2012 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026
2012 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy
Visual coming soon
Your interest helps us choose what to build next.
Visual Known Issues · Coming soon
$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander has 5 documented known issues, with 4 rated critical. The most serious are Cracked Accessory Belt Tensioner Can Strand the Outlander (Recall 18V069), 6B31 3.0L V6 Uses a Timing BELT, Not a Chain — Missed Interval Destroys Later Interference Engines ($700-$5,000 repair), Salt-Belt Front Cross Member Corrosion — Control Arm Detachment Recall (20V279) and CVT Transmission Premature Failure ($3,000-$7,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $600 to $7,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Outlander and 2019 Outlander PHEV vehicles. The seat belt for the right side second-row seat may have been assembled incorrectly.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles sold and/or currently registered in Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2022 Outlander PHEV and 2014-2020 Outlander vehicles. The liftgate gas spring cylinders may corrode and lose pressure, which can result in a gas spring cylinder rupture or the liftgate falling unexpectedly.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels. The Certification Label lists an incorrect rear wheel rim size. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
SEAT BELTS: REAR/OTHER:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2014-2019 Outlander and 2018-2019 Outlander PHEV vehicles. The second-row center seat belt buckle may interfere with the right-side seat belt buckle when the seat backs are folded down. The interference may cause the right-side seat belt buckle cover to come off, making the buckle latch inoperable and unable to restrain an occupant.
+ 7 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Cracked Accessory Belt Tensioner Can Strand the Outlander (Recall 18V069), 6B31 3.0L V6 Uses a Timing BELT, Not a Chain — Missed Interval Destroys Later Interference Engines, Salt-Belt Front Cross Member Corrosion — Control Arm Detachment Recall (20V279). Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander has 5 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 4 issues are rated critical: Cracked Accessory Belt Tensioner Can Strand the Outlander (Recall 18V069) and 6B31 3.0L V6 Uses a Timing BELT, Not a Chain — Missed Interval Destroys Later Interference Engines and Salt-Belt Front Cross Member Corrosion — Control Arm Detachment Recall (20V279) and CVT Transmission Premature Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Mitsubishi Outlander issues range from $600 to $7,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
On 2008-2012 Outlanders fitted with the 4B11 or 4B12 four-cylinder engine, the flange of the automatic drive belt tensioner may crack. A cracked flange lets the accessory drive belt detach from the engine. For the driver, the sequence is what matters: with the belt off, the batte… Severity: high.
A recurring and expensive owner mistake on V6 Outlanders: buyers and even some independent shops assume a modern V6 has a timing chain, so the belt never gets changed. The 6B31 3.0L V6 fitted to the Outlander runs a rubber timing belt with a service interval around 105,000 miles. Repairs typically run $700-$5,000. Severity: high.
If your 2008-2013 Outlander has ever lived in a road-salt state, it is part of Mitsubishi recall 20V279000 (Mitsubishi campaign SR-20-003). Salt water exposure corrodes the front cross member — the structural crossbeam the front lower control arms bolt into. As that corrosion pro… Severity: high.
The Jatco CVT in the Outlander is prone to premature failure, particularly under heavy loads and in hot climates. The CVT belt and pulleys wear prematurely, leading to slipping, shuddering, and eventual complete transmission failure, often between 60,000 and 100,000 miles. Repairs typically run $3,000-$7,000. Severity: high.
The AC compressor in the Outlander is prone to premature failure, with the internal clutch bearing seizing or the compressor developing internal leaks. Failure typically occurs between 60,000 and 90,000 miles, leaving the vehicle without air conditioning. Repairs typically run $600-$1,500. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
