2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems & Owner Complaints

Air Bags 8 2 crash 2 injury 1 death

“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…”
NHTSA complaint #11219713, 2019 · crash · 1 death(s)

“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”
NHTSA complaint #10684164, 2015 · crash

“The car's airbag system service required came on without any incidents to the car. It used to be on and off but now, it is consistently on. The seat detect very lightweight things like a book or a bag and gives the warning of seatbelt not on. The airbag system and the pressure sensor of the passenger seat is faulty. With this warning, airbags will not deploy. I saw multiple incidents with other Mitsubishi Outlander owners who have the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11567379, 2023

Power Train 7

“The contact owns a 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, she observed a rubbing noise emanating from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that on one of those occasions, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, while driving over bumps in the roadway the vehicle was not driving smoothly. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the drive belt was cracked on the ribs of the belt, the sway bar links, and front and rear CV boots were torn, the tie rod end replacement boots were torn, and…”
NHTSA complaint #11608802, 2023

“The transmission prematurely fails and begins to shine and locks up”
NHTSA complaint #11433279, 2021

“THE VEHICLE STOPS RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING- USUALLY WHILE GOING 60 MPH AND REDUCING THE SPEED IN THE EXPRESS WAY, IT JUST AUTOMATICALLY TURNS OFF. IT HAS ALREADY HAPPENED TO ME TWICE.”
NHTSA complaint #11386334, 2020

Engine 5

“My Mitsubishi vehicle has an open recall related to a drive belt issue. Mitsubishi confirmed the recall, but the company have not completed the repair or scheduled an appointment, even after several attempts to contact them. The vehicle has stalled multiple times while driving, including on city roads. When it stalls, the check engine light comes on, and the car loses all power. I have to restart it to keep driving. This is a serious safety risk because it happens suddenly and could lead to an accident. The alternator and battery were both tested and are in good condition, so the problem app…”
NHTSA complaint #11692172, 2025

“THE VEHICLE STOPS RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING- USUALLY WHILE GOING 60 MPH AND REDUCING THE SPEED IN THE EXPRESS WAY, IT JUST AUTOMATICALLY TURNS OFF. IT HAS ALREADY HAPPENED TO ME TWICE.”
NHTSA complaint #11386334, 2020

“TRANSMISSION IS FAILING TO CHANGE GEARS. THE CAR WON'T SHIFT THROUGH 3RD GEAR. WE WERE ON THE INTERSTATE GOING65 WHEN IT HAPPENED.”
NHTSA complaint #11124074, 2018

Suspension 5

“The contact owns a 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, she observed a rubbing noise emanating from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that on one of those occasions, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, while driving over bumps in the roadway the vehicle was not driving smoothly. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the drive belt was cracked on the ribs of the belt, the sway bar links, and front and rear CV boots were torn, the tie rod end replacement boots were torn, and…”
NHTSA complaint #11608802, 2023

“Lower control arm wasn't fixed it's detached its self and the belt tensioner wasn't fixed like it said it was fixed and control module needs fixed as well”
NHTSA complaint #11460225, 2022

“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 INFO…”
NHTSA complaint #11585549, 2020

Visibility/Wiper 5

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V791000 (VISIBILITY); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.”
NHTSA complaint #10959748, 2017

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V791000 (VISIBILITY) AND STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME FRAME TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (LARRY JAY MITSUBISHI, 8415 SOUTH BLVD, CHARLOTTE, NC 28273, (866) 237-9670) DID NOT GIVE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER COULD NOT PROVIDE AN ESTIMATED DATE FOR WHEN THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WOULD RECEIVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11006722, 2016

“I HAVE A RECALL # 16V791, AND NOTHING HAPPEN FOR FIX THE PROBLEM”
NHTSA complaint #10980029, 2016

Electrical System 4

“My Mitsubishi vehicle has an open recall related to a drive belt issue. Mitsubishi confirmed the recall, but the company have not completed the repair or scheduled an appointment, even after several attempts to contact them. The vehicle has stalled multiple times while driving, including on city roads. When it stalls, the check engine light comes on, and the car loses all power. I have to restart it to keep driving. This is a serious safety risk because it happens suddenly and could lead to an accident. The alternator and battery were both tested and are in good condition, so the problem app…”
NHTSA complaint #11692172, 2025

“THE VEHICLE STOPS RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING- USUALLY WHILE GOING 60 MPH AND REDUCING THE SPEED IN THE EXPRESS WAY, IT JUST AUTOMATICALLY TURNS OFF. IT HAS ALREADY HAPPENED TO ME TWICE.”
NHTSA complaint #11386334, 2020

“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 N…”
NHTSA complaint #10995813, 2017

Unknown Or Other 4 1 crash

“I was driving speed limit, on a sunny day, when my car began to veer to the left. I eased back into the right lane and suddenly the car made a quick jerk to the left; then, another to the right. I slid on the bank and missed the ditch before becoming airborne and landing in a corn field. I was able to drive to a safe location when the traction control light appeared on the dashboard.”
NHTSA complaint #11516984, 2023 · crash

“My Mitsubishi vehicle has an open recall related to a drive belt issue. Mitsubishi confirmed the recall, but the company have not completed the repair or scheduled an appointment, even after several attempts to contact them. The vehicle has stalled multiple times while driving, including on city roads. When it stalls, the check engine light comes on, and the car loses all power. I have to restart it to keep driving. This is a serious safety risk because it happens suddenly and could lead to an accident. The alternator and battery were both tested and are in good condition, so the problem app…”
NHTSA complaint #11692172, 2025

“2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR VEHICLE REPAIRS MADE RELATED TO SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REIMBURSED FOR RECALLS 20V-279, C1614Z, AND SR-18-004REV.”
NHTSA complaint #11464505, 2022

