VehicleVerdict

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 26 complaints on file for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer — 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.

In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

26

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2012 compare to other Lancer years?

Lancer NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted242 complaints1996: 1 complaints2000: 1 complaints2002: 194 complaints2003: 242 complaints2004: 96 complaints2005: 27 complaints2006: 52 complaints2007: 3 complaints2008: 126 complaints2009: 139 complaints2010: 66 complaints2011: 51 complaints2012: 26 complaints2013: 9 complaints2014: 23 complaints2015: 36 complaints2016: 38 complaints2017: 7 complaints
Lancer NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Lancer years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine623%
Transmission623%
Visibility & Wipers28%
Fuel System28%
Speed Control28%
Steering28%
Airbags14%
Body & Structure14%
Suspension14%
Tires & Wheels14%
Other14%
Electrical System14%

Does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · March 20, 2013 · crash

“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 of the vehicle. Luckily I was coming to a stop sign and not traveling on the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 12, 2024 · crash

“WINDOW WIPER WILL FAIL IN MIDDLE SWIPE. WHEN TURNED OFF AND BACK ON, IT MAY START AGAIN HOWEVER IT SOMETIMES GETS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WIPING MOTION. OUTLANDER SPORT FROM YEAR 2011-2016 HAD A CURRENT RECALL FOR WIPER LINKAGE CORROSION (784902762095). THE MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT MODEL AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 1, 2019

“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 of the vehicle. Luckily I was coming to a stop sign and not traveling on the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · January 12, 2024 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 20, 2013 · crash

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer — common questions

Is the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?

The record is thin — 26 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2012 Lancer problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (6 complaints), engine (6 complaints), steering (2 complaints).

Does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer have recalls?

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

Which Mitsubishi Lancer years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Lancer years to avoid are 2003, 2002, 2009, 2008, 2004, 2010, 2005. The cleanest record among Lancer years belongs to 2000.

How safe is the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.