MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT · model year

2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT

18 NHTSA complaints, 3 crash reports, and 6 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2012MITSUBISHIOUTLANDER SPORT carries 18 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 1 fatality. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 4/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2012 OUTLANDER SPORT is air bags with 6 filings, followed by electrical system (2) and suspension (2). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 6 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 14 investigation files overlapping the 2012 OUTLANDER SPORT. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

18
Complaints
3
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
1
Deaths
2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 4.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

18 filings

Crashes Reported

3 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 — Strong NCAP rating · Front: 4/5 · Side: 4/5 · Rollover: 4/5

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
SUSPENSION2
ENGINE2
VISIBILITY/WIPER2
POWER TRAIN1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
STRUCTURE1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1

Recalls (6)

16V79200031/10/2016

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR

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

18V06900026/01/2018

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 b

20V27900018/05/2020

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, M

18V10300009/02/2018

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.

12V00100003/01/2012

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL

MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 OUTLANDER SPORT VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 9, 2011, THROUGH DECEMBER 16, 2011. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THE T

16V86700002/12/2016

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

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

Recent Complaints

20240427SUSPENSION

The vehicle has extreme rust and corrosion. Car was service under the manufacturer recall on [XXX] 2020. The subframe crossmember has rusted so bad that it is a safety hazard. On my paperwork from the dealership it stated that anti-corrosion aerosol was applied with NOX RUST 712AM. It also stated that the recall passed inspection. How is that possible and it's falling apart. The dealership it was taken to was South Suburban in Matteson, IL. Car is not safe to drive because of possibility of frame coming loose from the body of vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20230518ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the battery warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle overheated. An independent mechanic arrived at the scene and informed the contact that the serpentine belt had detached. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred 2 more times. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V069000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.

Mileage: 102,000

20210714STRUCTURE

The contact owns a 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated upon looking under the vehicle, the contact noticed that the whole frame and upper panel were completely rusted. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 16V867000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was confirmed that the recall already had been performed prior to the contact owning the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Mileage: 98,000

20190613CrashFatalAIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH DURING NIGHT, THE VEHICLE HIT TWO PEDESTRIANS CROSSING THE ROAD AND FATALLY INJURED ONE OF THE PEDESTRIANS. THE OTHER PASSENGER WAS BEING PUSHED IN A WHEELCHAIR AND DID SUSTAIN INJURIES BUT DID NOT SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATORS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED AND WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD, WAITING FOR THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE DOCTOR INFORMED HER THAT IF SHE HAD NOT WENT TO THE HOSPITAL HER INJURIES COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. THE DEALER WAS NOT CALLED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

Mileage: 70,000

20190604CrashSTRUCTURE:BODY

MY MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT HAS A KEYLESS START. THERE IS NO MECHANISM THAT PREVENTS THE VEHICLE ACCIDENTALLY BEING TURNED OFF WHILE STILL IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. ON 5/30/19 AT APPROXIMATELY 9:20 PM, I MADE A RUN TO MY LOCAL RITE-AID. I TURNED OF THE IGNITION, BUT FORGOT TO PUT IT IN PARK. I EXITED THE STORE AFTER APPROXIMATELY 5 MINUTES TO FIND MY CAR MISSING FROM THE PARKING LOT. I INITIALLY THOUGHT IT HAD BEEN STOLEN. THE POLICE FOUND MY VEHICLE AFTER IT HAD ROLLED OUT OF THE PARKING LOT, INTO TRAFFIC AND ENDED UP CRASHING IN A DITCH. IT HAD TO BE HAULED OUT AND SUSTAINED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE AND MAY BE A TOTAL LOSS. I CAN ONLY BE GRATEFUL THAT IT DID NOT COLLIDE INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE,L OR HIT A PEDESTRIAN. THIS ACCIDENT COULD HAVE EASILY KILLED SOMEONE. THERE IS NO LOGICAL REASON THAT A SAFETY MECHANISM SHOULD NOT BE A STANDARD REQUIREMENT IN ALL PUSH BUTTON START VEHICLES TO PREVENT SUCH A TRAGEDY. THE CAR RENTAL I AM CURRENTLY USING IS A 2019 ESCALADE. I TESTED THE REMOTE START IN

Mileage: 80,000

20190205AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL" WHEN I TURNED ON THE CAR THE LIGHT OF MY PANEL SHOWS "AIRBAG SERVICE NEEDED". STAY ON THE LIGHT UNTIL I TURN OFF THE CAR. I HAVE THIS PROBLEM SINCE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND OF THIS CURRENT YEARS UNTIL PRESENT TIME. I LOOKED ON ONLINE AND I FOUND A LOT OF COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME ISSUES.

