2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport ranks 9th worst of 15 model years, with a complaint index of 43 and a Good verdict relative to other years. It has 14 complaints and 6 recalls, led by airbag issues (43% of complaints).
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 43/100
- #9 of 15 Outlander Sport years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 14
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 26
- 24 city / 30 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 1
Top 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Side airbags failed to deploy in a crash, in one case at a reported median mileage of 38,948 miles.
- Airbag warning light comes on due to a defective sensor beneath the passenger seat, requiring seat replacement.
- Front suspension develops a squeaking noise with oil leakage from a front strut around 50,638 miles.
- Engine and transmission produce a high-pitched whining noise during acceleration that owners say worsens over time and disrupts electrical components like locks and the backup camera.
- Frame and upper body panels show heavy rust, tied by owners to the structural recall campaign 16V867000.
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 reliable?
- NHTSA data shows a complaint index of 43 for the 2012 model, ranking it 9th worst out of 15 model years and earning a Good verdict relative to other years of the Outlander Sport.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Outlander Sport?
- Airbags account for 43% of complaints, including reports of non-deployment in crashes, followed by engine issues at 21% and electrical system, structure, suspension, and wiper problems each near 14%.
- Does the 2012 Outlander Sport have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recalls for the 2012 Outlander Sport, covering structure and body corrosion, wiper motor water intrusion, engine belt tensioner, liftgate supports, and a turn signal lever issue.
- How does the 2012 model compare to other Outlander Sport years?
- The 2012 model's complaint index of 43 is lower than 2013 (79), 2014 (86), 2015 (100), and 2019 (93), all rated Avoid, making 2012 a comparatively safer choice within this model line.