NHTSA vehicle safety data

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 14 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized Mitsubishi dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport owner complaints

Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, describing incidents dated May 30, 2012 to May 18, 2023.

Most-cited components

Air Bags 6 complaints
Engine 3 complaints
Electrical System 2 complaints
Structure 2 complaints
Suspension 2 complaints
Visibility/Wiper 2 complaints

Of the 14 complaints on file, 3 report a crash; across all 14 complaints, owners report 2 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11585549 · Filed April 27, 2024
The vehicle has extreme rust and corrosion. Car was service under the manufacturer recall on [XXX] 2020. The subframe crossmember has rusted so bad that it is a safety hazard. On my paperwork from the dealership it stated that anti-corrosion aerosol was applied with NOX RUST 712AM. It also stated…
ODI #11522678 · Filed May 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the battery warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle overheated. An independent mechanic arrived at the scene and informed the contact that the serpentine belt had detached…
ODI #11424791 · Filed July 14, 2021
The contact owns a 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated upon looking under the vehicle, the contact noticed that the whole frame and upper panel were completely rusted. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 16V867000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to a…

Read all 14 complaints

Lower Control Arm May Detach Due to Corrosion

NHTSA #20V279000 · Structure — Frame and Members · NHTSA notice

Reported May 18, 2020 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 141,200 vehicles

Repair completion: 46.59% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mitsubishi campaign SR-20-003 · Owners notified August 7, 2020

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Wiper Link Can Corrode Due to Moisture Exposure

NHTSA #18V103000 · Visibility — Windshield Wiper/Washer — Linkages · NHTSA notice

Reported February 9, 2018 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 158,651 vehicles

Repair completion: 56.88% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mitsubishi campaign SR-18-004 · Owners notified March 27, 2018 · Vehicles built August 26, 2010 – June 1, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Belt Tensioner may Break Allowing Belt to Detach

NHTSA #18V069000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Engine — Gasoline — Belts and Associated Pulleys · NHTSA notice

Reported January 26, 2018 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 141,053 vehicles

Repair completion: 38.4% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mitsubishi campaign SR-18-001 · Owners notified March 27, 2018 · Vehicles built August 26, 2010 – December 15, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Lift Gate Supports may Fail and Lift Gate may Fall

NHTSA #16V867000 · Structure — Body — Hatchback/Liftgate — Hinge and Attachments · NHTSA notice

Reported December 2, 2016 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 50,228 vehicles

Repair completion: 59.08% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mitsubishi campaign SR-16-011 · Owners notified January 20, 2017 · Vehicles built August 26, 2010 – June 1, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Water Intrusion may cause Wiper Motor Failure

NHTSA #16V792000 · Visibility — Windshield Wiper/Washer — Motor · NHTSA notice

Reported October 31, 2016 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 93,801 vehicles

Repair completion: 56.25% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mitsubishi campaign SR-16-010 · Owners notified January 20, 2017 · Vehicles built August 26, 2010 – June 1, 2012 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

TURN SIGNAL LEVER

NHTSA #12V001000 · Exterior Lighting — Turn Signal · NHTSA notice

Reported January 3, 2012 · MITSUBISHI MOTORS NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Potentially affected: 21 vehicles

Owners notified January 9, 2012 · Vehicles built November 9, 2011 – December 16, 2011 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUV FWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Pole

Rollover

19% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUV AWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Pole

Rollover

17% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

14 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.

Suspension

ODI #11585549

Incident: September 5, 2020 · Filed: April 27, 2024

The vehicle has extreme rust and corrosion. Car was service under the manufacturer recall on [XXX] 2020. The subframe crossmember has rusted so bad that it is a safety hazard. On my paperwork from the dealership it stated that anti-corrosion aerosol was applied with NOX RUST 712AM. It also stated that the recall passed inspection. How is that possible and it's falling apart. The dealership it was taken to was South Suburban in Matteson, IL. Car is not safe to drive because of possibility of frame coming loose from the body of vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11522678

Incident: May 18, 2023 · Filed: May 18, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the battery warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle overheated. An independent mechanic arrived at the scene and informed the contact that the serpentine belt had detached. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred 2 more times. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V069000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

Structure

ODI #11424791

Incident: October 12, 2020 · Filed: July 14, 2021

The contact owns a 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated upon looking under the vehicle, the contact noticed that the whole frame and upper panel were completely rusted. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 16V867000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was confirmed that the recall already had been performed prior to the contact owning the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Air Bags

ODI #11219713

Crash 2 injuries1 death

Incident: May 19, 2019 · Filed: June 13, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH DURING NIGHT, THE VEHICLE HIT TWO PEDESTRIANS CROSSING THE ROAD AND FATALLY INJURED ONE OF THE PEDESTRIANS. THE OTHER PASSENGER WAS BEING PUSHED IN A WHEELCHAIR AND DID SUSTAIN INJURIES BUT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATORS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD, WAITING FOR THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE DOCTOR INFORMED HER THAT IF SHE HAD NOT WENT TO THE HOSPITAL HER INJURIES COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

