YearToAvoid

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Good

Complaint Index

33/100

#9 most-complained of 13 Lancer years

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

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer has 19 owner complaints and 1 safety recall on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 33 out of 100 — #9 highest of 13 Lancer model years (verdict: Good). The most reported problem area is engine (8 complaints, 42% of the total). Complaints report 3 crashes and 1 injury.

Complaints
19
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
3 / 0
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
25.5
22.5 city / 30 hwy

Top 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer problems

NHTSA owner 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%)
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer complaints: complaints filed per month3Aug 2013Jun 2016Nov 2018Apr 2020Mar 2021Mar 2023
26 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2013 to Feb 2024; peak Jun 2016 (3).

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 a reliable year?
Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer ranks #9 of 13 among Lancer model years (Complaint Index 33/100, verdict: Good). It has 19 complaints and 1 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer?
The most reported problem areas are engine (8 complaints), transmission & powertrain (6 complaints), and fuel system (2 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 55,000 miles.
Does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, most recently reported 2018, covering engine.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer?
EPA rates the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer at 25.5 MPG combined (22.5 city / 30 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,550. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

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.