Service Brakes 3

“Lower control arm wasn't fixed it's detached its self and the belt tensioner wasn't fixed like it said it was fixed and control module needs fixed as well”
NHTSA complaint #11460225, 2022

“FOLLOWING I JUST SENT TO MITSUBISHI HEADQUARTERS I SEE RECALLS FOR TRANSMISSIONS FOR MY MAKE AND MODEL AND YEAR THAT STATES TRANSMISSION FAIL PREMATURELY BETWEEN THE MILES OF 114,000! AND 179,000 AND MINE DID AT 137,000 IT IS NOW STATING FOR 4 MODEL YEARS 2 OF WHICH ARE 2011&2013. WHAT WAS THE DIFFERENCE FOR 2012 TRANSMISSION WHEN YES INDEED MY YEAR OF 2012 TRANSMISSION FAILED PREMATURELY? IT DID JUST AS YOUR RECALL STATES AND THEN WHEN I PUT IN MY VIN# I AM TOLD IT WASN'T MY SKIPPED YEAR THAT WAS PART OF THE RECALL. LATER DOWN THE ROAD MONTHS LATER I RECHECK AND MY YEAR NEWLY BECAME SKI…”
NHTSA complaint #11124483, 2018

“THE REAR BRAKES GET SO HOT THAT WHEN THEY GET SNOW OR RAIN THEY SMOKE AND SMELL REAL BAD THAT I HAVE TO BE CAREFUL NOT TO OPEN DOORS. IT IS REAL BAD ONCE YOU STOP. I CANT DO MY TRANSPORTATION JOB BECAUSE OF IT. THE DEALER TELLS IT IS NORMAL.”
NHTSA complaint #11066960, 2016

Structure 2 1 crash

“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 DAMAG…”
NHTSA complaint #11217888, 2019 · crash

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11424791, 2020

Visibility 2

“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. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #10579398, 2014

“WHILE IN MOTION, AN ANCHORING SCREW HOLD THE PASSENGER SIDE VISOR TO THE ROOF PANEL FELL OUT INTO MY LAP. AS THE PASSENGER AT THE TIE, I CHECKED THE VISOR, NOTICING THE SCREW FELL FROM ABOVE AND NOTICED THE SECOND OF THE TWO ANCHORING SCREWS WAS NEAR FALLING OUT, ALSO. PREVIOUSLY, A SIMILAR SCREW HAD BEEN FOUND ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE FLOOR AREA, BUT THE LOCATION IT CAME FROM WAS NOT APPARENT AS THE VISOR MOUNT FROM WHICH IT FELL WAS HIDDEN BY THE POSITION OF THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR. CHECKING THE DRIVER SIDE VISOR, I NOTICED THE SECOND AND LAST ANCHOR SCREW WAS ALSO VERY LOOSE AND MOSTLY OUT OF…”
NHTSA complaint #10508705, 2013

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11522678, 2023

Exterior Lighting 1

“FOLLOWING I JUST SENT TO MITSUBISHI HEADQUARTERS I SEE RECALLS FOR TRANSMISSIONS FOR MY MAKE AND MODEL AND YEAR THAT STATES TRANSMISSION FAIL PREMATURELY BETWEEN THE MILES OF 114,000! AND 179,000 AND MINE DID AT 137,000 IT IS NOW STATING FOR 4 MODEL YEARS 2 OF WHICH ARE 2011&2013. WHAT WAS THE DIFFERENCE FOR 2012 TRANSMISSION WHEN YES INDEED MY YEAR OF 2012 TRANSMISSION FAILED PREMATURELY? IT DID JUST AS YOUR RECALL STATES AND THEN WHEN I PUT IN MY VIN# I AM TOLD IT WASN'T MY SKIPPED YEAR THAT WAS PART OF THE RECALL. LATER DOWN THE ROAD MONTHS LATER I RECHECK AND MY YEAR NEWLY BECAME SKI…”
NHTSA complaint #11124483, 2018

Lane Departure 1 1 crash

“I was driving speed limit, on a sunny day, when my car began to veer to the left. I eased back into the right lane and suddenly the car made a quick jerk to the left; then, another to the right. I slid on the bank and missed the ditch before becoming airborne and landing in a corn field. I was able to drive to a safe location when the traction control light appeared on the dashboard.”
NHTSA complaint #11516984, 2023 · crash

Seat Belts 1

“The seat belt has started to fail. It sounds like it clicks in and the warning light turns off. Once I start to drive the seat belt will come off. This has happened approximately 5 times in the last month.”
NHTSA complaint #11497515, 2022

Seats 1

“The car's airbag system service required came on without any incidents to the car. It used to be on and off but now, it is consistently on. The seat detect very lightweight things like a book or a bag and gives the warning of seatbelt not on. The airbag system and the pressure sensor of the passenger seat is faulty. With this warning, airbags will not deploy. I saw multiple incidents with other Mitsubishi Outlander owners who have the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11567379, 2023

Steering 1 1 crash

“I was driving speed limit, on a sunny day, when my car began to veer to the left. I eased back into the right lane and suddenly the car made a quick jerk to the left; then, another to the right. I slid on the bank and missed the ditch before becoming airborne and landing in a corn field. I was able to drive to a safe location when the traction control light appeared on the dashboard.”
NHTSA complaint #11516984, 2023 · crash

Wheels 1

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT SNOW WAS BUILDING IN THE RIMS, CAUSING THE FAILURE. THE RIMS WERE CLEANED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED EACH SUBSEQUENT TIME THAT IT WOULD SNOW. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED BUT OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 5,400.”
NHTSA complaint #10498258, 2012