Structure

ODI #11217888

Crash

Incident: May 30, 2019 · Filed: June 4, 2019

MY MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT HAS A KEYLESS START. THERE IS NO MECHANISM THAT PREVENTS THE VEHICLE ACCIDENTALLY BEING TURNED OFF WHILE STILL IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. ON 5/30/19 AT APPROXIMATELY 9:20 PM, I MADE A RUN TO MY LOCAL RITE-AID. I TURNED OF THE IGNITION, BUT FORGOT TO PUT IT IN PARK. I EXITED THE STORE AFTER APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES TO FIND MY CAR MISSING FROM THE PARKING LOT. I INITIALLY THOUGHT IT HAD BEEN STOLEN. THE POLICE FOUND MY VEHICLE AFTER IT HAD ROLLED OUT OF THE PARKING LOT, INTO TRAFFIC AND ENDED UP CRASHING IN A DITCH. IT HAD TO BE HAULED OUT AND SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND MAY BE A TOTAL LOSS. I CAN ONLY BE GRATEFUL THAT IT DID NOT COLLIDE INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE,L OR HIT A PEDESTRIAN. THIS ACCIDENT COULD HAVE EASILY KILLED SOMEONE. THERE IS NO LOGICAL REASON THAT A SAFETY MECHANISM SHOULD NOT BE A STANDARD REQUIREMENT IN ALL PUSH BUTTON START VEHICLES TO PREVENT SUCH A TRAGEDY. THE CAR RENTAL I AM CURRENTLY USING IS A 2019 ESCALADE. I TESTED THE REMOTE START IN THE ESCALADE AND NO MATTER WHAT GEAR I AM IN WHEN I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, IT AUTOMATICALLY DEFAULTS TO PARK. IT CAN BE DONE AND SHOULD BE REQUIRED!

Air Bags

ODI #11174579

Incident: February 2, 2019 · Filed: February 5, 2019

TAKATA RECALL" WHEN I TURNED ON THE CAR THE LIGHT OF MY PANEL SHOWS "AIRBAG SERVICE NEEDED". STAY ON THE LIGHT UNTIL I TURN OFF THE CAR. I HAVE THIS PROBLEM SINCE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND OF THIS CURRENT YEARS UNTIL PRESENT TIME. I LOOKED ON ONLINE AND I FOUND A LOT OF COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME ISSUES.

Power Train; Electrical System; Engine

ODI #10995813

Incident: June 17, 2017 · Filed: June 19, 2017

TRANSMISSION/ENGINE MAKES A HIGH PITCHED WHINING NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING ABOVE 2000 RPMS CURRENTLY. IT STARTED OUT ONLY DOING IT WHEN GOING UP HILL AT HIGHER RPMS BUT HAS GOTTEN WORSE. IT HAS ALSO AFFECTED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND HAD THE LOCKS, BACKUP CAMERA, REVERSE LIGHTS ALL GOING HAYWIRE. THIS WAS WITNESSED BY MY OIL SHOP WHILE GETTING AN OIL CHANGE ON IT THE MECHANIC COULDNT GET THE VEHICLE FROM DRIVE TO PARK AMD ONCE IT DID GO IT WOULD UNLOCK FROM PARK. I WAS TOLD IT WAS SENSORS BY A MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP BUT THAT DIDNT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. IT REVS THE ENGINE IT HIGH TPMS WHILE DRIVING NOT LETTINGNIT SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND MAKES IT SO YOU CANT GET THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION SHUTS DOWN. EVEN IN NEUTRAL THE RPMSWILL INCREASE WHEN IT DOES THIS. THIS IS A SAFTEY ISSUE WITH THIS ENGINE/TRANSMISSION IF YOU GET STUCK IN A HIGH TRAFFIC AREA AND CAN NOT GET TO A SAFE PULLOFF. IVE HAD MY KIDS IN THE CAR WHEN THIS HAS HAPPENED AND THE DEALERSHIPS (ALL 3 OF THEM) CA NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD TO MISS WORK FOR THESE APPOINTMENTS AND NOW THE WARRANTY IS EXPIRED AS I BOUGHT IT USED AND CAN NOT AFFORD TO REPLACE A TRANSMISSION OR ENGINE AND BEING THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND SEEING OTHERS COMPLAINING OF THE SAME THINGS WITH THERE VEHICLES IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND CORRECTED. IT ALSO SMELLS LIKE RUBBER OR ELECTRICAL BURNING WHEN THIS HAPPENS.

Visibility/Wiper

ODI #10956653

Incident: December 15, 2016 · Filed: February 23, 2017

I DONT FIND ANY CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR MY RECALL FOR THE BODY PIECE BETWEEN THE HOOD AND WINDSHIELD MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

Engine; Visibility/Wiper

ODI #10925524

Incident: September 6, 2016 · Filed: November 11, 2016

TAKATA RECALL WHEN DRIVING MY VEHICLE MAKES A WINING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE IN THE VEHICLE WHEN I AM DRIVING. SECOND PROBLEM IS THE MY WINDHIELD WIPER NO LONGER HOLD WATER AND IT IS LEAKING OUT COMPLETELY. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER WORKED WHEN PURCHASED AND THE ENGINE LOUD WINING NOISE JUST STARTED IN SEPTEMBER WHEN THE WINDSHIELD STOP WORKING. THE ENGINE NOISE IS WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE WIPER JUST STARTED LEAKING IT HAS A HOLD IN THE RESERVER I BELIEVE.

Air Bags

ODI #10871234

Incident: April 14, 2016 · Filed: May 27, 2016

THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH IS ON. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IT HAS BEEN FOUND THAT THE AIRBAG SENSOR BENEATH THE PASSENGER SEAT IS DEFECTIVE. IN ORDER TO FIX THIS PROBLEM THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SEAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND COSTS $1700. THEY ARE SAYING IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY, BUT THIS SEEMS TO A SAFETY ISSUE.

Other Mitsubishi Outlander Sport model years

Check your 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your Mitsubishi Outlander Sport at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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