2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Problems
- Complaints
- 19filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 55,000miles, 15 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 4 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 28 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl FWD · 24 city / 33 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 19 consumer complaints for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. The part named most often is transmission and drivetrain, with 6 complaints (32% of the total), followed by engine (5) and fuel system (2). 15 of the complaints include a mileage, and 47% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 55,000 miles. Of all complaints, 3 involved a crash, 1 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 88 technical service bulletins for this model year. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 12 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Engine complaints overlap with 4 technical service bulletins filed under the same part.
This model year has fewer than 25 complaints on record, so the numbers below can change a lot with a few new reports.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine5 26%
- Fuel system2 11%
- Steering2 11%
- Air bags1 5.3%
- Electrical system1 5.3%
- Engine cooling1 5.3%
- Other or unknown1 5.3%
Also reported: Body and structure (1), Suspension (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “While driving on the highway I went to accelerate to keep up with my traffic and my car was slow to acceleration. While still driving I went to get off the highway, took an exit and after stopping at stop sign while my foot was on the gas to go the car didn't respond to go but then jerked and accelerated very slowly. There's was a recall on the CVT transmissions for lancers but years 14-16 for this same issue but because my car doesn't fall into that recall my dealership told me there was nothing I could do. …”
NHTSA complaint #11328332, filed 2020-06, 141,552 milesEngine: “Received vehicle at 10km, after 2 oil changes, at 16000km miliege dropped from 700km on a tank of gas to 300km tank of gas. At 24000km heavy transmission and engine noises occurred. Gears slipping out while accelerating causing rpms to shoot up to 6000-7000 while vehicle not moving. Timing belt and pulleys not working properly causing to much engine noise. Metal grinding and whistling sound coming from under carriage of vehicle. Rear differential and cv joint problem. Reported problem to dealership and techincians each time I go in. …”
NHTSA complaint #10874522, filed 2016-06, 28,000 milesSteering: “The front subframe(cross member) blew out, due to excessive corrosion. Causing the control arm to dismount as well as separation of the CV axle from the transmission, while traveling down the road losing complete steer of the vehicle. Luckily I was coming to a stop sign and not traveling on the highway. My vehicle was last inspected in April of 2023 with no warning signs of there being an issue. I've recently done some research and gathered information regarding models from 08-10 Mitsubishi lancers having the exact same issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11569336, filed 2024-02Mileage when problems were reported
47% of the 15 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 26,000 and 80,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancer · sedan AWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 · 12.1% risk |
| Lancer · hatchback AWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 · 12.1% risk |
| Lancer · hatchback FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 · 12.1% risk |
| Lancer · sedan FWD | ★★★★☆ | 5 / 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 · 12.1% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2013: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancer FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 24 | 33 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Lancer FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 25 | 33 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Lancer AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed automatic | 18 | 25 | 20 | $4,100 |
| Lancer FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,600 |
| Lancer FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Lancer AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | 22 | 28 | 25 | $2,700 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 18V069000Jan 26, 2018Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleysCovers: Mitsubishi Lancer 2009–2012, Outlander 2008–2012, Lancer Sportback 2010–2012 +1 more
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…
Recall details for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 88 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11026481Nov 21, 2025Seat belts, Electrical system. Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications.
- 11006081Jul 23, 2024Electrical system. This Technical Service Bulletin instructs the dealer to update the Hands Free Module software to improve the Bluetooth connection when certain devices are connected to Wi‐Fi.
- 11003536Jun 3, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. Service Manual Revision - This Technical Service Bulletin provides corrections to the description of special tools used to install the oil seal within the Automatic Transaxle sections of the…
- 10240446Jul 21, 2023Transmission and drivetrain. This Technical Service Bulletin provides service manual corrections and additional information for the transaxle assembly removal and installation of the roll stopper bracket.
- 10240443Jul 21, 2023Equipment. This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10235609Apr 24, 2023Body and structure. This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
- 10235608Apr 24, 2023Equipment. This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more…
- 10235606Apr 21, 2023Equipment. This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
- 10233997Mar 7, 2023Engine cooling, Electrical system. This Technical Service Bulletin contains technical information and troubleshooting for the accessory Remote Engine Start system for affected vehicles.
- 10233994Mar 7, 2023Engine cooling, Electrical system. This is a Technical Information Notice informing dealers and parts managers about possible causes after a customer complains that the engine will not start while using the remote start system.
Other model years of the Mitsubishi Lancer
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 6 | — | 0 | 4 | 30 | — | Not enough data |
| 2016 | 30 | 63,500 | 2 | 4 | 28 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 23 | 21,000 | 1 | 4 | 28 | — | Stable |
| 2014 | 16 | 75,000 | 0 | 4 | 27 | — | Stable |
| 2013 | 5 | 83,000 | 0 | 4 | 28 | — | Not enough data |
| 2012 | 19 | 55,000 | 1 | 4 | 28 | — | Falling |
| 2011 | 34 | 50,606 | 3 | — | 27 | 20 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 51 | 70,000 | 6 | — | 25 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 98 | 75,000 | 8 | — | 24 | 86 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 91 | 33,000 | 5 | — | 24 | 87 · More | Falling |
| 2006 | 37 | 100,000 | 4 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 24 | 70,000 | 3 | — | 23 | — | Stable |
| 2004 | 80 | 60,000 | 4 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2003 | 199 | 49,000 | 2 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 148 | 68,000 | 2 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Mitsubishi Lancer model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer have?
NHTSA recorded 19 consumer complaints for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 6 complaints (32% of the total), followed by engine with 5.
Has the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 4 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer (Lancer, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 28 mpg combined, 24 city and 33 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer reported?
Among the 15 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 55,000 miles and the middle half falls between 26,000 and 80,000 miles; 47% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.