2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Problems, Recalls & Reliability

26 owner complaints sit in the federal file for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, alongside 1 recall campaign and 0 defect investigations. It scores 11/100 on the trouble index — too lightly reported for a fair score.

26Complaints
11/100Trouble index
1Recalls

Few reports

Where 2012 sits among all Lancer years

Darker = quieter yearsBrighter amber = more trouble

What owners report

Engine 6 complaints (23%)
Transmission & drivetrain 6 complaints (23%)
Fuel system 2 complaints (8%)
Steering 2 complaints (8%)
Speed control 2 complaints (8%)
Visibility & wipers 2 complaints (8%)

Recalls (1)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING 18V069000 2018

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…

Fix: 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…

Technical service bulletins

88 manufacturer communications — service bulletins, the biggest share on electrical and engine — are on file for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. A TSB is factory repair guidance, not a recall — the repair is not automatically free.

See the 2012 Lancer TSB list →

Complaint history for this model year

When owners filed their reports — a long tail means problems kept surfacing for years.

2013peak 7 in 20212024

Questions buyers ask

Is the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer drew 26 complaints in federal safety records — too lightly reported for a fair score. Its trouble index is 11/100, scored against the model's worst year (2002).

What are the most common 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer problems?

The top reported problems for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer are engine (6 complaints), transmission & drivetrain (6), and fuel system (2).

Does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer have recalls?

1 recall campaign applies to the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer.

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Data updated 2026-08-20 from NHTSA's public records

Every number on this page is a count of records in the federal complaint, recall, and investigation files published by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. Check any specific vehicle's open recalls by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.