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VIN REPORT

JA4AZ3A34LZ0248822020 MITSUBISHI OutlanderES/SE/LE/SP/SEL/Limited

Risk Score
15
LOW RISK
out of 100
3 Found
3 campaigns
28
Reported to NHTSA
Not Tested
See iihs.org/ratings
6 yrs
Made in JAPAN
F
Score: 59/100
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2020 MITSUBISHI Outlander was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 3 open recalls on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 28 owner complaints include 7 reported injuries, indicating real-world safety incidents beyond normal wear.

  • 3 open recalls — verify these have been repaired before purchase
  • 7 injuries reported across 28 owner complaints
  • Complaint rate is accelerating — issues appear to be getting worse, not better
  • Safety Systems is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
  • Manufacturer delayed recall by 5.1 years after first complaints — pattern of slow response to known defects
15/100
Low Risk
Low risk profile — minor signals only, likely routine.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
Contributing Risk Factors — 2 detected
3 model-wide recalls on record
+9
Accelerating complaint trend — problems increasing over time
+6
Critical Alerts

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle
Make
MITSUBISHI
Model
Outlander
Year
2020
Trim / Series
ES/SE/LE/SP/SEL/Limited
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Drive Type
4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
4-cyl 2.4L 166 hp
Transmission
Automatic
Doors
5
Manufacturer
MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION (MMC)
Assembly
OKAZAKI, AICHI, JAPAN
GVWR
Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
CQuality55/100
Standard📍 OKAZAKI, AICHI

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety
F
Score: 59/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety22/30
Complaint History17/30
25/100Moderate
  • Structural/frame recall
16/100
Basic
6 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian AEB, Forward Collision Warning
Elevated
  • 2 recalls on same component: Body/Structure
  • 2 recalls on same component: Suspension/Wheels
  • 7 injuries reported in complaints

Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.

The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.

Safety Systems
1 recall4 complaints
Body/Structure
2 recalls2 complaints
Suspension/Wheels
2 recalls1 complaint
Exterior/Other
1 recall1 complaint
Forward Collision Warning?Unknown
Automatic Emergency Braking?Unknown
Pedestrian AEB?Unknown
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure Warning?Unknown
Lane Keep Assist?Unknown
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring?Unknown
Rear Cross Traffic Alert?Unknown
Adaptive Cruise Control?Unknown
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High BeamStandard
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup CameraStandard
Electronic Stability ControlStandard
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Direct
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake SupportStandard
Keyless IgnitionStandard
Recalls
38/100
Monitor Deferred Risk
7 component(s) approaching service intervals within the next 20,000 miles. Factor routine maintenance costs into your ownership budget.
No odometer data on record. Mileage is estimated at ~72,000 mi based on average annual driving. Items marked EST. OVERDUE may already be due — verify service history with the seller. Items marked OVERDUE are confirmed past-due based on vehicle age alone.
MONITORCriticalTiming Chain Tensioner
Service interval: 120,000 mi · Est. ~72,000 mi (no odometer on record)
Schedule Timing Chain Tensioner service before 120,000 mi
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
MONITORCriticalWater Pump
Service interval: 100,000 mi · Est. ~72,000 mi (no odometer on record)
Schedule Water Pump service before 100,000 mi
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
EST. OVERDUEHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 6 yr · Past due by age
Service Transmission Fluid / Service immediately — already past the 60,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
EST. OVERDUEHighDifferential / Transfer Case Fluid
Service interval: 4 yr · Vehicle age: 6 yr · Past due by age
Service Differential / Transfer Case Fluid immediately — already past the 50,000 mi / 4 yr interval
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
EST. OVERDUEHighCoolant Flush
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 6 yr · Past due by age
Service Coolant Flush immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
MONITORModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Service interval: 100,000 mi · Est. ~72,000 mi (no odometer on record)
Schedule Spark Plugs (iridium/platinum) service before 100,000 mi
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
MONITORModerateFuel Injectors
Service interval: 120,000 mi · Est. ~72,000 mi (no odometer on record)
Schedule Fuel Injectors service before 120,000 mi
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
33 RECALLS

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 3 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

2 of 3 recalls have a low industry completion rate — statistically likely unrepaired.

