Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Power train6
- Unknown or other4
- Service brakes3
- Visibility/wiper3
- Suspension3
- Engine3
- Air bags2
- Electrical system2
- Visibility2
- Seats1
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 0 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 7 2012 Outlander vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 3 people died inside them, and 1 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander failed the safety check 3.24% of the time — 29% more often than the average 2012 passenger car (2.52%). Median odometer at inspection: 118,105 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2012
12,633 new Mitsubishi Outlander cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2012; the largest markets were Germany (4,064), the United Kingdom (1,338), the Netherlands (1,020).
- Average mass
- 1,708 kg
- Average power
- 117 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Diesel 78% · Petrol 22%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Engines
The most common engines in 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander cars on Dutch roads are the 2.0 petrol (108 kW, 145 hp), 2.0 petrol (110 kW, 148 hp) and 2.4 petrol (125 kW, 168 hp).
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 petrol | 108 kW 145 hp | 585 |
| 2.0 petrol | 110 kW 148 hp | 166 |
| 2.4 petrol | 125 kW 168 hp | 28 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
811 first registered in 2012 are on Dutch roads; 3% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €34,198.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde573
- Stofhoes fuseekogel beschadigd en dicht niet af230
- Stuurkogel te veel speling225
- Band onvoldoende profiel212
- Stadslicht werkt niet (goed)190
- Kentekenplaatverlichting werkt niet (goed) / ontbreekt185
- Stofhoes stuurinrichting beschadigd, dicht niet af171
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld151
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
906 cars built in 2012 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 112 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 1,211 of these cars first registered in 2012 took their annual MOT test. 64% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2012 the figure was 66%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 11.8% | 2.3% |
| Brakes | 10.4% | 7.7% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 10.4% | 14.3% |
| Suspension | 9.3% | 12.2% |
| Tyres | 5.0% | 7.0% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.7% | 3.2% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
327 of these cars first registered in 2012 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 265,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
1,550 2012 cars are on the New Zealand register; 46% arrived as used imports, 53% were sold new in New Zealand.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 2 variants; 0 of 2 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 16.9 % |
| 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | 19.1 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- No
- Lane departure warning
- No
- Best overall rating
- 4 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 3 variants: combined 9.4–11.1 L/100 km (about 21–25 mpg US), CO₂ 216–255 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outlander · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 10.3 | 8.3 | 9.4 |
| Outlander 4WD · Sport utility vehicle · Regular gasoline | 10.4 | 8.3 | 9.5 |
| Outlander 4WD · Sport utility vehicle · Premium gasoline | 12.5 | 9.4 | 11.1 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
9 Transport Canada recalls for the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander.
| 2024554 19 Sept 2024 | Label Issue: On certain vehicles, the compliance label may be missing information in French. The words and abbreviations listed on the label for "TIRES", "RIMS", "W… |
| 2020216 15 May 2020 | Structure Issue: On certain vehicles, road salt can corrode the front cross-member (subframe). As a result, a lower control arm could eventually detach from the cross-m… |
| 2018052 26 Jan 2018 | Electrical On certain vehicles, the flange of the drive belt automatic tensioner may crack over time due to repetitive high load operations and stress concentration. This … |
| 2017364 20 Jul 2017 | Visual System On certain vehicles, water may drain from the windshield cowl area and potentially collect in the area of the wiper motor breathing hole. If the wiper motor is … |
| 2016529 27 Oct 2016 | Visual System On certain vehicles, water may drain from the windshield cowl area onto the front wiper link ball joint. Over time, this could result in corrosion and/or wear t… |
| 2016317 21 Jun 2016 | Structure On certain vehicles, road salt can corrode the front crossmember assembly, which may ultimately lead to separation of the control arm at the mounting point. Th… |
| 2014247 25 Jun 2014 | Steering Certain 2013 model year vehicles with a 6-speed automatic transmission may have been manufactured with insufficient clearance between the power steering pressur… |
