2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
43/100
#9 most-complained of 15 Outlander Sport years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport has 14 owner complaints and 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 43 out of 100 — #9 highest of 15 Outlander Sport model years (verdict: Good). The most reported problem area is airbags (6 complaints, 43% of the total). Complaints report 3 crashes, 2 injuries, and 1 death.
- Complaints
- 14
- Recalls
- 6
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 26
- 24 city / 30 hwy
Top 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags6 (43%)
- Engine3 (21%)
- Electrical System2 (14%)
- Structure & Body2 (14%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (14%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (14%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (7%)
2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V279000May 18, 2020Structure & Body141,200 vehicles
Structure:frame and members
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, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
Risk: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.
- NHTSA 18V103000Feb 9, 2018Visibility & Wipers158,651 vehicles
Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:linkages
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.
Risk: Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-004.
- NHTSA 18V069000Jan 26, 2018Engine141,053 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleys
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.
Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-001.
2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24 MPG
- Highway
- 30 MPG
- Combined
- 26 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,500
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other Outlander Sport years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ranks #9 of 15 among Outlander Sport model years (Complaint Index 43/100, verdict: Good). It has 14 complaints and 6 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
- The most reported problem areas are airbags (6 complaints), engine (3 complaints), and electrical system (2 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 52,900 miles.
- Does the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, most recently reported 2020, covering structure & body, visibility & wipers, engine, and electrical system.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport?
- EPA rates the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport at 26 MPG combined (24 city / 30 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.