Verdict
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Fewer reported complaints than most sedan.
Owners filed 26 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 72% of 2012 sedans. Power Train leads the reports (42%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2012 sedans, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
26
Reports to NHTSA, 2012
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
26
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
Fewer complaints than 72% of 2012 sedans
The bar is this car's percentile among 2012 sedans by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Power Train issues lead owner complaints (42% of 26 reports), followed by engine (15%).
+ 3 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 26 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 10874522, ODI 10616432, ODI 10550510, ODI 11388508, ODI 11328332.
Recalls(1)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Engine And Engine Cooling · 18V069000Details +Close −
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.
Remedy: 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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 4 DR FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback 5 HB FWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 4 DR AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback 5 HB AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lancer | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 24 | 33 | 28 |
| Lancer | 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 25 | 33 | 28 |
| Lancer | 2.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 23 | 30 | 26 |
| Lancer | 2.4L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 22 | 30 | 25 |
| Lancer | 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AM6) | 18 | 25 | 20 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Owners filed 26 NHTSA complaints about the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer — fewer complaints than 72% of comparable 2012 sedans, so it sits toward the stronger end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer?
The most-reported problem areas are Power Train (42% of complaints) and engine (15%).
How many recalls does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, covering components such as engine and engine cooling. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer between 20 and 28 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.