This page covers 6 recalls, 14 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
21–24 mpg combined
9.8–11.2 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints for the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport are spread across a few systems, with airbags drawing the most reports. Owners describe airbags failing to deploy during collisions, which is the central concern across that cluster. The structure complaints center on rust and corrosion, specifically the subframe and underbody panels deteriorating to the point owners considered them a structural hazard. Suspension rounds out the short list of named systems, though the complaint volume there is low. One report describes a serpentine belt detaching repeatedly, causing overheating, and another involves a push-button ignition with no safeguard against shutting the engine off while the vehicle is still in gear. With only 14 total complaints across this model year, no single system dominates overwhelmingly, but airbag non-deployment and underbody corrosion are the two patterns that show up more than once.
14
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has 6 recalls, the most serious involving the front control arm, which can detach from the vehicle and cause a sudden loss of steering control.
The engine's accessory drive belt tensioner flange can crack and release the drive belt, which causes the battery to drain and the engine to stall while driving. On the liftgate, a corroding outer tube on the gas-assisted strut can lose pressure rapidly, causing the hatch to drop without warning on anyone standing beneath it.
Two recalls affect the windshield wipers. Water leaking into the wiper motor can corrode it internally until the motor fails entirely, and a separate issue with the wiper linkage ball joint can also corrode and cause the wipers to stop moving. Both leave the driver without wipers in wet conditions. There is also a compliance concern with the turn signal on certain vehicles built in late 2011: the auto-cancel function may not stop the signal after completing a turn, leaving the indicator running longer than intended.
At a glance
What can fail
The front cross member can corrode from road salt exposure in certain regions, which may cause the front lower control arms to detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front cross member and either apply a sealing agent or replace it with a new one, free of charge.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water seeps between the hood and windshield, corroding the front wiper link ball joint. The corroded joint may separate, causing the wipers to stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the wiper link rod and wiper motor crank arm at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The drive belt tensioner flange may crack, which can cause the accessory drive belt to come loose and detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the belt tensioner with an improved design at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The lift gate support outer tube may lack sufficient rust protection, allowing corrosion from salt and water exposure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the lift gate supports at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can seep between the hood and windshield into the wiper motor's breathing hole, causing internal rust and potential motor failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the wiper motor at no cost once parts become available.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The turn signal lever was not manufactured correctly, which could prevent the auto-cancel function from working properly.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the turn signal lever with a new one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
