YearToAvoid

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Good The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer has a complaint index of 33, ranking 9th worst out of 13 model years, and earns a Good verdict. It has 19 complaints, 1 recall, and no fires or deaths reported.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
33/100
#9 of 13 Lancer years
Verdict
Good
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
19
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
3
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2013
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
25.5
22.5 city / 30 hwy
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Top 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine8 (42%)
  2. Transmission & Powertrain6 (32%)
  3. Fuel System2 (11%)
  4. Steering2 (11%)
  5. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (11%)
  6. Visibility & Wipers2 (11%)
  7. Airbags1 (5%)
  8. Electrical System1 (5%)
  9. Other1 (5%)
  10. Structure & Body1 (5%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Engine loses power or stalls unexpectedly while driving at low speed, sometimes with no warning.
  • Accelerator hesitates before the vehicle responds, occasionally paired with a rattling noise near the engine.
  • Transmission loses power going up long inclines, with the vehicle refusing to accelerate and an unusual motor noise.
  • Steering wheel emits a squeaking noise while turning at low speed, a problem some dealers could not duplicate after repeated visits.
  • Windshield wiper motor stops mid-swipe and only resumes when turned off and back on.
  • Fuel gauge reads a higher level than actual, leading to the vehicle running out of gas unexpectedly.
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer complaints: complaints filed per month2Aug 2013Jun 2016Nov 2018Apr 2020Mar 2021Mar 2023
19 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2013 to Feb 2024; peak Sep 2013 (2).

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 18V069000Jan 26, 2018Engine141,053 vehicles

    Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleys

    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.

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer fuel economy and fuel cost

City
22.5 MPG
Highway
30 MPG
Combined
25.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,550
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2012 compared with other Lancer years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2010Avoid8351623
2011Caution5034325.5
2012Good3319125.5
2013Best85025.5
2014Good4216025.5

All Mitsubishi Lancer years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 Lancer ranks 9th worst out of 13 model years with a complaint index of 33, earning a Good verdict relative to other Lancer years.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Engine issues make up 42% of complaints, followed by transmission and powertrain problems at 32%. Fuel system, steering, suspension, and wiper issues each account for smaller shares.
Does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer have any recalls?
Yes, one recall (18V069000) covers the engine belt tensioner on certain 2009-2012 Lancer and related Mitsubishi models; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
What is the median mileage for engine failures in the 2012 Lancer?
NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 28,000 for engine-related complaints in the 2012 Lancer.
How does the 2012 Lancer compare to other years?
The 2012 Lancer's complaint index of 33 is much lower than the 2008 (92), 2009 (100), and 2010 (83) model years, which are rated Avoid.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.