The Lemon IndexAll carsMitsubishiOutlander2020
2019
20223rd generation
One of the most reliable · most complaints: airbags
Fewest complaints of its generation (3rd generation).
10 owner complaints, first 3 years 22–27 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2020 Toyota RAV4 882020 Honda CR-V 562020 Nissan Rogue 35
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 26V252000 (body structure), 25V507000 (body structure) and 20V280000 (seat belts) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Is the airbag light off, and were any airbag recalls done?
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Has it ever braked hard for no reason? Ask whether the safety-system software was updated.
- Mitsubishi sent dealers 96 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This Technical Information Notice was sent to dealers requesting assitance measuring voltage…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Mitsubishi's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 10 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
Problems Mitsubishi told dealers about
Mitsubishi sent dealers 96 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This Technical Information Notice was sent to dealers requesting assitance measuring voltage…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 3
- Body structure · recall issued 2026 New: most likely still open
The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
- Body structure · recall issued 2025
The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the li.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2020
The seat belt for the right side second-row seat may have been assembled incorrectly.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Every Mitsubishi Outlander recall, all years · All Mitsubishi recalls
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi OUTLANDER SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mitsubishi OUTLANDER SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mitsubishi OUTLANDER PHEV SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,200–$3,400 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
Every Mitsubishi Outlander year. 2020 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2020 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/mitsubishi-outlander/?y=2020" title="Mitsubishi Outlander reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="445" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/mitsubishi-outlander/2020/">Lemon Index</a> (2020 Mitsubishi Outlander reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew about a third as many complaints as the average car filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 34; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (20%), electrical (20%) and automatic emergency braking (20%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
3 safety recalls (latest: body structure). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander get?
22 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander cost in fuel a year?
About $2,200 to $3,400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
Is there a better Mitsubishi Outlander year than the 2020?
Not nearby: the 2020 drew the fewest complaints per car sold of the Mitsubishi Outlander years within 3 model years of it.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works