The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander has a great reliability rating according to professionals and consumers alike and received a score of 83 out of 100 by J.D. Power for quality and reliability.
Vehicle History Reviews
- Owner Reviews: 4.48 stars
- Expert Reviews: 6.5 average
Using data from the NHTSA, as well as our massive database of information here at Vehicle History, we compiled a list of owner and expert reviews, official recalls, and more, to help you feel confident about your next purchase.
History of the Mitsubishi Outlander
The Mitsubishi Outlander first appeared in 2001 in Japan as the Airtrek. The U.S. version wasn’t launched until 2003. The Outlander replaced the Montero Sport in Mitsubishi’s lineup. It was offered in front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions.
The second generation was released in 2005, just two years later. At that time, the manufacturer dropped the Airtrek name to adopt the Outlander name on a global basis. The 2005 model year offered electronically controlled four-wheel drive and stability control, plus the manufacturer updated the styling.
It was 2010 before Mitsubishi gave the Outlander major changes, including adding S-AWC AWD, upgraded interior materials, a color MFD dashboard display, and a big improvement of overall comfort with more luxury appeal.
The third generation was launched in 2012. It featured a lightweight body construction and, because of that, improved fuel economy. Current Outlanders offer tons of modern technology, features and options.
NHTSA Rating
The Mitsubishi Outlander received four overall stars for front crashes from the NHTSA. The front driver side crash report was for four stars and the front passenger-side crash report was for five stars.
It received five stars for its overall side star rating with five stars for:
- Combined side barrier and pole rating for the front and rear seats
- Side barrier for the driver and rear passenger
- Overall side pole star rating (when you sideswipe a pole or tree)
The Outlander received four stars for the rollover crash rating.
Owner Complaints
- The NHTSA has only one registered owner complaint. A 2020 Outlander was hit in the rear end while it was stopped to wait for a turn. It then slammed into a solid fountain in the front. In the accident, four people were injured. The dashboard broke and all of the seats came loose from the floor. The airbags did not deploy.
- Owner comments as filed on Vehicle History include loving the fuel economy and the backup camera.
- One commenter stated the GT 2.4 Sport model is smaller than what the owner is used to. The owner’s only real complaints are that the air conditioning doesn’t get as cold as the owner would like, and there are no real vents in the rear.
- Another owner likes the pickup when he hits the gas and says it runs great. This owner’s model, the SE 2.0, has three-row seating, climate control, heated front seats, and ducts for the rear seats.
- For a family of five, an owner said they fit, though it could have a little more room.
- The Outlander Black Edition 2.0 Sport could have more horsepower. This owner also has a problem with snow getting into the wheel, which causes it to wobble on the interstate. Otherwise, this owner loves the vehicle.
- One owner does not feel safe when he drives. The owner said that compared to other “big brand in the same price range,” the safety system isn’t comparable. The owner likes the excellent fuel economy.
- One owner loves the Outlander ES 2.0 Sport, but thinks the passenger doors are too narrow, making it hard for a “full-size adult” to get in. This owner also said the back seat area could be larger.
- An owner said the Outlander ES 2.0 Sport drives “pretty good,” but it gets blown around in wind a little bit.
- An Outlander ES 2.0 Sport owner says the vehicle is great, except that it could use a little more power when taking off. The owner also said that once the Outlander gets up to speed, that it does great.
- On an Outlander SEL, the owner loves the third row, the rear backup camera and the sunroof. This owner said usability is very easy and navigation is simple. The seat warmers heat up very fast – a good thing.
- Another cites excellent gas mileage on the Outlander SE 2.0 Sport and enjoys the great speaker system and a ton of cargo space.
- One owner says that the seats are comfortable, the air conditioning works great, and the Outlander ES 2.0 Sport is very roomy.
- The Outlander SE 2.0 is a good value for the money, has excellent gas mileage, and a good backup camera. This owner states that the seats do get uncomfortable on long rides, and the stereo isn’t that great.
- On the Outlander SE 2.0 Sport, the center touchscreen is nice and nearly mirrors your phone. This owner finds that the heated seats are comfortable. However, it could have a little more trunk space.
- Several owners said the Outlander is a great car and some would recommend it to others. They love the good fuel economy, and those that order it with heated seats love them.
Official Recalls
The NHTSA has only recorded one official recall. A seat belt that was not assembled correctly could fail and cause the occupant to suffer severe injuries in a wreck. About 3,238 vehicles were affected. The model years are 2019 through 2020 Outlanders and Outlander PHEV models.
The seat belt in question is on the right-side second row. The MMNA’s recall number is SR-20-002.
Visit Vehicle History
Before you buy any new or used vehicle, make sure you know what you are spending your money on. Test driving a vehicle isn’t enough, though that is one of the things you must do. Review customer comments, official recalls, and professional reviews to help make your choice.
To see reviews about vehicles, read customer comments, and learn more about vehicle care, visit Vehicle History.
