2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: 6 recalls, 14 owner complaints and up to 27 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Exterior lights Vehicle recall #12V001000 · 2012 · 21 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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…
The fix: 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.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #16V792000 · 2016 · 93,801 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Body & structure, Body & structure Vehicle recall #16V867000 · 2016 · 50,228 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Mmna will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lift gate supports, free of charge. The recall began on January 20, 2017.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #18V069000 · 2018 · 141,053 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #18V103000 · 2018 · 158,651 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Body & structure, Suspension Vehicle recall #20V279000 · 2020 · 141,200 vehicles
What's wrong: 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,…
Why it matters: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 2 injuries and 1 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Airbags (6): the most common themes are fails to deploy (3), warning light on (2).
- Electrical (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Suspension (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Engine (2): the most common themes are noise or vibration (2).
The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has 14 owner complaints, ranking #11 of 16 Outlander Sport model years for complaints (well below the 30 average). Complaints peaked in 2019 (3 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 4 years old, at a median of 52,900 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (30 complaints, 10 recalls), 2013 (42 complaints, 10 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 30 | 27 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 30 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 23 | 28 | 25 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems?
Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are airbags (6), electrical (2), suspension (2).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport get?
EPA ratings run up to 27 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (AV-S6)), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.