Most common 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer problems
Share of the 19 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Mitsubishi Lancer complaints by model year
Best Lancer years: 2007, 2013, 2017. Years to avoid: 2003, 2002, 2009, 2008, 2004. Compare all years →
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer recalls (1)
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.
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.
What 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer owners say
Engine & cooling
NHTSA safety report 06/2021 - while driving approximately 45-50 mph, the ABS warning light and traction control light suddenly came on the display so I reduced speed and had planned to proceed to the next service station which was approximately 1.5 miles away. However, when I was approximately 1/2 mile from the station the engine stalled, the vehicle slightly jerked, and the the engine died. At this point, I shifted into neutral and cruised a couple hundred feet to a safe pull-off point. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the battery was completely dead and would not hold a charge when jumped. This prompted me to check the alternator where I noticed the loose belt and broken tensioner which I had repaired at my own expense the following day.
Approximately May, 2020, prior to getting the vehicle inspected, code P0420 indicated a faulty catalytic converters. At this time, the vehicle had an estimated 170,000 miles on it so I replaced the catalytic converter, not thinking much of it. The we're not further issues for about a year until June, 2021, when, once again, the computer started reading a P0420 code. Having only 30,000 - 40,000 miles, on it, and seeing no leaks in the exhaust or anything else that should cause a catalytic converter to go bad prematurely, there is clearly something else causing this issue.
Transmission & drivetrain
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 highway. My vehicle was last inspected in April of 2023 with no warning signs of there being an issue. I've recently done some research and gathered information regarding models from 08-10 Mitsubishi lancers having the exact same issue. I contacted my dealer about the issue and they stated there are no current recalls on my year vehicle. Although they also started that the part number on my subframe is the same part number that failed on the 09-10 models. There should be a recall on 2012 Mitsubishi lancer subframe(front cross member) I hope this issue is resolved! …
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 pulleys not working properly causing to much engine noise. Metal grinding and whistling sound coming from under carriage of vehicle. Rear differential and cv joint problem. Reported problem to dealership and techincians each time I go in. Their response is its just tire noise and your vehicle is running smoothly each time. Now at 68,000 km, rear differential is gone, engine barely holding up, suspension on driver side is is lower than passenger side. Wheel bearing noises present. 4x4 awc system isn't working. Vehicle is dragging and is at quarter efficiency. …
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 24 / 33 / 28 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 25 / 33 / 28 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 23 / 30 / 26 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 22 / 30 / 25 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | 22 / 28 / 25 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 6-speed dual-clutch | AWD | 18 / 25 / 20 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | 5-speed manual | AWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer a good car?
Based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Lancer rates better than average: 40% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Lancer at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer?
The engine & cooling — 6 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system › emission control › catalytic convertor. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (6) and fuel & propulsion system (2).
How many recalls does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer have?
There is 1 recall for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, the most recent from January 26, 2018 (belts and associated pulleys). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Mitsubishi Lancer?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2007, 2013 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2003, 2002, 2009, 2008 and 2004. See the full Mitsubishi Lancer years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 55,000 miles; 47% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.