Representative photo — may show another model year
SUV
2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
Independent review & score by Carivo
Price Range
$17,280–$22,335
Fuel Economy14 MPG
Seating5 passengers
CategorySUV
Est. Annual Fuel$3,750/yr
The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander scores 6.7/10 at Carivo, ranking #2273 of 2454 suvs, with 6 NHTSA recalls on record and an estimated $3,750/year fuel cost.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
With an overall Carivo score of 6.7/10, the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.5/10, while Reliability at 6.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.1/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.5/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.5/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.6/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $17,280–$22,335, 14 MPG, seating 5, the Mitsubishi Outlander sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. Value lands at 7.1/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 14 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander, but it needs the right buyer. Its technology and performance and reliability scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander ranks #2273 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 7% of the segment. Its 6.7/10 overall score is 0.7 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $17,280 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 52%.
$0 — 6 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Outlander Year Should You Buy?
Across the Outlander model years we've scored, the 2012 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Fuel economy at 14 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander (6 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Visibility / Windshield wiper/washer / Motor 20/07/2017 · 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. The water may cause internal…
Engine and engine cooling / Engine / Gasoline / Belts and associated pulleys 26/01/2018 · 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 drive belt automatic tensioner…
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…
Suspension / Front / Control arm / Lower arm 23/06/2016 · 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, or ever registered in, Connecticut,…
Steering / Hydraulic power assist / Hose, piping, and connections 25/06/2014 · 14V366000
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…
Showing 5 of 6 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
Is the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?
We rate the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander's reliability 6.1/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
6 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander worth buying?
It scores 6.7/10 overall, ranking #2273 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 7% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander cost?
The 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander starts at $17,280 and ranges up to $22,335 across trims (MSRP when new). At 14 MPG, expect roughly $3,750/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Outlander years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Outlander years we've rated are 2015 (6.7/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.2/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander have?
The documented issues for the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Visibility, Engine and engine cooling, Suspension, Steering (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Mitsubishi Outlander
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Similar SUV to Consider
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Mitsubishi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
Representative photo — may show another model year