| 2014248 25 Jun 2014 | Powertrain On certain 2012 to 2014 model year vehicles, due to improper manufacturing of the oil seal boss in certain transfer assemblies, the oil seal can become out of p… |
| 2012001 4 Jan 2012 | Lights And Instruments Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. An incorrectly… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Mitsubishi told its dealers about the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11006081 | This Technical Service Bulletin instructs the dealer to update the Hands Free Module software to improve the Bluetooth connection when certain devices are connected to WiFi. |
| 11003536 | Service Manual Revision - This Technical Service Bulletin provides corrections to the description of special tools used to install the oil seal within the Automatic Transaxle sections of the applicable Service Manuals. |
| 11003535 | Service Manual Revision - This Technical Service Bulletin provides additions to the description of special tools used for removal of the drive belt within the Engine Mechanical (3.0L Engine) section of the applicable Service Manuals. |
| 10240443 | This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023. |
| 10235609 | This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue. |
| 10235608 | This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more than 1.5 percent of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or 100 lbs. |
| 10235606 | This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023. |
| 10234004 | This Technical Service Bulletin instructs dealers to replace the seat adjuster assembly and power seat harness in affected vehicles with improved countermeasure parts. |
| 10233997 | This Technical Service Bulletin contains technical information and troubleshooting for the accessory Remote Engine Start system for affected vehicles. |
| 10233994 | This is a Technical Information Notice informing dealers and parts managers about possible causes after a customer complains that the engine will not start while using the remote start system. |
| 10231410 | This TSB provides revisions to the Removal and Installation procedures for the rocker cover due to changes in the quantity of mounting bolts for vehicles equipped with 4B1 series engine. (Service Manual Revision) |
| 10228919 | Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications. |
| 10226082 | Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications. |
| 10211530 | This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a defective/broken part. |
| 10208837 | This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers informing them to replace the Power Seat Side Shield and apply felt tape when customers complain the Power Seat Side Shield is coming off while entering/exiting the vehicle. |
| 10207798 | This Technical Service Bulletin instructs dealers to apply Nonwoven Fabric Tape between the Seat Back and Urethane Pad when customers report a condition where an abnormal rubbing noise is heard from the Seat Back when a driver and/or passenger is seated in the front seat(s). |
| 10203270 | This Technical Service Bulletin instructs dealers to replace the seat adjuster assembly and power seat harness in affected vehicles with improved countermeasure parts. Due to a change in the reclining motor, the new longer harness and connector are necessary. |
| 10203267 | This Technical Service Bulletin instructs dealers to replace the seat adjuster assembly and power seat harness in affected vehicles with improved countermeasure parts. Due to a change in the reclining motor, the new longer harness and connector are necessary. |
| 10200351 | This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers informing them a shock absorber oil leak may result in replacement of absorbers unnecessarily when trace amounts of oil are noted to have adhered to the shock absorber. |
| 10199125 | This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers informing them a shock absorber oil leak may result in replacement of absorbers unnecessarily when trace amounts of oil are noted to have adhered to the shock absorber. |
| 10191961 | This Technical Information Notice provides additional instructions to dealers when replacing the Valve Cover Gasket due to a customer concern of oil leaking. |
| 10182303 | This Technical Service Bulletin was sent informing dealers an abnormal rubbing noise is heard from the Seat Back when a driver and/or passenger is seated in the front seat(s) and instructs dealers to apply Nonwoven Fabric Tape between the Seat Back and Urethane Pad. |
| 10181899 | Revision to previous TSB SR-20-003 for the Crossmember recall. Added Warranty information for instances where subframe may fail and cause additional damage to unrelated parts. This bulletin provides directions for inspection and repair of affected vehicles' Crossmembers. |
| 10181898 | Technical Information Notice sent to dealerships to advise ofrevision changes to TSB "SR-20-003REV_2" |
| 10180973 | Revision to previous TSB SR-20-003 for the Crossmember recall. Added Warranty information for instances where subframe may fail and cause additional damage to unrelated parts. This bulletin provides directions for inspection and repair of affected vehicles' Crossmembers. |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)