repaired · 2022 Q2
Structure: frame and members
Risk. A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
2012 Mitsubishi OutlanderProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 22 owner complaints about the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander, most often about the power train. It is covered by 6 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-458 the manufacturer reports only 17% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 8, 2025. Updated daily. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain.
Complaints by system
Where the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander has problems
22 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
6Power train
3Visibility/wiper
3Service brakes
3Suspension
3Engine
2Electrical system
2Visibility
2Air bags
1Wheels
55 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 6 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 3 | 0 |
| Suspension | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 2 | 0 |
| Visibility | 2 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 0 |
| Wheels | 1 | 0 |
| 5 other systems | 5 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
6 recalls
2012 Mitsubishi Outlander recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Gasoline: belts and associated pulleys
Risk. If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q4
Windshield wiper/washer: motor
Risk. Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2018 Q4
Windshield wiper/washer: linkages
Risk. Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Show 2 more recalls
repaired · 2018 Q2
Control arm: lower arm
Risk. A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2015 Q4
Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
Risk. A power steering fluid leak could result in a loss of steering assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Mitsubishi.
Best & worst years
2012 vs. every other Outlander year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Outlander median. How we score
'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2012 Mitsubishi Outlander safety ratings
2012 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (16.9% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What Outlander owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, she observed a rubbing noise emanating from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that on one of those occasions, the check engine warning light illuminated.…
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.
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.
Own a 2012 Outlander?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.