2012 Mitsubishi Lancer: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer: 1 recall, 19 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.
Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #18V069000 · 2018 · 141,053 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Transmission & drivetrain (6): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (3).
- Engine (5): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (2), noise or vibration (2).
- Fuel & propulsion (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Steering (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer has 19 owner complaints, ranking #12 of 18 Lancer model years for complaints (well below the 48 average). Complaints peaked in 2021 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 7 years old, at a median of 55,000 miles. Neighboring years: 2011 (34 complaints, 3 recalls), 2013 (5 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 33 | 28 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 25 | 33 | 28 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 25 | 20 | Premium |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer problems?
Owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are transmission & drivetrain (6), engine (5), fuel & propulsion (2).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (2.0 L, Manual 5-spd), across 5 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.