Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander SportRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 26 owner complaints for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Most complaints involve engine (8) and power train (6). The EPA rates it 25–27 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
25–27mpg
EPA · 4 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Aug 2022
Owner complaints
26
Top: engine
Fuel cost / yr
$2,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Power train: software

Free remedy

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.

Power trainReported Aug 2, 2022NHTSA 22V563000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

26 complaints filed with NHTSA · Oct 2020 – Mar 2026
  1. Engine8
  2. Power train6
  3. Electrical system5
  4. Seat belts3
  5. Fuel/propulsion system1
  6. Vehicle speed control1
  7. Service brakes1
  8. Air bags1
  9. Forward collision avoidance1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Outlander Sport model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201185
201235
201367
201486
2015236
2016163
201773
201822
201947
202026
202119
202211
20237
20241
20251
20263
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Engine

8 reports
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 25, 2025Power train, Unknown or other, EngineODI 11701428

Power train

6 reports
“The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. While driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and failed to accelerate as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure persisted after driving for more than an hour. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a dealer, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle received a tune-up, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V563000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to report the failure to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 3, 2026Power trainODI 11721643

Electrical system

5 reports
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 17, 2025Electrical systemODI 11699963
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

4 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl · 2.4L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (AV-S6)
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Outlander Sport 2WD
Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive
243027$2,200331
Outlander Sport 4WD
Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · 4-Wheel Drive
232926$2,300344
Outlander Sport 2WD
Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · Front-Wheel Drive
232925$2,400354
Outlander Sport 4WD
Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L · 4-Wheel Drive
232825$2,400353
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Mitsubishi OUTLANDER SPORT SUV AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.9%
Overall
4 / 5
Mitsubishi OUTLANDER SPORT SUV FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
19.1%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026Vehicle 14540Vehicle 14536
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2020 Outlander Sport questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 12, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems?

Owners filed 26 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are engine (8), power train (6), electrical system (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport at 25–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (4 versions rated).

How safe is the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026