VehicleVerdict

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander is a recall-heavy year with an otherwise ordinary complaint record: 6 NHTSA recall campaigns apply, yet its 34 owner complaints run below the Outlander median. The recalls matter more than the complaint count here — verify every campaign was completed before buying.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (6), visibility & wipers (5), and other (4), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

34

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

0

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other Outlander years?

See all Outlander years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission618%
Visibility & Wipers515%
Other412%
Suspension39%
Brakes39%
Engine39%
Airbags26%
Electrical System26%
Seats13%
Steering13%
Seat Belts13%
Tires & Wheels13%
Lighting13%
Driver Assistance13%

Does the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

20V279000Body & StructureMay 18, 2020 · 141,200 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.

Consequence

A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.

18V069000EngineJanuary 26, 2018 · 141,053 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Lancer, 2008-2012 Outlander, 2010-2012 Lancer Sportback, and 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with either a 4B11 or 4B12 engine. The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive belt to detach.

Consequence

If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the belt tensioner with one that has an improved shape, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-001.

17V461000Visibility & WipersJuly 20, 2017 · 100,082 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles. In the affected vehicles, water may drop between the hood and the windshield and leak into the wiper motor breathing hole. The water may cause internal corrosion of the windshield wiper motor and the possible failure of the motor.

Consequence

Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-003.

16V791000Visibility & WipersOctober 31, 2016 · 100,082 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles manufactured September 8, 2006, to March 29, 2013. In the affected vehicles, water may enter between the hood and windshield and cause the front wiper link ball joint to corrode, possibly resulting in the wiper link separating and the wipers becoming inoperative.

Consequence

Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rubber boot on the ball joint to prevent water intrusion. Additionally, they will inspect the wiper motor crank arm for excessive play, replacing it as necessary. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-009.

16V458000SuspensionJune 23, 2016 · 194,674 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.

Consequence

A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.

14V366000SteeringJune 25, 2014 · 203 units

Defect

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, Mitusbishi is recalling certain 2007-2012 Outlander vehicles that received replacement 6-speed automatic transmissions during servicing. The transmissions in these vehicles have insufficient clearance between the power steering pressure tube and the converter housing of the automatic transmission. As a result of the contact, the power steering pressure tube may develop a hole and leak power steering fluid.

Consequence

A power steering fluid leak could result in a loss of steering assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pressure tube and return tube, free of charge. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-006.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT CHANGE ALL THE TIME TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP AND SAID THEY WAS A RECALL IN 2014,15 FOR THIS PROBLEM. AND WAS SEE IF ANY OTHER 2012 HAD THE SAMD PROBLEM.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 10, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V791000 (VISIBILITY); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · March 1, 2017

I was driving speed limit, on a sunny day, when my car began to veer to the left. I eased back into the right lane and suddenly the car made a quick jerk to the left; then, another to the right. I slid on the bank and missed the ditch before becoming airborne and landing in a corn field. I was…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 13, 2023 · crash

THE VEHICLE STOPS RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING- USUALLY WHILE GOING 60 MPH AND REDUCING THE SPEED IN THE EXPRESS WAY, IT JUST AUTOMATICALLY TURNS OFF. IT HAS ALREADY HAPPENED TO ME TWICE.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 26, 2020

Lower control arm wasn't fixed it's detached its self and the belt tensioner wasn't fixed like it said it was fixed and control module needs fixed as well

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · April 4, 2022

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander — common questions

Is the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 34 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Outlander year, with 6 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2012 Outlander problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (6 complaints), visibility & wipers (5 complaints), other (4 complaints).

Does the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mitsubishi Outlander years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Outlander years to avoid are 2022, 2016, 2007, 2003. The cleanest record among Outlander years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.