37%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

MITSUBISHI Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
80%Poor

MITSUBISHI has a below-average recall completion rate (80%). Open recalls on this vehicle may go unaddressed longer than average (~24 months). Verify completion before purchase.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~24 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
24mo
#20V280000
Invalid Date

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

SummaryMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Outlander and 2019 Outlander PHEV vehicles. The seat belt for the right side second-row seat may have been assembled incorrectly.
Read full details...
ConsequenceAn incorrectly assembled seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~63%

~37% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#25V507000
Jul 2025

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT

SummaryMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles sold and/or currently registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Est. Repair Completion~35%

~65% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired

High Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

#26V252000
Invalid Date

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT

SummaryMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
Read full details...
ConsequenceA gas spring cylinder rupture or a liftgate falling unexpectedly can increase the risk of injury.
Est. Repair Completion~12%

~88% of these vehicles are statistically unrepaired

High Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
302d open
07/08/2025
3 total campaigns
Safety SystemsExterior/OtherBody/StructureSuspension/Wheels
3
Part Replacements
0
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
5.1yr
Lag from first complaint to recall
First complaint: 2020-06-13 · Recall issued: 2025-07-08

First complaint was filed 5.1 years before the recall was issued — manufacturer was aware of this issue for years before acting.

1 in 4

1 in 4 complaints involved an injury — significantly above average, indicating real-world safety incidents.

Complaints
Electrical
12
Other
1 crash1 inj5
Safety Systems
3 crash6 inj4
Body/Structure
2
Brakes
1 crash2
Suspension/Wheels
1
Exterior/Other
1
Engine/Powertrain
1
2020
1
2021
6
2022
1
2023
2
2024
7
2025
7
2026
4
140% trend in recent years (increasing complaints)
Accelerating +220%
16
Last 24 months
5
Prior 24 months

⚠ Complaint rate is accelerating — issue may be getting worse

PEAKS WINTER (DEC–FEB)

32% of complaints filed in Jan & Mar — may indicate temperature-sensitive or weather-related failures.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Electrical failure1
Engine stalling1
Fire/smoke1
Conditions Reported
Highway/high-speed (4)Parking/low-speed (3)Rain/wet (1)Startup (1)
28HIGH VOLUME
5
Crashes
7
Injuries
ODI #11731656UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I made an appt for a recall on my touchscreen at Hayward mitsubishi on may 27th 2025. I was left in the waiting room for two hours even with an appt. I was told mona would come get me but never did. I was very upset. Eventually my information was taken and said the part would come in, in approximately 9 months. The time has passed and they dis not return my calls and blocked my number on the text messages. They also did not return any calls to the BBB and I also submitted a complaint to the BAR. They are refusing to help me and other dealerships are also ignoring me. Thank you for your attention to this message. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11726071ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Multiple times I have been driving at a safe speed with no other vehicles or people around and the dashboard will beep and light up brake! Brake!

ODI #11718689ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The radio system failed two years ago Many drivers with the same car have similar problem.

ODI #11709853STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V507000 (Structure) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

ODI #11706154ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER


I believe the locks should be recalled my Lock Actuatora on my 2020 Mitsubishi outlander keeps going out……both my passenger front and back are out for a second time. And driver side doesn’t always unlock and lock with the key fob. All have been fixed before and it has been less than a year after being fixed. This is a safety issue and I think they need to put a recall out!

ODI #11694007UNKNOWN OR OTHER

UNKNOWN

ODI #11687943EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE

The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander. While the contact’s wife was driving in a school zone, several unknown error codes became displayed. The Lane Departure warning light illuminated, and the automatic high beam headlights malfunctioned. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, and the driver shifted to neutral(N) and back to drive(D) and was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 179,407.