20170619ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TRANSMISSION/ENGINE MAKES A HIGH PITCHED WHINING NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING ABOVE 2000 RPMS CURRENTLY. IT STARTED OUT ONLY DOING IT WHEN GOING UP HILL AT HIGHER RPMS BUT HAS GOTTEN WORSE. IT HAS ALSO AFFECTED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND HAD THE LOCKS, BACKUP CAMERA, REVERSE LIGHTS ALL GOING HAYWIRE. THIS WAS WITNESSED BY MY OIL SHOP WHILE GETTING AN OIL CHANGE ON IT THE MECHANIC COULDNT GET THE VEHICLE FROM DRIVE TO PARK AMD ONCE IT DID GO IT WOULD UNLOCK FROM PARK. I WAS TOLD IT WAS SENSORS BY A MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP BUT THAT DIDNT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. IT REVS THE ENGINE IT HIGH TPMS WHILE DRIVING NOT LETTINGNIT SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND MAKES IT SO YOU CANT GET THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION SHUTS DOWN. EVEN IN NEUTRAL THE RPMSWILL INCREASE WHEN IT DOES THIS. THIS IS A SAFTEY ISSUE WITH THIS ENGINE/TRANSMISSION IF YOU GET STUCK IN A HIGH TRAFFIC AREA AND CAN NOT GET TO A SAFE PULLOFF. IVE HAD MY KIDS IN THE CAR WHEN THIS HAS HAPPENED AND THE DEALERSHIPS (ALL 3 OF THEM) CA

Mileage: 52,900

20170619ENGINE

TRANSMISSION/ENGINE MAKES A HIGH PITCHED WHINING NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING ABOVE 2000 RPMS CURRENTLY. IT STARTED OUT ONLY DOING IT WHEN GOING UP HILL AT HIGHER RPMS BUT HAS GOTTEN WORSE. IT HAS ALSO AFFECTED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND HAD THE LOCKS, BACKUP CAMERA, REVERSE LIGHTS ALL GOING HAYWIRE. THIS WAS WITNESSED BY MY OIL SHOP WHILE GETTING AN OIL CHANGE ON IT THE MECHANIC COULDNT GET THE VEHICLE FROM DRIVE TO PARK AMD ONCE IT DID GO IT WOULD UNLOCK FROM PARK. I WAS TOLD IT WAS SENSORS BY A MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP BUT THAT DIDNT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. IT REVS THE ENGINE IT HIGH TPMS WHILE DRIVING NOT LETTINGNIT SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND MAKES IT SO YOU CANT GET THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION SHUTS DOWN. EVEN IN NEUTRAL THE RPMSWILL INCREASE WHEN IT DOES THIS. THIS IS A SAFTEY ISSUE WITH THIS ENGINE/TRANSMISSION IF YOU GET STUCK IN A HIGH TRAFFIC AREA AND CAN NOT GET TO A SAFE PULLOFF. IVE HAD MY KIDS IN THE CAR WHEN THIS HAS HAPPENED AND THE DEALERSHIPS (ALL 3 OF THEM) CA

Mileage: 52,900

20170619POWER TRAIN

TRANSMISSION/ENGINE MAKES A HIGH PITCHED WHINING NOISE WHEN ACCELERATING ABOVE 2000 RPMS CURRENTLY. IT STARTED OUT ONLY DOING IT WHEN GOING UP HILL AT HIGHER RPMS BUT HAS GOTTEN WORSE. IT HAS ALSO AFFECTED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND HAD THE LOCKS, BACKUP CAMERA, REVERSE LIGHTS ALL GOING HAYWIRE. THIS WAS WITNESSED BY MY OIL SHOP WHILE GETTING AN OIL CHANGE ON IT THE MECHANIC COULDNT GET THE VEHICLE FROM DRIVE TO PARK AMD ONCE IT DID GO IT WOULD UNLOCK FROM PARK. I WAS TOLD IT WAS SENSORS BY A MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP BUT THAT DIDNT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. IT REVS THE ENGINE IT HIGH TPMS WHILE DRIVING NOT LETTINGNIT SHIFT FROM 1ST TO 2ND AND MAKES IT SO YOU CANT GET THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION SHUTS DOWN. EVEN IN NEUTRAL THE RPMSWILL INCREASE WHEN IT DOES THIS. THIS IS A SAFTEY ISSUE WITH THIS ENGINE/TRANSMISSION IF YOU GET STUCK IN A HIGH TRAFFIC AREA AND CAN NOT GET TO A SAFE PULLOFF. IVE HAD MY KIDS IN THE CAR WHEN THIS HAS HAPPENED AND THE DEALERSHIPS (ALL 3 OF THEM) CA

Mileage: 52,900

20170223VISIBILITY/WIPER

I DONT FIND ANY CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR MY RECALL FOR THE BODY PIECE BETWEEN THE HOOD AND WINDSHIELD MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER

20161111ENGINE

TAKATA RECALL WHEN DRIVING MY VEHICLE MAKES A WINING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE IN THE VEHICLE WHEN I AM DRIVING. SECOND PROBLEM IS THE MY WINDHIELD WIPER NO LONGER HOLD WATER AND IT IS LEAKING OUT COMPLETELY. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER WORKED WHEN PURCHASED AND THE ENGINE LOUD WINING NOISE JUST STARTED IN SEPTEMBER WHEN THE WINDSHIELD STOP WORKING. THE ENGINE NOISE IS WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE WIPER JUST STARTED LEAKING IT HAS A HOLD IN THE RESERVER I BELIEVE.

