- The 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.
- The risk
- If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
Engine & cooling
2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Engine problems
Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 17% of all its complaints, most recently on October 8, 2025. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 0
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Engine recalls for the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
Engine complaints
My Mitsubishi vehicle has an open recall related to a drive belt issue. Mitsubishi confirmed the recall, but the company have not completed the repair or scheduled an appointment, even after several attempts to contact them. The vehicle has stalled multiple times while driving, including on city roads. When it stalls, the check engine light comes on, and the car loses all power. I have to restart it to keep driving. This is a serious safety risk because it happens suddenly and could lead to an accident. The...
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alternator and battery were both tested and are in good condition, so the problem appears related to the recalled belt or electrical system. The issue was confirmed by an independent mechanic, but Mitsubishi has not provided a repair or timeline. The problem continues and makes the vehicle unsafe to drive, especially in cold or highway conditions.
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.
The vehicle stops randomly while driving- usually while going 60 mph and reducing the speed in the express way, it just automatically turns off. It has already happened to me twice.
Transmission is failing to change gears. The car won't shift through 3rd gear. We were on the interstate going65 when it happened.
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...
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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.
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.
Mitsubishi Outlander engine complaints by year
Outlander engine problems, every yearSource: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data