ODI #11680254SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

I was making a turn out of a driveway across a three-lane streets into the left turn lane on the street in front of my children's School, while pulling out of the driveway and crossing the lanes, having clear distance to cross the lanes and visual confirmation from the oncoming drivers as they were waiting for me to proceed, my car abruptly stopped, it breaks on its own and left me across the three lanes sideways exposed to be t-boned. It would not start or move out of the stopped position. I tried to put the car in park and again in drive to no avail the car still would not budge. I had to completely turn off my vehicle and restart it in order to get out of the way of oncoming traffic.

ODI #11666672ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS

The driver's seat goes forward but doesn't life up. It is stuck in a reclined position. The motor doesn't work to lift the sit up but does for the forward movement,. When you revlind seat it does not incline. Chair motor is not sold separately but was told the whole drivers seat have to be replaced

ODI #11638464ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The touchscreen does not work. This creates a safety issue as hands free driving is no longer am option. There are 1000s of complaints directly to Mitsubishi and they're not doing anything about it. The response is basically "we're aware our equipment failed, go to a dealership and pay to have it replaced" That should not be the consumer's out of pocket cost as Mitsubishi is fully aware of faulty equipment and needs to be held responsible. Everyone's safety is at risk because of this default.

ODI #11636875ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The touchscreen controlling many functions and settings of the vehicle failed. That means there are numerous settings and driving options that can no longer be accessed and that any functions requiring touch such as navigation, music, and others requires using your connected device while driving (meaning looking and touching your phone while driving). This creates unsafe driving conditions for the many thousands of drivers that have experienced this problem. There is a very large community on the internet saying that Mitsubishi should issue a recall, but Mitsubishi doesn't seem to care at all. They do, however, encourage the many that are having the problem to go to their service department and have the whole infotainment/ control computer replaced to the tune of about $4000. Seems like a blatant money grab to me-- one that is causing thousands of drivers who cannot or will not undergo that $4000 expense to drive a vehicle where they do not access to all setting controls and are required to fiddle with their phone while driving. Very unsafe.

ODI #11632032AIR BAGS

Airbag system Service Required. I came on when I had passer in 2 row seat.I just brought this vehicle.

ODI #11626314WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCECRASH

The brakes keep giving out, this is the second Mitsubishi and the brakes gave out [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ODI #11616050ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

ODI #11600478ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The touchscreen does not work. This impairs use of the hands free telephone usage, volume levels, and altering of settings. This is a known problem, and Mitsubishi has recalled it in Australia. It is unsafe for any driver to not have ready access to hands free phone usage as it is well known how often distracted driving due to phones has caused accidents.

ODI #11590695LANE DEPARTURE

Got in my car to go to work and blind spot service required light came on

ODI #11565755AIR BAGSCRASH1 INJURY

The contact owns a 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while crossing an intersection at 35 MPH; another vehicle ran a red light and crashed into the contact's front driver-side door. The contact was knocked across the two-lane road and hit a telephone pole on the passenger side of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The authorities arrived on the scene and assisted the contact out of the vehicle through the passenger side of the vehicle. The contact was treated at the scene and was later taken to the emergency room for treatment. The contact was given an X-ray ,CT scan and an MRI. The contact was treated for pain and stiffness to the left side of the back, neck, elbow, and shoulder. The whereabouts of the other driver were unknown. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to two separate independent mechanics; however, the contact was unaware if the vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000

ODI #11563097ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

In less than 60k miles since manufacture of the vehicle, the infotainment screen began to be insensitive to touch. 6k miles later it no longer works. During that time it was inconsistently working. This is a safety issue due to the driver focusing their eyes on the infotainment screen, while repeatedly pressing the same button, instead of the road. Most times, the driver had to pull over to make the change. Sometimes, due to urgency of the change, the driver had to pull over where little to no shoulder existed which could have resulted in a fatality had a vehicle struck the driver's vehicle. It has recently be learned that a standard computer mouse can be used to operate the infotainment unit. Without saying, this is completely unacceptable procedure for a moving vehicle. Mitsubishi will no do anything to honor this failure, and based on discussions in various forums, the screen dies within the first couple years of owning the vehicle. In the subject late model 2020, the screen had no longer worked by 3Q24.

