Problems · NHTSA complaints

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems

Owners filed 26 complaints about the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport with NHTSA between Oct 2020 and Mar 2026. The most-cited component is engine (8).

Complaints
26
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  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
  10. Other / unknown7

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20203
20214
20223
20235
20248
20252
20261

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

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 reports1 related recall
“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

Seat belts

3 reports
“The buckles for the side seats in the rear are So short they're almost hidden inside the seat making it difficult for anyone who is not child sized to find and/or buckle. I do ride share and this is an issue for 90% of my rides.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 21, 2022Seat beltsODI 11461721

Fuel/propulsion system

1 report
“The fuel pump is failing causing the car to shut down randomly.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 26, 2024Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11579493

Vehicle speed control

1 report
“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]”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 16, 2024Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakesODI 11565665
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026

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