2012 Mitsubishi Outlander

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Mitsubishi Outlander
Pictured: 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (fourth generation) IMG 3129. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV AWD Es, 4dr SUV AWD Ls/Xls S-Awc, 4dr SUV FWD Es
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
27 combined · 25 city / 30 hwy
Length
183.9 in
Curb weight
3,384–3,770 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
10 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 29% better than the average 2012 SUV - (20.9 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Few owner complaints31 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 139 for similar models.

Watch out for

  • 10 recallsMore than similar models (about 3). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander is a SUV - offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 184 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,527 lb (4dr SUV AWD Es).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (25 city / 30 highway), 29% better than the 2012 SUV - average of 20.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 10 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2012

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Outlander — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Outlander →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV AWD Es183.9 in70.9 in66.1 in105.1 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,527 lb55/45
4dr SUV AWD Ls/Xls S-Awc183.9 in70.9 in66.1 in105.1 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,770 lb55/45
4dr SUV FWD Es183.9 in70.9 in66.1 in105.1 in60.6 / 60.6 in3,384 lb55/45

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Outlander Sport 2WD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive25 / 30 / 27+29%$2,500329
Outlander Sport 2WD2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive24 / 30 / 26+24%$2,600342
Outlander 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 28 / 25+20%$2,700355
Outlander Sport 4WD2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)4-Wheel Drive23 / 28 / 25+32%$2,700355
Outlander 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)4-Wheel Drive22 / 27 / 24+26%$2,800370
Outlander 2WD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)Front-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 22+5%$3,750404
Outlander 4WD3.0L 6-cylAutomatic (S6)4-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21+11%$3,900423
Spend $500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
20.9 MPG2012 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander.

Similar 2012 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Mitsubishi Outlander (this car)27 MPGNot rated10
2012 Toyota RAV424 MPGNot rated6
2012 Honda CR-V26 MPGNot rated3
2012 Toyota 4Runner19 MPGNot rated8
2012 Subaru Forester23 MPGNot rated15
2012 Toyota Highlander28 MPGNot rated2
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee19 MPGNot rated10

Recalls (10)

Structure › Frame And Members · May 18, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V279000 · 141,200 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages · Feb 9, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V103000 · 158,651 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts And Associated Pulleys · Jan 26, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V069000 · 141,053 vehicles

Problem
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.
Fix
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.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor · Jul 20, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V461000 · 100,082 vehicles

Problem
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. The water may cause internal corrosion of the windshield wiper motor and the possible failure of the motor.
Risk
Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-003.
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate › Hinge And Attachments · Dec 2, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V867000 · 50,228 vehicles

Problem
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 may have insufficient anti-corrosion treatment that can allow the outer tube to corrode due to salt and water penetration.
Risk
If the outer tube corrodes, there may be a rapid loss of the gas used to provide lift assistance, causing the lift gate to fall suddenly, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the lift gate supports, free of charge. The recall began on January 20, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-011.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor · Oct 31, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V792000 · 93,801 vehicles

Problem
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 cause internal corrosion of the windshield wiper motor and the possible failure of the motor.
Risk
Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The manufacturer has begun the recall, but parts are not yet available; a second notice will be sent when parts are available. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-010.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Linkages · Oct 31, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V791000 · 100,082 vehicles

Problem
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 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.
Fix
MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rubber boot on the ball joint to prevent water intrusion. Additionally, they will inspect the wiper motor crank arm for excessive play, replacing it as necessary. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-009.
Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm · Jun 23, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V458000 · 194,674 vehicles

Problem
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, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, 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 the loss of control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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 that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, And Connections · Jun 25, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V366000 · 203 vehicles

Problem
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, Mitusbishi is recalling certain 2007-2012 Outlander vehicles that received replacement 6-speed automatic transmissions during servicing. The transmissions in these vehicles have insufficient clearance between the power steering pressure tube and the converter housing of the automatic transmission. As a result of the contact, the power steering pressure tube may develop a hole and leak power steering fluid.
Risk
A power steering fluid leak could result in a loss of steering assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pressure tube and return tube, free of charge. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-006.
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal · Jan 3, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V001000 · 21 vehicles

Problem
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 TURN SIGNAL LEVERS IN THE VEHICLE WERE NOT MANUFACTURED CORRECTLY, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE AUTO-CANCEL FUNCTION OF THE TURN SIGNAL BECOMING INOPERATIVE.
Risk
THE TURN SIGNAL MAY CONTINUE TO SIGNAL AN INTENDED DIRECTIONAL CHANGE AFTER A POINT WHEN THE AUTO-CANCEL FUNCTION, IF OPERATING PROPERLY, WOULD HAVE TERMINATED THE SIGNAL. A FOLLOWING OR ONCOMING DRIVER MAY RECEIVE INACCURATE INDICATIONS OF THE VEHICLE OPERATOR'S INTENDED MANEUVERS, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH BETWEEN VEHICLES DUE TO IMPROPER VEHICLE SIGNALING.
Fix
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TURN SIGNAL LEVER AND REPLACE IT WITH A NEW ONE FREE OF CHARGE. NO VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RETAILED TO CUSTOMERS WITH THIS POTENTIAL CONDITION, NO RECALL BULLETIN OR OWNER LETTERS WILL BE PREPARED. YOU MAY CONTACT MITSUBISHI AT 1-800-222-0037.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

31Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
4Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
86,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train7
Air Bags6
Visibility/Wiper5
Suspension5
Engine5
Unknown Or Other4
Service Brakes3
Electrical System3
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
17/03: 117/04: 117/06: 117/07: 118/02: 118/04: 118/09: 219/02: 119/06: 219/07: 119/10: 120/11: 121/01: 121/07: 121/09: 122/04: 122/05: 122/12: 123/04: 123/05: 124/01: 124/04: 124/08: 125/10: 117/0317/0718/0919/0721/0122/0423/0424/04max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 10 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 7 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Air Bags — 6 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Visibility/Wiper — 5 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 86,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Outlander years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Outlander27–Not rated00
2026 Outlander28185.4 inNot rated16
2025 Outlander27185.4 in★★★★★218
2024 Outlander27185.4 in★★★★★127
2023 Outlander27185.4 in★★★★★258
2022 Outlander27185.4 in★★★★★10229
2021 Outlander27185 in★★★★★319
2020 Outlander27185 in★★★★★458
2019 Outlander27185 in★★★★★656
2018 Outlander27185 in★★★★★693
2017 Outlander27185 inNot rated678
2016 Outlander27183.5 inNot rated11171

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mitsubishi. How we calculate this →