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2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
14
Latest Apr 27, 2024
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
7
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
3

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Airbags633.3%
  • Engine316.7%
  • Electrical211.1%
  • Body & structure211.1%
  • Suspension211.1%
  • Visibility211.1%
  • Powertrain (other)15.6%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11219713 · filed Jun 13, 2019

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.

NHTSA ID 11174579 · filed Feb 5, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11522678 · filed May 18, 2023

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 NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD TO MISS WORK FOR THESE APPOINTMENTS AND NOW THE WARRANTY IS EXPIRED AS I BOUGHT IT USED AND CAN NOT AFFORD TO REPLACE A TRANSMISSION OR ENGINE AND BEING THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND SEEING OTHERS COMPLAINING OF THE SAME THINGS WITH THERE VEHICLES IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND CORRECTED. IT ALSO SMELLS LIKE RUBBER OR ELECTRICAL BURNING WHEN THIS HAPPENS.

NHTSA ID 10995813 · filed Jun 19, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD TO MISS WORK FOR THESE APPOINTMENTS AND NOW THE WARRANTY IS EXPIRED AS I BOUGHT IT USED AND CAN NOT AFFORD TO REPLACE A TRANSMISSION OR ENGINE AND BEING THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND SEEING OTHERS COMPLAINING OF THE SAME THINGS WITH THERE VEHICLES IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND CORRECTED. IT ALSO SMELLS LIKE RUBBER OR ELECTRICAL BURNING WHEN THIS HAPPENS.

NHTSA ID 10995813 · filed Jun 19, 2017

MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. *TR

NHTSA ID 10668694 · filed Dec 29, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11424791 · filed Jul 14, 2021

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 THE ESCALADE AND NO MATTER WHAT GEAR I AM IN WHEN I SHUT OFF THE ENGINE, IT AUTOMATICALLY DEFAULTS TO PARK. IT CAN BE DONE AND SHOULD BE REQUIRED!

NHTSA ID 11217888 · filed Jun 4, 2019

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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)

NHTSA ID 11585549 · filed Apr 27, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID 10690800 · filed Feb 26, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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

NHTSA ID 10956653 · filed Feb 23, 2017

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.

NHTSA ID 10925524 · filed Nov 11, 2016

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. I HAVE HAD TO MISS WORK FOR THESE APPOINTMENTS AND NOW THE WARRANTY IS EXPIRED AS I BOUGHT IT USED AND CAN NOT AFFORD TO REPLACE A TRANSMISSION OR ENGINE AND BEING THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE AND NOTHING COULD BE DONE WHILE IT WAS UNDER WARRANTY AND SEEING OTHERS COMPLAINING OF THE SAME THINGS WITH THERE VEHICLES IT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED AND CORRECTED. IT ALSO SMELLS LIKE RUBBER OR ELECTRICAL BURNING WHEN THIS HAPPENS.

NHTSA ID 10995813 · filed Jun 19, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .