VehicleVerdict

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Lancer SportBack years?

Lancer SportBack NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted14 complaints2004: 14 complaints2009: 0 complaints2010: 2 complaints2011: 0 complaints2012: 0 complaints2013: 3 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 0 complaints2016: 0 complaints
Lancer SportBack NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Lancer SportBack years to avoid →

Does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18V069000EngineJanuary 26, 2018 · 141,053 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack — common questions

Is the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer SportBack. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.