ODI #11538745ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Touch screen radio stopped working by touch reported the problem and was told by our dealer they couldn’t fix it it had to go to another dealer. That dealer said they could fix it and sent us back by the time they had time for us the warranty was out and they want us to pay for it after only 2 years. A family member had this say issue and sued and got a settlement and radio fixed

ODI #11510018STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

After reversing out of say the drive way or parking spot there is a thump noise after putting the car into drive and proceeding to go. I have taken it to the dealer and they state multiple people are experiencing the same thing and that they have been in contact with Mitsubishi about it and they say it is normal. I have never had this happen in any vehicle I have ever owned before and for it to be told to me that multiple people are experiencing this is not very satisfactory. And should be something they look into. Another issue I recently brought to the dealers service department is the ac has a foul odor after the change of the filters. And that it smells like stagnant water or mildew and again I was told the same thing that it is common. Why would I want to ever purchase another Mitsubishi if they are saying all this is common among their brand. Seems to me the unit collecting the fluid that then gets drained from the unit when sitting still is just collecting and going stagnant and causing the smell. I have a warranty on the vehicle however everything is a normal thing people have going on with their vehicle. Seems they don't want to put in the work until say the warranty is expired. A warranty they offer along with the extended warranty to cover bumper to bumper items I purchased. Ac problem is what it is it's not a safety concern but the thump in the tire after reversing seems like it should be a recall of something to do with the suspension and I don't think it has been investigated as it should. Who is to say I'm on the interstate driving and get in an accident that not only effects myself but others.

ODI #11493095SEATS

The left back seat on the 2nd row rocks. I’m expecting twins and it’s not safe for the babies.

ODI #11437428FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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.

ODI #11430374UNKNOWN OR OTHERCRASH1 INJURY

I was at a 24 hr storage unit. It was dim & I needed to unload from the rear hatch door so I backed to the open storage unit door in its upright position as high as I could get it & stopped at a safe distance from the doorway so the car door would not catch the storage unit door. I put the vehicle in PARK to have some lighting & double checked before I got out- gear shift securely in PARK. I opened the car's rear door & started unloading without overly disturbing the vehicle or causing any unnecessary movement. I had just turned my back to the car door to put down some boxes in the unit. As I turned back to the car to retrieve another item, I noticed movement. There was a rapid simultaneous series of events: I felt the rear hatch hit my nose, I heard a crash with shattering glass & I tried to jump clear. It was over in minutes . I was inside the storage unit and had to squeeze out to try to free the storage unit door. The door had fallen and gotten wedged between the rear frame of the car & behind the back wiper. I gently freed the door after much diigent effort. Once freed, the car proceeded to move forward on its own before I could access it to shut off the engine, & it eventually crashed into the opposite storage unit. I accessed the vehicle at that time & reversed away from the buildings so the car was equidistant from both buildings & facing an area where it would do minimal harm if it moved again, though I did cut off the engine. Verified vehicle was in PARK. The car had damage to the whole rear area, & damage to the driver's side bumper. Front wheels had been turned right so the car's trajectory was a wide right arc. i tried calling the rental facility manager but there was no after hours number & no answer, so I called city police who promptly arrived within minutes; one vehicle immediately drove up & I quickly punched in my gate access code for easier entry. This vehicle was followed by another white pickup who punched a code on the keypad & let himself

ODI #11408641STRUCTURE

SUNROOF GLASS SHATTERED

ODI #11405790ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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 SYSTEM SHUTTING DOWN THE FORWARD COLLISION MITIGATION SYSTEM HAD RANDOMLY KICKED IN A FEW TIMES, BUT I ASSUMED THERE WAS SOMETHING LOW IN THE ROAD I WASN'T SEEING. I'VE ALSO EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH THE AUDIO SYSTEM AND REAR CAMERA IN THE WEEK LEADING UP TO THIS INCIDENT; THE REAR CAMERA TWICE NEVER APPEARED WHEN IN REVERSE AND THE AUDIO SOURCE WOULD ERRATICALLY SWITCH FROM XM RADIO TO APPLE CAR PLAY ON ITS OWN. THE VEHICLE HAD JUST UNDER 1,700 MILES ON IT WHEN THIS HAPPENED.

