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2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems: 5 Known Issues

2012 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated August 2026

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), Salt-Belt Front Cross Member Corrosion — Control Arm Detachment Recall (20V279), CVT Transmission Premature Failure ($3,000-$7,000 repair) and 6B31 3.0L V6 Uses a Timing BELT, Not a Chain — Missed Interval Destroys Later Interference Engines ($700-$5,000 repair). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $600 to $7,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mitsubishi Outlander problems?

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), Salt-Belt Front Cross Member Corrosion — Control Arm Detachment Recall (20V279), CVT Transmission Premature Failure. Of these, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?

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 Salt-Belt Front Cross Member Corrosion — Control Arm Detachment Recall (20V279) and CVT Transmission Premature Failure and 6B31 3.0L V6 Uses a Timing BELT, Not a Chain — Missed Interval Destroys Later Interference Engines. 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.

How much does it cost to fix common Mitsubishi Outlander 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.

What is the 2008-2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Cracked Accessory Belt Tensioner Can Strand the Outlander (Recall 18V069)?

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.

What is the 2008-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Salt-Belt Front Cross Member Corrosion — Control Arm Detachment Recall (20V279)?

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.

What is the 2007-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander CVT Transmission Premature Failure?

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.

What is the 2007-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander 6B31 3.0L V6 Uses a Timing BELT, Not a Chain — Missed Interval Destroys Later Interference Engines?

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.

What is the 2007-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander AC Compressor Failure?

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.

2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems: 5 Known Issues

All 5 Known Issues

2008-2012 Mitsubishi Outlander: Cracked Accessory Belt Tensioner Can Strand the Outlander (Recall 18V069)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2007-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander: 6B31 3.0L V6 Uses a Timing BELT, Not a Chain — Missed Interval Destroys Later Interference Engines#

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How to Fix

What you need to fix it

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2008-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander: Salt-Belt Front Cross Member Corrosion — Control Arm Detachment Recall (20V279)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

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2007-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander: CVT Transmission Premature Failure#

Common Symptoms

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2007-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander: AC Compressor Failure#

Common Symptoms

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What you need to fix it

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Other Mitsubishi Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Mitsubishi Outlander problems?

Is the Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Mitsubishi Outlander problems?

What is the 2008-2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Cracked Accessory Belt Tensioner Can Strand the Outlander (Recall 18V069)?

What is the 2008-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Salt-Belt Front Cross Member Corrosion — Control Arm Detachment Recall (20V279)?

What is the 2007-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander CVT Transmission Premature Failure?

What is the 2007-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander 6B31 3.0L V6 Uses a Timing BELT, Not a Chain — Missed Interval Destroys Later Interference Engines?

What is the 2007-2020 Mitsubishi Outlander AC Compressor Failure?