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.

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander

○ Not enough data

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:47:11.455Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 22
Recalls: 6
Investigations: 0
Top problem: —

Complaints per year

2012: 22 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2003	116
2004	52
2005	19
2006	21
2007	125
2008	58
2009	46
2010	60
2011	58
2012	22
2013	26
2014	45
2015	53
2016	144
2017	51
2018	57
2019	29
2020	31
2022	217
2023	48
2024	26
2025	15
2026	3

Known problem areas

Only 22 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Power train

6 of 22 total reports mention: power train.

Visibility/wiper

3 of 22 total reports mention: visibility/wiper.

Suspension

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, 2024-08-15

Service brakes

3 of 22 total reports mention: service brakes.

Engine

3 of 22 total reports mention: engine.

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

R

2014-08-12Steering14V366000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-09-14Suspension16V458000 Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-07-28Visibility16V791000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-07-28Visibility17V461000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-03-27Engine and engine cooling18V069000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-08-07Structure, suspension20V279000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 6 reports on file for this year.
Visibility/wiper: 3 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 14V366000 · Steering
Recall 16V458000 · Suspension
Recall 16V791000 · Visibility
Recall 17V461000 · Visibility
Recall 18V069000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 20V279000 · Structure, suspension

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years1 year

202031

Worst years3 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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.