ODI #11391077AIR BAGSCRASH1 INJURY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ANOTHER DRIVER WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25-30 MPH, THE DRIVER EXPERIENCED A MEDICAL EMERGENCY AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE OCCUPANT IN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT SUSTAINED A HEAD INJURIES AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED. THE FIRE AND POLICE DEPARTMENT WERE AT THE SCENE. THERE WAS NO REPORT OF A FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT LOT. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

ODI #11390090POWER TRAIN

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!

ODI #11328690AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHERCRASH4 INJURIES

2020 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER WAS STRUCK IN THE REAR END AND SLAMMED AGAINST A SOLID FOUNDATION IN THE FRONT THAT CAUSE THE DASHBOARD TO BREAK AND ALL THE SEATS TO BREAK FROM THE FLOOR OF THE CAR. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND SEVERE INJURIES RESULTED. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY ON THE HIGHWAY IN ROUTE TO TURN WHEN STRUCK. *TR

Annual complaints and reliability score for MITSUBISHI Outlander — recall years marked in red
04705010020252020202120222023202420252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Recall issued
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 28 total NHTSA complaints filed over 7 years, with the worst year being 2024 (7 complaints, including 2 crash reports).

The amber reliability line averaged 63/100 across the vehicle's life — dropping as low as 27 in 2024 when complaint severity peaked.

The red dashed line marks recall issuance — the first recall came 5 years after owners began filing complaints, a lag that indicates the manufacturer was slow to formally acknowledge these problems.

Red dots on the amber line flag 3 years (2020, 2021, 2024) where complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.

Details & Analysis
Financial
$37,584
~$626/mo over 5 yrs
$0.5/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$10,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$3,000
Depreciation
$7,084

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $37,584 (~$626/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

3 open recalls (unverified repair status)−$1,500
Total recommended deduction−$1,500
HIGH
Verify recall SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER has been repaired
Recall on record for: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Outlander and 2019 Outlander PHEV vehicles.
HIGH
Verify recall STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT has been repaired
Recall on record for: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehic
HIGH
Verify recall STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT has been repaired
Recall on record for: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehic
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.
20%
18-month
36%
2-year
Moderate Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 36%

20% estimated recall probability — some indicators present but not alarming.

  • Accelerating complaint rate — increasing pressure on NHTSA to act

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions
Full Coverage
$1,650–$2,090/yr
~$138–$174/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
6-year-old vehicle: −7% (moderate depreciation)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Vehicle Identity

VINJA4AZ3A34LZ024882
Model Year2020
MakeMITSUBISHI
ModelOutlander
TrimES/SE/LE/SP/SEL/Limited
SeriesWagon body style
Vehicle TypeMULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Doors5
Seat Rows7
Drive Type4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Fuel TypeGasoline
TransmissionAutomatic

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)2.4
Horsepower166

Manufacturer

ManufacturerMITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION (MMC)
Assembly CityOKAZAKI
Assembly CountryJAPAN

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)JA4
Check Digit (Char 9)4
Model Year Code (Char 10)L
Plant Code (Char 11)Z
Sequence (Chars 12–17)024882

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count3
NHTSA Complaint Count28
J
1
A
2
4
3
A
4
Z
5
3
6
A
7
3
8
4
9
L
10
Z
11
0
12
2
13
4
14
8
15
8
16
2
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
J
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
A
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
4
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
AZ3A3
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
4
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
L
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
Z
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
024882
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Japan
From VIN position 1 (J)
Model Year Character
"L" → 2020
Could also be 1990
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 5/6/2026, 3:32:08 PM.