2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
Only 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 22 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 116 |
| 2004 | 52 |
| 2005 | 18 |
| 2006 | 21 |
| 2007 | 125 |
| 2008 | 58 |
| 2009 | 46 |
| 2010 | 60 |
| 2011 | 58 |
| 2012 | 22 |
| 2013 | 26 |
| 2014 | 45 |
| 2015 | 52 |
| 2016 | 141 |
| 2017 | 51 |
| 2018 | 55 |
| 2019 | 29 |
| 2020 | 29 |
| 2022 | 208 |
| 2023 | 40 |
| 2024 | 22 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 2 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 22 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
6 of 22 total reports mention: power train.
3 of 22 total reports mention: visibility/wiper.
3 of 22 total reports mention: suspension.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240815
3 of 22 total reports mention: service brakes.
3 of 22 total reports mention: engine.
SAFETY TIMELINE
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
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.
Campaign 14V366000 — check if this car was fixed
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members.
Campaign 16V458000 — check if this car was fixed
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles manufactured September 8, 2006, to March 29, 2013.
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.
Campaign 16V791000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 17V461000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 18V069000 — check if this car was fixed
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
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.
Campaign 20V279000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Mitsubishi Outlander — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (6 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (3 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 14V366000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V458000 (suspension) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V791000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 17V461000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V069000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20V279000 (structure, suspension) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.