2012 Mitsubishi Lancer reliability

Is it reliable?

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer has 19 complaints with NHTSA after 15 years, or 1 per year. That is more complaints per year than most Lancer years here — over the median of the other years, which is 1. NHTSA has 1 recall on file, including Belts and pulleys.

Complaints

Per year

Recalls

Years on the road

What owners report

The complaints owners file most often name Powertrain (6 of 19), then Engine (5) and Fuel and propulsion system (2). Those filings include 3 that report a crash and 1 that reports an injury.

Next to 2013

The 2013 Lancer has 5 complaints, 0 per year. The 2012 has more complaints per year than the 2013.

The complaint rate is complaints filed in this year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. How we count. Data as of 2026-10-16.

Recalls (1)

Recall engine and cooling, engine, gasoline, belts and pulleys 2018-01-26 · NHTSA campaign 18V069000

Summary 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.

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.

Complaints by component (19 total)

Powertrain

Engine

Fuel and propulsion system

Speed control

Steering

Visibility and wipers

Air bags

Electrical system

Engine and engine cooling

Structure

Suspension

Wheels

Show 4 more Show less

Crash-flagged

Fire-flagged

Injury reports

Death reports

Complaints filed per year

Excerpts from recent NHTSA complaint filings

"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…"
Steering, Powertrain, Wheels · filed 2024-02-01
"The contact owns a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, and he was informed that the sub frame was rusted. The contact was informed…"
Structure · filed 2023-03-17
"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…"
Engine · filed 2021-09-08
"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,…"
Engine · filed 2021-06-28
"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…"
Engine · filed 2021-06-28

NHTSA crash ratings

Version	Overall	Front	Side	Rollover
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 4 DR AWD	4 stars	4 stars	4 stars	4 stars
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 4 DR FWD	4 stars	4 stars	4 stars	4 stars
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback 5 HB AWD	4 stars	4 stars	4 stars	4 stars
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback 5 HB FWD	4 stars	4 stars	4 stars	4 stars

Stars are how this vehicle did in NHTSA crash tests. They are a safety result, separate from the complaint record. Not rated means that test was not run for this version.

Fuel economy

Trim	Engine	Transmission	Drive	City	Hwy	Combined	Annual fuel cost
Lancer	2.4L, 4-cyl	Manual 5-speed	Front-wheel drive	22	30	25 MPG	$2600
Lancer	2L, 4-cyl	Automatic (6-speed)	All-wheel drive	18	25	20 MPG	$4000
Lancer	2L, 4-cyl	Automatic (AV-S6)	Front-wheel drive	25	33	28 MPG	$2300
Lancer	2.4L, 4-cyl	Automatic (AV-S6)	Front-wheel drive	23	30	26 MPG	$2500
Lancer	2L, 4-cyl	Manual 5-speed	Front-wheel drive	24	33	28 MPG	$2300
Lancer all-wheel drive	2.4L, 4-cyl	Automatic (AV-S6)	All-wheel drive	22	28	25 MPG	$2600
Lancer Evolution	2L, 4-cyl	Automatic (6-speed)	All-wheel drive	17	22	19 MPG	$4200
Lancer Evolution	2L, 4-cyl	Manual 5-speed	All-wheel drive	17	23	19 MPG	$4200
Lancer Sportback	2.4L, 4-cyl	Automatic (AV-S6)	Front-wheel drive	22	28	25 MPG	$2600
Lancer Sportback	2L, 4-cyl	Automatic (AV-S6)	Front-wheel drive	24	32	27 MPG	$2400

Specs and fitment

9th generation (CY/CZ), 2012–2017

Body styles Sedan, Hatchback

Oil 0W-20 (2.0L/2.4L NA; turbo/Ralliart viscosities differ) , 4.5 qt capacity

Tire size 205/60R16, 215/45R18, 245/40R18 (trim dependent)

Known issues for this generation

Recall 18V-069 covers certain 2009-2012 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles among other Mitsubishi models with 4B11 or 4B12 engines: the drive-belt automatic tensioner flange may crack, allowing the accessory drive belt to detach. Dealers replace the belt tensioner with an improved design. The campaign's published unit count is shared across Lancer, Outlander, Lancer Sportback, and Outlander Sport. Recall 17V-609 covers certain 2015-2016 Lancer vehicles among other Mitsubishi models: defective relays can cause an engine stall, reduced power, or overheating; dealers replace the affected relays.

Compare

Next year 2013 Mitsubishi Lancer See every Mitsubishi Lancer model year →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?

What are common problems with a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer?

The complaints owners file most often name Powertrain (6 of 19), then Engine (5) and Fuel and propulsion system (2). Those filings include 3 that report a crash and 1 that reports an injury.

Is the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer more reliable than the years next to it?

The 2013 Lancer has 5 complaints, 0 per year. The 2012 has more complaints per year than the 2013.

Has the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer been recalled?

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer has 1 recall on file with NHTSA. See the recalls table on this page for dates, components, and remedies.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer?

Owners have filed 19 complaints about the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer with NHTSA.

What mpg does a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer get?

EPA-rated combined fuel economy for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is 24.2 MPG. See the fuel economy table on this page for city and highway figures by engine and transmission.

What oil does a Mitsubishi Lancer use?

Many 2.0L/2.4L NA engines use 0W-20 with about 4.5 qt; turbo and Ralliart trims may specify different viscosities—check the manual.

What tire sizes fit the Lancer?

OE sizes range from 205/60R16 on base trims to 245/40R18 on sport packages; confirm on the placard.

What recalls affect the Mitsubishi Lancer?

Recall 18V-069 covers certain 2009-2012 Lancer models for accessory drive belt tensioner flange cracks (shared with Outlander family), and 17V-609 covers certain 2015-2016 Lancer vehicles for relay failures that can stall the engine.