2012 Mitsubishi Outlander: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander: 6 recalls, 22 owner complaints and up to 25 mpg combined.
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Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #14V366000 · 2014 · 203 vehicles
What's wrong: 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…
Why it matters: A power steering fluid leak could result in a loss of steering assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Suspension Vehicle recall #16V458000 · 2016 · 194,674 vehicles
What's wrong: 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,…
Why it matters: A detached front control arm can result in the loss of control of the vehicle, 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 that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These…
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #16V791000 · 2016 · 100,082 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
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 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.
Visibility (wipers, glass) Vehicle recall #17V461000 · 2017 · 100,082 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
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 recall began July 28, 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.
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, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (6): the most common themes are leaks (2), noise or vibration (2).
- Other / unknown (4): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Visibility/Wiper (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Brakes (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander has 22 owner complaints, ranking #19 of 23 Outlander model years for complaints (well below the 58 average). Complaints peaked in 2018 (4 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 6 years old, at a median of 86,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (58 complaints, 8 recalls), 2013 (26 complaints, 5 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 28 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 22 | 27 | 24 | Regular |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | Premium |
| 3.0 L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 19 | 24 | 21 | Premium |
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.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
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 have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander. 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 problems?
Owners have filed 22 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (6), other / unknown (4), visibility/wiper (3).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander get?
EPA ratings run up to 25 mpg combined (2.4 L, Automatic (AV-S6)), across 4 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander 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.