The Lemon IndexAll carsMitsubishiOutlander2012
201120132nd generation
Complaints only. Too few sold to score: 7,750 in the U.S. in 2012 (sales source), under the 20,000 a fair per-car score needs. Owners filed 3 complaints in its first 3 years.
3 owner complaints, first 3 years 21–27 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2012 Toyota RAV4 562012 Honda CR-V 492012 Nissan Rogue 34
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 20V279000 (body structure), 18V069000 (engine) and 17V461000 (visibility) done? It has 6 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do the wipers, washers, defrost and mirrors all work?
- Mitsubishi sent dealers 104 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “This technical service bulletin, provided to dealers, provides the correct torque…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Mitsubishi's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 3 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
In owners' words
One day I noticed a screw missing from the piece that holds the visor to the roof and it won't be long until the visor falls all together.
2012 Mitsubishi Outlander owner · NHTSA complaint 10579398
Problems Mitsubishi told dealers about
Mitsubishi sent dealers 104 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This technical service bulletin, provided to dealers, provides the correct torque…
- This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 6
- Body structure · recall issued 2020
The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from.
- Engine · recall issued 2018
The drive belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive belt to detach.
- Visibility · recall issued 2017
In the affected vehicles, water may drop between the hood and the windshield and leak into the wiper motor breathing hole.
Show all 6 recalls
- Visibility · recall issued 2016
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.
- Suspension · recall issued 2016
In the affected vehicles, the front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross me.
- Steering · recall issued 2014
A power steering fluid leak could result in a loss of steering assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Every Mitsubishi Outlander recall, all years · All Mitsubishi recalls
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi Outlander SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mitsubishi Outlander SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Mitsubishi Outlander Sport SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2,200–$3,600 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
Every Mitsubishi Outlander year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
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Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2012 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/mitsubishi-outlander/?y=2012" title="Mitsubishi Outlander reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="445" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/mitsubishi-outlander/2012/">Lemon Index</a> (2012 Mitsubishi Outlander reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?
We can't score it: only 7,750 were sold in the U.S. in 2012 (calendar-year sales), under the 20,000 we need for a fair per-car score. Owners filed 3 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are visibility (67%) and wheels (33%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
6 safety recalls (latest: body structure). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander get?
21 to 27 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander cost in fuel a year?
About $2,200 to $3,600 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl.
What Mitsubishi Outlander year is better than the 2012?
No year within 3 model years of it drew fewer complaints. Across every year, 2020 drew the fewest (about a third as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works