Car Record Book

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer recalls & problems

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer has 1 safety recall and 19 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (6 complaints).

Recalls1safety recalls
Complaints19filed by owners
Crashes · fires3 · 0reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths1 · 0reported in complaints
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer in an NHTSA crash test
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer in an NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys

NHTSA recall 18V069000 · Jan 26, 2018 · 141,053 vehicles

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.

Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback 5 HB AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk12.1%

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 4 DR AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk12.1%

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback 5 HB FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk12.1%

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 4 DR FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk12.1%

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Lancer

28mpg combined
City / highway24 / 33 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel

Lancer

28mpg combined
City / highway25 / 33 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AV-S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,400/year to fuel

Lancer

26mpg combined
City / highway23 / 30 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AV-S6) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,600/year to fuel

Lancer

25mpg combined
City / highway22 / 30 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

Lancer AWD

25mpg combined
City / highway22 / 28 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AV-S6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

Lancer

20mpg combined
City / highway18 / 25 mpg
FuelPremium Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AM6) · All-Wheel Drive · about $4,100/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Power train
620060,000 mi
Engine
5100—
Fuel/propulsion system
2100—
Steering
2100—
Vehicle speed control
2000—
Visibility/wiper
2000—
Air bags
1101—
Engine and engine cooling
Exhaust system › Emission control › Catalytic convertor
1000—
Electrical system
1000—
Unknown or other
1000—
Suspension
1000—
Structure
Frame and members
1000—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.