Recalls
6campaigns
2 suspension · 2 visibility · 1 engine
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
22filed
Owner reports, 2008–2017 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Crash tests
4★overall
★★★★☆ Frontal 4★ · Side 4★ · Rollover 4★
Source: NHTSA NCAP
Fuel economy
25mpg combined
$2,612/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
2.4 L 4-cyl· AV-S6 CVT
4 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (6)
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander. 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. 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. 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. 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 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.
36% repairedof 100,082 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 17V461000
Listed for 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander. Not checked against your VIN.
Water Intrusion may cause Wiper Link Corrosion
Visibility · windshield wiper/washer · linkages
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
36% repairedof 100,082 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 16V791000
Listed for 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander. Not checked against your VIN.
Lower Control Arm Detachment Due to Corrosion
Suspension · front · control arm · lower arm
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
18.2% repairedof 194,674 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 16V458000
Listed for 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander. Not checked against your VIN.
Power Steering Pressure Tube may Leak
Steering · hydraulic power assist · hose, piping, and connections
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
75.8% repairedof 203 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 14V366000
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 (22)
22 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The power train is mentioned most often.
1involved a crash
0involved a fire
0injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 22 |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 6 | 27.3% |
| Unknown or other | 4 | 18.2% |
| Engine | 3 | 13.6% |
| Service brakes | 3 | 13.6% |
| Suspension | 3 | 13.6% |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | 13.6% |
| Air bags | 2 | 9.1% |
| Electrical system | 2 | 9.1% |
| Visibility | 2 | 9.1% |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 4.5% |
How 2012 compares with other Outlander years
Best and worst Outlander years →200858
200946
201060
201158
201222
201326
201445
201553
2016145
201751
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 58 | 12 |
| 2009 | 46 | 13 |
| 2010 | 60 | 10 |
| 2011 | 58 | 8 |
| 2012 | 22 | 6 |
| 2013 | 26 | 5 |
| 2014 | 45 | 4 |
| 2015 | 53 | 5 |
| 2016 | 145 | 8 |
| 2017 | 51 | 6 |
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 3★★★★★☆
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 suv fwd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 25 mpg combined
25
mpg combined
22
city
28
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $2,700
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 356 g/mi
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle -
What it costs you to run
$2,612per year
$218per month
600gallons a year
Miles ÷ 25 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl · AV-S6 CVT | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 28 / 25 | $2,700 | 356 |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl · AV-S6 CVT | 4-Wheel Drive | 22 / 27 / 24 | $2,800 | 370 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | $3,750 | 404 |
| 3 L 6-cyl · 6-speed automatic | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | $3,900 | 423 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2012 Outlander 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 FAQ
How many recalls does the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns: 20V279000 (suspension), 18V069000 (engine), 17V461000 (visibility), 16V791000 (visibility), 16V458000 (suspension), 14V366000 (steering). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander problems?
Owners filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. Power train (6), Unknown or other (4), Engine (3) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander get?
EPA rates the 2.4 L 4-cyl · AV-S6 CVT version at 22 city, 28 highway and 25 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
What safety rating did the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander get?
NHTSA rated the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander 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 compare with other years?
Among the 2008–2017 Mitsubishi Outlander model years at least five years old, the 2012 drew the fewest complaints (22) and the 2016 the most (145). The 2012 drew 22. 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.
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