2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems

36 owner complaints filed with the United States safety regulator · top issue: Air Bags · verdict BUY 84/100

Source NHTSA public complaint and recall record · methodology

What breaks, by owner reports

Air Bags8
Power Train7
Engine5
Suspension5
Visibility/Wiper5
Electrical System4

In the owners’ words

“My Mitsubishi vehicle has an open recall related to a drive belt issue. Mitsubishi confirmed the recall, but the company have not completed the repair or scheduled an appointment, even after several attempts to contact them. The vehicle has stalled multiple times while driving, including on city roads. When it stalls, the check engine light comes on, and the car loses all power. I have to restart it to keep driving.”NHTSA complaint, 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander owner
“The vehicle has extreme rust and corrosion. Car was service under the manufacturer recall on [XXX] 2020. The subframe crossmember has rusted so bad that it is a safety hazard. On my paperwork from the dealership it stated that anti-corrosion aerosol was applied with NOX RUST 712AM. It also stated that the recall passed inspection. How is that possible and it's falling apart. The dealership it was taken to was S”NHTSA complaint, 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander owner
“The car's airbag system service required came on without any incidents to the car. It used to be on and off but now, it is consistently on. The seat detect very lightweight things like a book or a bag and gives the warning of seatbelt not on. The airbag system and the pressure sensor of the passenger seat is faulty. With this warning, airbags will not deploy. I saw multiple incidents with other Mitsubishi Outlander ”NHTSA complaint, 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander owner

Recall campaigns

ReportedComponentSummary
20/07/2017Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:MotorMitsubishi 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.
26/01/2018Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline:Belts And Associated PulleysMitsubishi 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
31/10/2016Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:LinkagesMitsubishi 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
23/06/2016Suspension:Front:Control Arm:Lower ArmMitsubishi 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, o
25/06/2014Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Hose, Piping, And Connections SAFETYMitsubishi 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 Outlande
18/05/2020Structure:Frame And MembersMitsubishi 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, Conne

Questions owners ask

Is the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?

On the federal record it scores 84/100: 36 owner complaints (2.57 per year on the road) and 6 recall campaigns, 1 touching safety-critical systems.

What is the most common problem with the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander?

The most-reported component in NHTSA complaints is Air Bags, with 8 of 34 categorised reports.

Share this verdict

The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander scored 84/100 on the federal record.

Full 2012 data pagecosts, verdict, every numberAll Outlander yearswhich year to avoid Most complained-about carsthe national ranking