHI dealer to verify recall completion status.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

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If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 1 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your MITSUBISHI dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediately—recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
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If You're Buying Used

  • Request the VIN before purchase and verify recall status at NHTSA.gov.
  • This model year shows favorable reliability metrics compared to alternatives.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.