NHTSA vehicle safety data

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 22 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, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2012 Mitsubishi Outlander owner complaints

Owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander, describing incidents dated November 14, 2012 to September 29, 2025.

Most-cited components

Power Train 6 complaints
Visibility/Wiper 5 complaints
Unknown or Other 4 complaints
Engine 3 complaints
Service Brakes 3 complaints
Suspension 3 complaints

Of the 22 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11692172 · Filed October 8, 2025
My Mitsubishi vehicle has an open recall related to a drive belt issue. Mitsubishi confirmed the recall, but the company have not completed the repair or scheduled an appointment, even after several attempts to contact them. The vehicle has stalled multiple times while driving, including on city…
ODI #11608802 · Filed August 15, 2024
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. The contact stated that on one of those occasions, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally…
ODI #11567379 · Filed January 23, 2024
The car's airbag system service required came on without any incidents to the car. It used to be on and off but now, it is consistently on. The seat detect very lightweight things like a book or a bag and gives the warning of seatbelt not on. The airbag system and the pressure sensor of the…

Read all 22 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.

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 June 25, 2008 – November 16, 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.

Water Intrusion may cause Wiper Motor Failure

NHTSA #17V461000 · Visibility — Windshield Wiper/Washer — Motor · NHTSA notice

Reported July 20, 2017 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 100,082 vehicles

Repair completion: 35.98% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mitsubishi campaign SR-17-003 · Owners notified July 28, 2017 · Vehicles built September 8, 2006 – March 29, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

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 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.

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 Link Corrosion

NHTSA #16V791000 · Visibility — Windshield Wiper/Washer — Linkages · NHTSA notice

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

Potentially affected: 100,082 vehicles

Repair completion: 35.96% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mitsubishi campaign SR-16-009 · Owners notified July 28, 2017 · Vehicles built September 8, 2006 – March 29, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

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 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.

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.

Lower Control Arm Detachment Due to Corrosion

NHTSA #16V458000 · Suspension — Front — Control Arm — Lower Arm · NHTSA notice

Reported June 23, 2016 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 194,674 vehicles

Repair completion: 18.15% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mitsubishi campaign SR-16-003 · Owners notified September 14, 2016 · Vehicles built September 8, 2006 – March 11, 2013 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, 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 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.

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.

Power Steering Pressure Tube may Leak

NHTSA #14V366000 · Steering — Hydraulic Power Assist — Hose, Piping, and Connections · NHTSA notice

Reported June 25, 2014 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

Potentially affected: 203 vehicles

Repair completion: 75.76% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Mitsubishi campaign SR-14-006 · Owners notified August 12, 2014

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

A power steering fluid leak could result in a loss of steering assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

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.

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV FWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 3

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Pole

Rollover

19% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander SUV AWD

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Frontal Crash

Driver: 4, Passenger: 3

Side Crash

Driver: 5, Passenger: 4

Side Pole

Rollover

17% rollover risk

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

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

Electrical System; Unknown or Other; Engine

ODI #11692172

Incident: September 29, 2025 · Filed: October 8, 2025

My Mitsubishi vehicle has an open recall related to a drive belt issue. Mitsubishi confirmed the recall, but the company have not completed the repair or scheduled an appointment, even after several attempts to contact them. The vehicle has stalled multiple times while driving, including on city roads. When it stalls, the check engine light comes on, and the car loses all power. I have to restart it to keep driving. This is a serious safety risk because it happens suddenly and could lead to an accident. The alternator and battery were both tested and are in good condition, so the problem appears related to the recalled belt or electrical system. The issue was confirmed by an independent mechanic, but Mitsubishi has not provided a repair or timeline. The problem continues and makes the vehicle unsafe to drive, especially in cold or highway conditions.

Suspension; Power Train

ODI #11608802

Incident: March 25, 2023 · Filed: August 15, 2024

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. The contact stated that on one of those occasions, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, while driving over bumps in the roadway the vehicle was not driving smoothly. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the drive belt was cracked on the ribs of the belt, the sway bar links, and front and rear CV boots were torn, the tie rod end replacement boots were torn, and the lower front and lower control arms, ball joints, and rear bushings were torn, the motor mount front bushings had started to tear, motor mount was torn, and the shock absorbers needed to be replaced due to rear shocks leaking and that all the listed parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,148.

Air Bags; Seats

ODI #11567379

Incident: December 20, 2023 · Filed: January 23, 2024

The car's airbag system service required came on without any incidents to the car. It used to be on and off but now, it is consistently on. The seat detect very lightweight things like a book or a bag and gives the warning of seatbelt not on. The airbag system and the pressure sensor of the passenger seat is faulty. With this warning, airbags will not deploy. I saw multiple incidents with other Mitsubishi Outlander owners who have the same issue.

Steering; Unknown or Other; Lane Departure

ODI #11516984

Crash

Incident: April 13, 2023 · Filed: April 14, 2023

I was driving speed limit, on a sunny day, when my car began to veer to the left. I eased back into the right lane and suddenly the car made a quick jerk to the left; then, another to the right. I slid on the bank and missed the ditch before becoming airborne and landing in a corn field. I was able to drive to a safe location when the traction control light appeared on the dashboard.

Seat Belts

ODI #11497515

Incident: December 1, 2022 · Filed: December 15, 2022

The seat belt has started to fail. It sounds like it clicks in and the warning light turns off. Once I start to drive the seat belt will come off. This has happened approximately 5 times in the last month.

Unknown or Other

ODI #11464505

Incident: May 13, 2022 · Filed: May 13, 2022

2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR VEHICLE REPAIRS MADE RELATED TO SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR RECALLS 20V-279, C1614Z, AND SR-18-004REV.

Suspension; Service Brakes

ODI #11460225

Incident: April 4, 2022 · Filed: April 9, 2022

Lower control arm wasn't fixed it's detached its self and the belt tensioner wasn't fixed like it said it was fixed and control module needs fixed as well

Power Train

ODI #11433279

Incident: September 16, 2021 · Filed: September 16, 2021

The transmission prematurely fails and begins to shine and locks up

Power Train; Electrical System; Engine

ODI #11386334

Incident: November 26, 2020 · Filed: January 3, 2021

THE VEHICLE STOPS RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING- USUALLY WHILE GOING 60 MPH AND REDUCING THE SPEED IN THE EXPRESS WAY, IT JUST AUTOMATICALLY TURNS OFF. IT HAS ALREADY HAPPENED TO ME TWICE.

Power Train

ODI #11372647

Incident: September 10, 2019 · Filed: November 2, 2020

THE TRANSMISSION DOES NOT CHANGE ALL THE TIME TOOK IT TO A TRANSMISSION SHOP AND SAID THEY WAS A RECALL IN 2014,15 FOR THIS PROBLEM. AND WAS SEE IF ANY OTHER 2012 HAD THE SAMD PROBLEM.

Other Mitsubishi Outlander model years

Check your 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander VIN

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

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