NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Safety Ratings
The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 26 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport presents a credible safety picture on the used market, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, which places it in the Strong band. This assessment is supported by a solid NHTSA crash-test showing and a modest volume of owner complaints. The vehicle's safety record is further defined by a single recall.
The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100 and a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating, sourced from federal NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ranks 49 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 26 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 49 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
The 2020 Outlander Sport marks a meaningful step forward in MotorCaliber's safety scoring, climbing from 80/100 in the prior 2019 model year to 85/100, a five-point gain that kept it firmly in the Strong band. The improvement is visible across the index components: crash protection contributed 61 of a possible 70 points, the defect record sub-score reached 18.25 out of 20, and avoidance technology added 6 of 10. That avoidance-tech sub-score reflects a real limitation specific to this year: both forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional rather than standard fitment, meaning not every 2020 example on the road carries them. Electronic stability control, by contrast, came standard. The single recall tied to CVT control module software is a targeted, correctable defect rather than a broad structural concern. With 26 unverified complaints and no fatalities alleged, the complaint volume is modest for a vehicle of this age. The 5-star side rating is the headline crash result and distinguishes this year's NHTSA profile from a merely average performer.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Outlander Sport's side-crash protection proved exemplary, earning a full 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. While its frontal and rollover protection each achieved a still-commendable 4-star rating, the overall assessment places the vehicle at 4 out of 5 stars. The rollover risk is quantified at 17 percent, with the dynamic tip test recording a "No Tip" outcome.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14540
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have any recalls?
One recall covers the 2020 Outlander Sport. Mitsubishi Motors North America recalled certain 2019-2022 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with a continuously variable transmission due to a powertrain control module software issue. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data for this campaign.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE22V563000
Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the CVT-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-22-004.
Reported 2022-08-02
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
NHTSA has logged 26 unverified owner allegations for the 2020 Outlander Sport. The most frequently reported components are Engine (8 allegations), Unknown Or Other (7), Power Train (6), Electrical System (5), and Seat Belts (3). One alleged crash and one alleged injury appear in the filings.
26 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
Shoppers considering a used 2020 Outlander Sport should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm whether the CVT software recall has been remedied. Verify that any optional safety technology listed on a specific vehicle was actually installed before purchase.
- The 2020 model year gained five Safety Index points over the 2019 Outlander Sport, moving from 80/100 to 85/100, reflecting a stronger defect record sub-score of 18.25 out of 20.
- NHTSA's side-crash test produced a perfect 5-star result for this model year, the highest single-category score in the vehicle's NCAP profile.
- The one recall on record targets CVT automatic transmission control module software and covers 2019-2022 Outlander Sport vehicles, so used buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional, not standard, on 2020 Outlander Sport units, meaning safety-tech content varies by individual vehicle configuration.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport places
The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport safety questions
Was the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 26 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Outlander Sport years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14540), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 49 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.