Mileage: 48,000

20161111VISIBILITY/WIPER

TAKATA RECALL WHEN DRIVING MY VEHICLE MAKES A WINING SOUND FROM THE ENGINE IN THE VEHICLE WHEN I AM DRIVING. SECOND PROBLEM IS THE MY WINDHIELD WIPER NO LONGER HOLD WATER AND IT IS LEAKING OUT COMPLETELY. THE WINDSHIELD WIPER WORKED WHEN PURCHASED AND THE ENGINE LOUD WINING NOISE JUST STARTED IN SEPTEMBER WHEN THE WINDSHIELD STOP WORKING. THE ENGINE NOISE IS WHILE BEING DRIVEN. THE WIPER JUST STARTED LEAKING IT HAS A HOLD IN THE RESERVER I BELIEVE.

Mileage: 48,000

20160527AIR BAGS

THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH IS ON. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IT HAS BEEN FOUND THAT THE AIRBAG SENSOR BENEATH THE PASSENGER SEAT IS DEFECTIVE. IN ORDER TO FIX THIS PROBLEM THE ENTIRE PASSENGER SEAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND COSTS $1700. THEY ARE SAYING IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY, BUT THIS SEEMS TO A SAFETY ISSUE.

Mileage: 86,000

20150226SUSPENSION

SQUEAKING NOISE FROM THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND OIL LEAKAGE FROM THE FRONT LEFT STRUT, (SHOCK ABSORBER), OR DRIVER SIDE. DEALER ORDERED AND WILL REPLACE UNDER WARRANTY THE LEFT SIDE STRUT BUT REPLACING ONLY ONE SIDE IN A FRONT WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE WITH 50,638 MILES WILL CAUSE THE SUSPENSION TO RESPOND UNEVENLY OR INCORRECTLY IN WET OR HIGHWAY SPEED CONDITIONS. DEALER WILL NOT REPLACE THE RIGHT SIDE ON ALLEGATIONS THAT IT HAVE NOT FAILED YET AND MY WARRANTY WILL EXPIRE AT 60,000 MILES. SHOULD THEY RESTORE THE FRONT SUSPENSION ON BOTH SIDES TO AVOID ANY POSSIBLE ACCIDENTS OR FAILURES KNOWING THAT THE STRUTS FAILED BEFORE 60,000 MILES?? THE CAR WAS FROM MY SON IN LAW AND WHEN HE MOVED TO FLORIDA I CHANGED THE OWNERSHIP AND MITSUBISHI DOWNGRADED MY WARRANTY FROM10 YEARS 100,000 MILES TO 6 YEARS 60,000.

Mileage: 50,638

20150218CrashAIR BAGS

I JUST HAD ACCIDENT TODAY 02/18/201. MY CAR WAS BADLY DAMAGED AND A POSSIBLE TOTAL LOSS. THE FIRST SITUATION THAT MADE ME CONCERNED ABOUT IS THE AIRBAG. THE SIDE AIRBAG ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE (FRONT AND BACK) DID NOT DEPLOY. THE IMPACT WAS ENORMOUS THAT IF MY CHILD WAS THERE I DON'T KNOW IF SHE'S STILL WITH ME. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS MIGHT HAPPEN TO THE OTHER MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT OWNER. AIRBAG OF MITSUBISHI IS SO CONCERNING. I WOULD LIKE TO FILE A LAW SUIT AGAINST MITSUBISHI FOR NOT BEING SAFE FOR THE DRIVER TO DRIVE....UPDATED 03-11-15 *BF

Mileage: 38,948

20141229AIR BAGS

MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. *TR

Mileage: 24,000

20141229ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. *TR

Mileage: 24,000

20120530AIR BAGS

I WAS DRIVING IN FREEWAY 110 WHEN THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LOOSENED AND HANGED SEMI-OPEN. I DID NOT NOTICE IT UNTIL I GOT HOME AND A FRIEND OF MINE CAME WITH ME TO PICK UP MY SON IN SCHOOL. WHEN SHE SAT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, SHE NOTICED IT AND POINTED IT OUT TO ME. I JUST GOT THIS VEHICLE A MONTH AGO BRAND NEW. I WAS LUCKY IT DID NOT DEPLOY WHILE I WAS IN THE FREEWAY BECAUSE IF IT DID IT COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. I FEEL THAT MITSUBISHI SHOULD INSPECT THEIR VEHICLES MORE BEFORE SELLING THEM. *TR

Mileage: 1,200

Compare 2012MITSUBISHIOUTLANDER SPORT to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT have?
The 2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT has 18 NHTSA complaints, 3 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, and 1 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT?
The 2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 4/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
Are there any recalls for the 2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT?
Yes, the 2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT has 6 recall(s). The most common affected component is VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT?
The most-complained component for the 2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT is AIR BAGS with 6 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and SUSPENSION.
Is the 2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.