Background Sepsis is usually complicated by acute lung injury and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome further. It is suggested that the mechanism of septic lung injury is associated with mitochondrial oxidative stress and dysfunction. Objective This review will focus on recent advances in understanding mitochondrial dysfunction of septic lung injury. Content To expound the correlators and the mechanism of mitochondrial impairment, some indicators and the treatment of septic lung injury update. Trend Targeting antioxidants to mitochondria has been the hot spot in focus, which will be prospective in the treatment of sepsis and the protection of lung.