FaultScore

FaultScore report

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems

Owners have filed 34 complaints about the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport with NHTSA between 2020 and 2026. The largest single group is the engine & cooling. Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 13 worst.

B

FaultScore 37/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.

How this is worked out

The numbers

34

Complaints

1

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries reported

51,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

38%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 30 vs 50 Severity 30 vs 50 Early failure 64 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 30
Against the median year of the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 30
5.9% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 64
38% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2020 compares with every other Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Engine & Cooling 8 23.5%

Median failure at 63,000 miles

Other & Unspecified 7 20.6%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 4,300 mi

Transmission & Drivetrain 6 17.6%

Median failure at 65,000 miles

Electrical System 5 14.7%
Seat Belts 3 8.8%
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance 1 2.9%

Median failure at 10,569 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 1 2.9%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 1 2.9%
Brakes 1 2.9%
Airbags 1 2.9%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

1,000 – 9,999 miles 2 25.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 1 12.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 1 12.5%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 3 37.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 1 12.5%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Oct 2020 peak 4 Mar 2026

Recalls on the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous enough to fix for free — however old the car is.

United States — NHTSA

22V563000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

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.

Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Recalls cover specific build ranges, so check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or, in Canada, Transport Canada.

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Hiram, GA Crash

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5/14/2021 Vehicle parked on a hill 45 minutes before it began to roll and flipped over. Car was in park and emergency break was engaged during the time of the incident. This is a hazard and could cause great bodily harm or death. I have children and they could have been in the car at the time of the malfunction . The vehicle was inspected by a police officer who confirmed the vehicle emergency break malfunctioned releasing the car down the hill. The car would jump when you breaking, but no warning lights were on before the incident

NHTSA complaint #11431041 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 3,300 miles Yuma, AZ 1 injured

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

IN EARLY MORNING AFTER RETURNING FROM DR. APPOINTMENT WHILE TRAVELING WEST ON I8 I WAS IN BETWEEN 2 TRACTOR TRAILERS WAS 3 TRACTOR TRAILERS BEING PASSED IN SLOW LANE ALL WERE GOING 75MPH OR SO WHEN I GOT TO MIDDLE SEMI..ALL SUDDEN THE 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER 3300MILES 1.5 MONTHS OLD ...SHUT DOWN... NUTHING THEN IT JUMPED TO RIGHT AND I THOUGHT I WAS GOING UNDER SEMIS TRAILER I GRASPED STEERING WHEEL WITH RIGHT HAND AND TRIED TO KEEP VEHICLE GOING STRAIGHT IN MY LANE BUT BY THEN I WAS 2FT FROM TRAILER AND ALL SUDDEN THE CAR STARTED SHUDDERING VIOLENTLY AND WHEELS ( FRONT SEEMED TO LOCK UP AND THE A SUPER LOUD BANGING AND METAL AND I COULD HEAR PARTS AND PIECES SOUNDED LIKE THEY WERE FLYING ALLOVER AND BY THIS TIME SEMIS THAT WATCHED IT ALL HAPPEN SLOWED AND I WAS ABLE TO REGAIN CONTROL ALTHOUGH THE INTERIOR FILLED WITH SMOKE AND WAS HARD TO SEE OUT WINDOWS I HAD NO POWER IT CAME ON FOR SPLIT SECOND THEN OFF IGOT TO SIDE OF HIGHWAY AND STOPPED ..TOOK A FEW MOMENTS TO COMPILE MYSELF BEFORE GETTING OUT DIDNT WAIT LONG MABY 5 SECOND ALL THIS HAPPENED IN MOMENTS .I'M 60 AND HAVE NEVER EVER FELT A BLOW LIKE THIS .THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES .MITSUBISHI CAME AND GRABBED IT WITH IN 1.5 HOURS TOOK IT TO CASA GRANDE IV ASKED THEM TONIGHT TO DONT TOUCH THE CAR YET. WEATHER THEY WILL OR NOT I DONT KNOW I THINK IT NEEDS TO BE SEVERELY LOOKED AT BY NTSB.. CONTACT ME ASAP BEFORE THEY TRY TO COVER IT .. I WAS GOING STRAIGHT AND HOLDING WHEEL WITH JUST A COUPLE FINGERS WITH LEFT HAND .WHEN ALL HELL WENT WRONG. THERES 1000 FT OF MARKS FROM FLUIDS AT MILE MARKER 95.1 IN FAST LANE OF AZ I8 WEST BOUND AND PROBABLY PIECES OF VEHICLE DEF OIL OF SOME TYPE FOR 1000 FT OR HUNDREDS ANYWAY.. HAPPENED YESTERDAY.

