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2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Report

Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.

Updated Jun 12, 2026·Ethan Miller
2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Report

Overall Score

6.8/ 10
Our Verdict
Proceed with caution

Key Takeaways

  • The liftgate support struts are a recurring concern due to corrosion, potentially leading to unexpected drops. Confirm any applicable recalls have been addressed.
  • While the Outlander achieved a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, specific crash test scores vary, with 4 stars for frontal and rollover impacts.
  • The V6 engine option, while providing adequate power, demands premium fuel, contributing to higher running costs.
  • Despite a high recall count, there are no reported consumer complaints in the provided data, suggesting issues may be addressed proactively or are not widely reported.
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OverviewWho This Car Is ForReliability & ProblemsVehicle SpecsUnlock Full ReportFAQ
Overview

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander offers a practical, if not entirely refined, SUV experience for used car shoppers. While it boasts a strong overall safety rating from NHTSA, its reliability is marked by a significant number of recalls, particularly concerning the liftgate support struts. Despite zero reported consumer complaints, the sheer volume of recalls suggests potential for ownership issues and necessitates careful inspection. Fuel economy is respectable for its class, but the V6 engine option requires premium fuel.

Critical Failure Risk

The liftgate support struts can corrode, leading to a loss of pressure and potential unexpected drops of the liftgate. This is a systemic issue identified in recalls.

Early detection can help you avoid a $100-$300 repair.

Open Maintenance Analysis →

Safety & Bulletins

Open Recalls57
Service Bulletins0
Full Recall History →

Owner Complaints

0

No primary complaint themes found.

Detailed Issue Breakdown →

Performance & Efficiency

Fuel Efficiency
Combined
22
MPG
City
20
MPG
Highway
27
MPG
Full Vehicle Specifications ↓

Reliability

7.8/ 10

Practicality

4.1/ 10

The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption, and small boot.

Buyer Fit

Who This Car Is For

Best for

Budget-conscious families seeking a practical SUV with a strong safety score.

+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report

Avoid if

Those seeking a vehicle with a long-term, trouble-free ownership record.

+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report

2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Reliability Analysis

Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander.

  • Recall TimelineOfficial safety notices
  • Owner ComplaintsReal driver reports
  • Failure AnalysisKnown part defects
Specs

Vehicle Specs

Fuel Type
Premium
Seating Capacity
7
Transmission
Automatic
Drivetrain
AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Body Style
Suv
EPA Combined MPG
22

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Unlock the complete checklist, maintenance outlook, and buyer verdict in one place.

Most Common Issues

1. Liftgate Support Strut Corrosion

Most reported

Usage data observed

2. Rear Seat Belt Assembly Defect

Usage data observed

See all common issues in the maintenance guide

First Service Interval

- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes - Inspect Liftgate Struts for Corrosion

Est. shop cost: $100 - $200

5,000 mi

Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.

Full pre-purchase inspection checklist
Complete maintenance schedule (5 service intervals)
Repair forecasts with mileage and cost context
Full buyer-fit guidance and who should avoid it
Full specs and trim-level context
57 recall campaign details & remedy notes
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FAQ

FAQ

Is the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?▾

The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander is 7.8/10. Reliability score is 7.8/10. NHTSA recalls: 57. Owner complaints: 0.

How practical is the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander for daily use?▾

Practicality score is 4.1/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption, and small boot. EPA combined economy is 22 MPG. Seating capacity is 7. 4 passenger doors are listed. Boot capacity is 218 litres.

What is the overall score for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander?▾

The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander is 6.8/10. Overall score is 6.8/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 9.0/10. Practicality 4.1/10.

What does it cost to own and maintain a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander?▾

Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation - Inspect Brakes - Inspect Liftgate Struts for Corrosion at 5,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $500 - $800. Repair prediction highlight: Liftgate Support Struts (typical at 75,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $200 • Max: $500).

What engine is in the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander?▾

Engine specs list 6 • 3.0.

What transmission does the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander, transmission is Automatic. The paired drivetrain is AWD/All-Wheel Drive.

Does the 2020 Outlander require Premium gas?▾

Manufacturer fuel recommendation: Premium.

What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander?▾

EPA combined estimate is 22 MPG.

What kind of powertrain does the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander use?▾

Powertrain classification is Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV).

What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander?▾

11 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.

How many people fit in a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander, seating capacity is 7.

What body style is the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander, body style is suv.

What drivetrain does the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander use?▾

According to CarFocal's specs for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander, drivetrain is AWD/All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic.

What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander?▾

NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 4/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.

Are there open safety recalls on the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander?▾

This model year has 57 official safety campaigns listed.

Start Here

Maintenance guide

Costs + intervals

Recall report

Campaigns + remedy notes

Owner complaints

Issue volume + categories

In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Who This Car Is For
  3. 03Reliability & Problems
  4. 04Vehicle Specs
  5. 05Unlock Full Report
  6. 06FAQ

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