2012 Mitsubishi Outlander: common problems and reliability

The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander has 71 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 10 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and power train. Owners most often flag cvt transmission reliability concerns — widespread anxiety about long-term durability, particularly in non-hybrid 4-cylinder models, though specific failure reports are less frequent than the concern. owners stress the necessity of regular fluid changes. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2012 model year

71
Owner complaints
10
Recalls
8
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

air bags
16
power train
14
suspension
10
visibility/wiper
10
engine
9

Recalls affecting the 2012 Outlander

visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motor

Campaign 17V461000

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. T…

engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleys

Campaign 18V069000

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 …

visibility:windshield wiper/washer:linkages

Campaign 16V791000

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 …

suspension:front:control arm:lower arm

Campaign 16V458000

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, o…

What owners say across generations

Mixed sentiment with a clear generational divide. The vehicle is consistently praised for its strong value proposition, driven by aggressive pricing, significant dealer discounts, a compelling 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, and attractive financing

  • CVT transmission reliability concerns — widespread anxiety about long-term durability, particularly in non-hybrid 4-cylinder models, though specific failure reports are less frequent than the concern. Owners stress the necessity of regular fluid changes. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Underpowered 4-cylinder engine — described as sluggish, barely adequate, and struggling with merging/passing, especially in pre-2021 models. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Interior material quality and dated design — use of hard plastics, lack of refinement, and an overall feeling of being outdated compared to segment rivals, particularly in pre-2021 models. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Software and app connectivity problems — the Mitsubishi app is reported to be unreliable, failing to start the vehicle remotely; remote start is a paid subscription feature after an initial trial, which was a point of frustration for some buyers. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Early-build quality and minor failures — isolated reports on newer models (2023-2025) include premature rear brake wear, failing power liftgates, emblems falling off, broken cruise control buttons, and weak batteries in cold weather. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Outlander.

Typical used price

Used Outlander listings typically run $27,675–$34,020 across 2019 to 2026 model years.

Other Outlander model years

2024 Outlander2021 Outlander2019 Outlander2018 Outlander2017 Outlander2015 Outlander2013 Outlander2010 Outlander2009 Outlander2007 Outlander2006 Outlander2005 Outlander2004 Outlander2003 Outlander
Full Mitsubishi Outlander owner reportCompare against another car