NHTSA complaint #11365861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 65,000 miles Milford, OH

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11721643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Philadelphia, PA

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11701428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Philadelphia, PA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

NHTSA complaint #11701428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Philadelphia, PA

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.

NHTSA complaint #11701428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Diego, CA

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.

NHTSA complaint #11699963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Spanish Fort, AL

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

NHTSA complaint #11619031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Spanish Fort, AL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11619031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 72,551 miles Alsip, IL

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.

NHTSA complaint #11618447 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 45,000 miles Lafayette, LA

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.

NHTSA complaint #11594010 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cape Girardeau, MO

ENGINE

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

NHTSA complaint #11579493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cape Girardeau, MO

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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

NHTSA complaint #11579493 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Yigo, GU

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11576700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Yigo, GU

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.

NHTSA complaint #11576700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kiahsville, WV

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

NHTSA complaint #11574796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Detroit, MI

ENGINE

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

NHTSA complaint #11569636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kiahsville, WV

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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)

NHTSA complaint #11565665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kiahsville, WV

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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)

NHTSA complaint #11565665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kiahsville, WV

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)

NHTSA complaint #11565665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Philadelphia, PA

POWER TRAIN

I have 50,000 miles I’m the original owner, bought it new in 2020, I was leaving work, started my car, blue smoke came out my exhaust, when i drove home from work, on inclines, the car sputters & stalls like it’s about to lose power, accompanied by thick blue smoke, and engine noise. I suspect it’s the piston rings in the cylinder head or valve seals are bad. My car has been parked for months, dealership wants to charge me a diagnostic fee, i take Uber or Lyft to work mind you i have an open loan on this car that I’m still paying. I think Mitsubishi used poor quality parts, piston rings don’t go bad at 50,000 miles neither does valve seals. PLEASE HELP, IM PAYING FOR A CAR I CANT DRIVE.

NHTSA complaint #11562682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Philadelphia, PA

ENGINE

I have 50,000 miles I’m the original owner, bought it new in 2020, I was leaving work, started my car, blue smoke came out my exhaust, when i drove home from work, on inclines, the car sputters & stalls like it’s about to lose power, accompanied by thick blue smoke, and engine noise. I suspect it’s the piston rings in the cylinder head or valve seals are bad. My car has been parked for months, dealership wants to charge me a diagnostic fee, i take Uber or Lyft to work mind you i have an open loan on this car that I’m still paying. I think Mitsubishi used poor quality parts, piston rings don’t go bad at 50,000 miles neither does valve seals. PLEASE HELP, IM PAYING FOR A CAR I CANT DRIVE.

NHTSA complaint #11562682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 57,000 miles Copperas Cove, TX

POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 40-70 MPH, the vehicle was shaking abnormally and stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated on and off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the CVT-ECU software needed to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V563000 (Power Train). The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

NHTSA complaint #11532655 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 81,000 miles Sun Prairie, WI

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle deaccelerated unintendedly and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled into a gas station. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the spark plug was fractured, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 81,000.

NHTSA complaint #11514046 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Merced, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Radio digitizer touch screen not working - can not pair Bluetooth phone to comply with hands free laws. Unable to access some vehicle settings. Dealer said this is a very common issue - warranty expires at 36,000 miles and repair cost is $3,000.00 !

NHTSA complaint #11513600 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Phoenix, AZ

ENGINE

Engine is affected, vehicle is struggling at low speeds when pressing the gas.

NHTSA complaint #11505288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Midland, TX

SEAT BELTS

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.

NHTSA complaint #11461721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.