Recalls
6campaigns
2 visibility · 1 suspension · 1 engine
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
14filed
Owner reports, 2011–2020 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Crash tests
4★overall
★★★★☆ Frontal 4★ · Side 4★ · Rollover 4★
Source: NHTSA NCAP
Fuel economy
27mpg combined
$2,419/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
2 L 4-cyl· AV-S6 CVT
3 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (6)
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Not checked against your VIN.
Lower Control Arm May Detach Due to Corrosion
Structure · frame and members
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
46.6% repairedof 141,200 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 20V279000
Listed for 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Not checked against your VIN.
Wiper Link Can Corrode Due to Moisture Exposure
Visibility · windshield wiper/washer · linkages
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Outlander Sport 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 rod of the wiper link and the wiper motor crank arm, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 10, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-004.
56.9% repairedof 158,651 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V103000
Listed for 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Not checked against your VIN.
Belt Tensioner may Break Allowing Belt to Detach
Engine and engine cooling · engine · gasoline · belts and associated pulleys
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
38.4% repairedof 141,053 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 18V069000
Listed for 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Not checked against your VIN.
Lift Gate Supports may Fail and Lift Gate may Fall
Structure · body · hatchback/liftgate
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to June 1, 2012, and 2016 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured January 11, 2016, to July 8, 2016. The lift gate support outer tube on the affected vehicles may have insufficient anti-corrosion treatment that can allow the outer tube to corrode due to salt and water penetration.
- Consequence
- If the outer tube corrodes, there may be a rapid loss of the gas used to provide lift assistance, causing the lift gate to fall suddenly, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lift gate supports, free of charge. The recall began on January 20, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-011.
59.1% repairedof 50,228 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V867000
Listed for 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Not checked against your VIN.
Water Intrusion may cause Wiper Motor Failure
Visibility · windshield wiper/washer · motor
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2011-2015 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to January 5, 2015. 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 manufacturer has begun the recall, but parts are not yet available; a second notice will be sent when parts are available. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-010.
56.3% repairedof 93,801 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 16V792000
Listed for 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Not checked against your VIN.
TURN SIGNAL LEVER
Exterior lighting · turn signal
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 OUTLANDER SPORT VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 16, 2011. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE TURN SIGNAL LEVERS IN THE VEHICLE WERE NOT MANUFACTURED CORRECTLY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE AUTO-CANCEL FUNCTION OF THE TURN SIGNAL BECOMING INOPERATIVE.
- Consequence
- THE TURN SIGNAL MAY CONTINUE TO SIGNAL AN INTENDED DIRECTIONAL CHANGE AFTER A POINT WHEN THE AUTO-CANCEL FUNCTION, IF OPERATING PROPERLY, WOULD HAVE TERMINATED THE SIGNAL. A FOLLOWING OR ONCOMING DRIVER MAY RECEIVE INACCURATE INDICATIONS OF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR'S INTENDED MANEUVERS, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH BETWEEN VEHICLES DUE TO IMPROPER VEHICLE SIGNALING.
- Remedy
- DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER AND REPLACE IT WITH A NEW ONE FREE OF CHARGE. NO VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RETAILED TO CUSTOMERS WITH THIS POTENTIAL CONDITION, NO RECALL BULLETIN OR OWNER LETTERS WILL BE PREPARED. YOU MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
Repair progress not yet reported21 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 12V001000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (14)
14 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The air bags is mentioned most often.
3involved a crash
0involved a fire
2injuries reported
1deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 14 |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 6 | 42.9% |
| Electrical system | 2 | 14.3% |
| Engine | 2 | 14.3% |
| Structure | 2 | 14.3% |
| Suspension | 2 | 14.3% |
| Visibility/wiper | 2 | 14.3% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 7.1% |
| Power train | 1 | 7.1% |
How 2012 compares with other Outlander Sport years
Best and worst Outlander Sport years →201130
201214
201342
201441
2015182
201626
201727
201821
201926
202026
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 30 | 10 |
| 2012 | 14 | 6 |
| 2013 | 42 | 10 |
| 2014 | 41 | 6 |
| 2015 | 182 | 9 |
| 2016 | 26 | 8 |
| 2017 | 27 | 0 |
| 2018 | 21 | 2 |
| 2019 | 26 | 1 |
| 2020 | 26 | 1 |
This year (2012)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Crash tests: 4 stars overall
Overall★★★★☆
Frontal crashDriver 4★ · Passenger 4★★★★★☆
Side crashDriver 5★ · Passenger 4★★★★★☆
Side pole★★★★★
RolloverRollover risk 19.1%★★★★☆
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport suv fwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 27 mpg combined
27
mpg combined
25
city
30
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $2,500
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 329 g/mi
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle -
What it costs you to run
$2,419per year
$202per month
556gallons a year
Miles ÷ 27 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 L 4-cyl · AV-S6 CVT | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 / 30 / 27 | $2,500 | 329 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 30 / 26 | $2,600 | 342 |
| 2 L 4-cyl · AV-S6 CVT | 4-Wheel Drive | 23 / 28 / 25 | $2,700 | 356 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2012 Outlander Sport for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport FAQ
How many recalls does the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns: 20V279000 (suspension), 18V103000 (visibility), 18V069000 (engine), 16V867000 (structure), 16V792000 (visibility), 12V001000 (lighting). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems?
Owners filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. Air bags (6), Electrical system (2), Engine (2) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport get?
EPA rates the 2 L 4-cyl · AV-S6 CVT version at 25 city, 30 highway and 27 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
What safety rating did the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport get?
NHTSA rated the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport suv fwd 4 stars overall, with 4 stars frontal, 4 stars side and 4 stars rollover (19.1% rollover risk).
How does the 2012 Outlander Sport compare with other years?
Among the 2011–2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport model years at least five years old, the 2012 drew the fewest complaints (14) and the 2015 the most (182). The 2012 drew 14. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
Was this report useful?Report a data error