NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Safety Ratings
The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 29 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A Safety Index score of 80 out of 100 places the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander in the Strong band, signaling a commendable safety profile. This assessment is based on solid NHTSA crash-test performance and a modest recall record for the model year. On safety grounds, the 2020 Outlander presents as a reasonably defensible choice in the used market.
The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, based on federal NHTSA 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 ranks 76 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 80 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.4% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 29 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 76 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander?
The 2020 Outlander achieved a Strong rating in MotorCaliber's safety assessment, with an overall Safety Index of 80 out of 100. This score represents a 3-point increase over the 2019 model year's 77. A significant factor in this advancement is the crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70, which aligns with the NHTSA's 5-out-of-5-star overall rating and a 5-out-of-5-star side impact rating. However, the vehicle's avoidance-tech sub-score stands at 6 out of 10. This reflects that critical safety features, specifically forward collision warning and lane departure warning, are offered as optional equipment rather than standard. The defect-record sub-score of 12.75 out of 20 incorporates three recall campaigns and the volume of owner complaints. Notably, recalls addressing liftgate struts cover an extended production period and were initiated well after the initial sale date, indicating that pre-owned examples may still require attention for these issues. Owners filed 6 complaints specifically related to the Forward Collision Avoidance system, a point of concern given its optional status. This suggests a disproportionate rate of reported issues for those who opted for the technology.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Outlander secured 5 out of 5 stars for overall crash protection, the highest rating available from NHTSA. Side impact protection also received a 5-star rating. Frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance test each yielded 4 out of 5 stars, with a calculated rollover risk of 16 percent. The dynamic tip test concluded with "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14541
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 have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2020 Outlander. Two address the liftgate gas strut support device, which can fail and cause the liftgate to drop unexpectedly, a contact-injury risk. A third campaign targets the rear seat belt, which may not function correctly in a crash. No do-not-drive order is noted in the available data, but owners should verify remedy completion by VIN.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT26V252000
Risk: A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 17, 2026. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-26-001. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov June 3, 2026. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 25V507.
Reported 2026-04-20
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT25V507000
Risk: A gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: MMNA will replace the left and right liftgate gas springs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2025. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-25-002
Reported 2025-08-07
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER20V280000
Risk: An incorrectly assembled seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right side second-row seat belt and replace it as necessary, free of charge. This recall began June 17, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-002.
Reported 2020-05-18
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Twenty-nine owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. These are unverified allegations. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 11 reports, Unknown Or Other with 8, and Forward Collision Avoidance with 6. Reported injuries total 7 across all complaints.
29 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Two distinct recall campaigns for liftgate struts, alongside a recall for rear seat belts, directly impact the 2020 Outlander's safety. Buyers of a used 2020 Outlander should verify recall completion for the specific VIN through NHTSA's lookup tool.
- The Safety Index rose 3 points from the 2019 model year score of 77 to 80 in 2020, crossing from the Average band into the Strong band, driven primarily by the 5-star overall NHTSA crash result.
- Two separate liftgate gas strut recall campaigns cover this model year, both initiated after the vehicle left production, meaning a used example may still have an open remedy requiring dealer service.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are listed as optional rather than standard on this model year, which directly limits the avoidance-tech sub-score to 6 out of 10 and means not every 2020 Outlander on the used market will have these systems installed.
- Twenty-nine unverified complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year, with 6 of those alleging issues specifically with the Forward Collision Avoidance system and a reported injury count of 7 across all complaints.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander places
The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Mitsubishi Outlander safety questions
Was the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 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 crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander earned 5 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 16.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 29 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander. 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 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 14541), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Mitsubishi Outlander 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 76 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.