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EnginePart report

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Engine Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
26%of 19 total for the year
Median mileage
14,050miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, 26% of the 19 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 14,050 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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 miles

“I own a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer and I have been experiencing issues with the engine. The check engine light comes on constantly then disappears for about 2 weeks and then comes back soon after. This has been a ongoing thing since i got the car a few months ago. Also, my battery light will come on (with noise and notice) then quickly turn off and not come back on. This happens on and off also. I did some research and I believe it is a belt issue.”

NHTSA complaint #11432087, filed 2021-09

“Approximately May, 2020, prior to getting the vehicle inspected, code P0420 indicated a faulty catalytic converters. At this time, the vehicle had an estimated 170,000 miles on it so I replaced the catalytic converter, not thinking much of it. The we’re not further issues for about a year until June, 2021, when, once again, the computer started reading a P0420 code. Having only 30,000 - 40,000 miles, on it, and seeing no leaks in the exhaust or anything else that should cause a catalytic converter to go bad prematurely, there is clearly something else causing this issue.”

NHTSA complaint #11422587, filed 2021-06

“NHTSA safety report 06/2021 — while driving approximately 45-50 mph, the ABS warning light and traction control light suddenly came on the display so I reduced speed and had planned to proceed to the next service station which was approximately 1.5 miles away. However, when I was approximately 1/2 mile from the station the engine stalled, the vehicle slightly jerked, and the the engine died. At this point, I shifted into neutral and cruised a couple hundred feet to a safe pull-off point. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the battery was completely dead and would not hold a charge when jumped. …”

NHTSA complaint #11422594, filed 2021-06

“The contact owns a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that when the accelerator was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and stalled with no warnings. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the mechanic stated that the central computer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 100. The approximate current mileage was 28,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10544227, filed 2013-09, 100 miles

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2016310%
2015417%
201416%
2013240%
2012526%
2011824%
20101325%
20092222%
20081314%
200514%
200411%
200321%
200232%

Other parts of the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer

Transmission and drivetrain
6 complaints
Fuel system
2 complaints
Steering
2 complaints
Vehicle speed control
2 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
Air bags
1 complaints
Electrical system
1 complaints
Engine cooling
1 complaints
Other or unknown
1 complaints
Body and structure
1 complaints
Suspension
1 complaints
Wheels
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer

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.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology