NHTSA (USA)Critical
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.
This page covers 7 recalls, 22 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander.
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
The 2012 Outlander's complaint picture is led by powertrain issues, where owners most commonly describe unexpected stalling while driving at various speeds, accompanied by the check engine light coming on and a complete loss of power. Visibility and wiper complaints make up the next notable group, though the specific symptoms reported there are less uniform. A smaller cluster of suspension-related reports describes rubbing noises from underneath the vehicle and rough ride behavior over uneven pavement, sometimes alongside check engine light activity. Outside those top systems, a handful of owners report concerns with the seatbelt latch releasing on its own while driving, and separately, the passenger seat sensor triggering false seatbelt warnings and an airbag service light that stays on continuously.
22
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
By System
The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander has 7 recalls, the most serious involving the front suspension control arm, which can detach from the vehicle and cause a complete loss of steering control.
A separate structural concern ties into the same risk: frame members that anchor the front suspension can also allow the control arm to break free, with the same result of losing control of the vehicle. On vehicles that received a replacement 6-speed automatic transmission during service, a power steering fluid line can leak and reduce or eliminate steering assist, making the vehicle harder to control. The engine on certain trims uses a drive belt tensioner that can crack and release the accessory belt, causing the battery to drain and the engine to stall unexpectedly.
Two related recalls cover the windshield wipers: water that seeps between the hood and windshield can corrode the wiper linkage ball joint until the link separates and the wipers stop moving, and the same water intrusion can corrode the wiper motor internally until it fails entirely. There is also a compliance recall for a turn signal lever that may not automatically cancel after a turn, though the driver can still cancel it manually.
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.
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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 →
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.
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
Water can enter the wiper motor through its breathing hole after leaking between the hood and windshield, causing internal corrosion and potential motor failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the wiper motor at no cost to you.
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. This corrosion can cause the wiper link to separate, making the wipers stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a rubber boot on the ball joint to block water entry and inspect the wiper motor crank arm for damage, replacing it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front cross member can corrode from salt water exposure in certain regions, potentially causing the front lower control arms to detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front cross member and either apply a sealing/anti-corrosion agent or replace it with a new sealed one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The power steering pressure tube sits too close to the transmission converter housing. Contact between these parts can puncture the tube, causing power steering fluid to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the power steering pressure tube and return tube at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The turn signal lever may be incorrectly manufactured, causing the auto-cancel function to fail. Drivers can still manually cancel turn signals.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the turn signal lever and replace it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
