2020 Mitsubishi OUTLANDER problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
31 owner complaints analyzed
3 distinct recall campaigns
53,000 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2020 model year. Data snapshot: . 9 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Electrical System is the most frequently named component, appearing in 11 of 31 complaints (35.5%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 4 | 12.9% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 3.2% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 1 | 3.2% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 11 |
| Unknown Or Other | 8 |
| Air Bags | 4 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 4 |
| Engine | 2 |
| Seats | 2 |
| Service Brakes | 2 |
| Exterior Lighting | 1 |
Electrical System: 11; Unknown Or Other: 8; Air Bags: 4; Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings: 4; Engine: 2; Seats: 2; Service Brakes: 2; Exterior Lighting: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 3 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 2 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 1 |
Under 25,000: 3; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 2; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 1
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (3). 22 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 7 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 7 |
2020: 1; 2021: 6; 2022: 1; 2023: 2; 2024: 7; 2025: 7; 2026: 7
Pattern summary
Electrical System leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 4 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11405790 · 2021-03-31 (March 31, 2021)
WHILE TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY AT 70MPH, THE CAR SUDDENLY STARTED FLASHING WARNINGS OF "EV SYSTEM REQUIRED STOP SAFELY", "RBS SERVICE REQUIRED!", AND THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON. ALSO, I WASN'T ABLE TO ACCELERATE OVER 20MPH. I QUICKLY EXITED THE FREEWAY AND TURNED OFF THE CAR. WHEN I RESTARTED IT, THE CAR SEEMED TO OPERATE NORMALLY AS FAR AS THE ACCELERATION, BUT THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT SOON LIGHT REMAINED AND THE "BRAKE!" FORWARD COLLISION MITIGATION SYSTEM STARTED TO RANDOMLY KICK IN. INTERESTINGLY, IN THE WEEK LEADING UP TO THE…
Owner-reported narrative. 1,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 11405790 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11437428 · 2021-10-20 (October 20, 2021)
Forward collision warning light comes on with no car in front of me and car starts braking. I did see that Mitsubishi was recalling these cars with this particular problem but I have not received a recall notice.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11437428 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11390090 · 2021-01-26 (January 26, 2021)
MY CAR IS 4 MONTHS OLD WITH 5500 MILES ON IT. DRIVING AT 70MPH WITH CRUISE CONTROL ON, CAR STARTED TO KNOCK AND BUCK. I REDUCED SPEED. THE SERVICE TRANSMISSION LIGHT CAME ON AND THE D FOR GEAR SELECTION STARTED TO BLINK. I PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. I RESTARTED AND THE LIGHT WENT OFF. I DROVE HOME AT A REDUCED SPEED. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID I NEED A NEW TRANSMISSION. 5500 MILES!
Owner-reported narrative. 5,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 11390090 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11616050 · 2024-09-23 (September 23, 2024)
The touch screen is inoperable so you can't control the radio or aspects of the car such as how the lights, wipers, maintenance, etc. are set. This is a hazardous situation. I contacted the dealer, and they knew exactly what I was referring to as they said they don't repair the system but only replace and it is $3.200. My auto was only 3 years old but had over 36,000 miles (the warranty). Why is an electrical component that controls much of the car warrantied on milage and only 36K. They know of this problem.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11616050 at NHTSA ↗