Mitsubishi · Lancer · 2012
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
1
Recall
19
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer has 1 recall and 19 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine (4 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is engine with 4 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer currently shows 1 NHTSA recall listed on this page and 19 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 4/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are engine (4), power train (2), visibility/wiper (2).
- Vehicle
- 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
- Recalls
- 1
- Complaints
- 19
- Safety Rating
- 4/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
12.1% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: NoLane Departure Warning: No
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 18V069000January 26, 2018
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 Status
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.
Owner Complaints
19 totalSTEERING,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS
CRASHJan 12, 2024
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 t...
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STRUCTURE
Mar 16, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, and he was informed that the sub frame was rusted. The contact was informed that there was a huge hole in the sub frame. The local dealer w...
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ENGINE
Jun 18, 2021
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...
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ENGINE
Jun 1, 2021
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 abo...
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ENGINE
Apr 13, 2021
I own a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer and I have been experiencing issues with the engine. The check engine light comes on constantly then disappears for about 2 weeks and then comes back soon after. This has been a ongoing thing since i got the car a few months ago. Also, my battery li...
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SUSPENSION
Mar 6, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED BEFORE THE VEHICLE MADE A SHARP RIGHT TURN AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A NEARBY INDEPENDENT MECHAN...
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POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Jan 5, 2021
THE AYC/ACD PUMP FAILURE
POWER TRAIN
May 5, 2020
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I WENT TO ACCELERATE TO KEEP UP WITH MY TRAFFIC AND MY CAR WAS SLOW TO ACCELERATION. WHILE STILL DRIVING I WENT TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY, TOOK AN EXIT AND AFTER STOPPING AT STOP SIGN WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE GAS TO GO THE CAR DIDN'T RESPOND TO GO BUT TH...
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POWER TRAIN
Apr 27, 2020
SST TRANSMISSION WILL SHIFT OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING LIKE IT IN NEUTRAL. THEN WHEN YOU PULL OVER ONLY WAY TO GET IT SHIFTING GEARS IS TO TURN CAR OFF WAIT 10 SEC AND TURN BACK ON . THEN DRIVES NORMAL AGAIN. BEEN DRIVING LIKE THIS FOR TWO YEARS CAR HAS 60000 MILES
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Sep 7, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MITSUBISHI LANCER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30-40 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED; HOWEVER, THERE WAS A HESITATION BEFORE THE VEHICLE RESPONDED. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STALL. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A RATTLING SOUND UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE IN C...
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Showing 10 recent complaints from 19 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2012 Mitsubishi models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Mitsubishi Lancer Years
2013 Mitsubishi LancerCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.5c2011 Mitsubishi LancerCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.3r49c2014 Mitsubishi LancerCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.23c2010 Mitsubishi LancerCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.6r85c2015 Mitsubishi LancerCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.1r26c2009 Mitsubishi LancerCompare this year against 2012 for complaint and recall shifts.8r121c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer have?
The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer has 1 recall recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer?
NHTSA has received 19 owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer?
The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer are engine (4 reports), power train (2 reports), visibility/wiper (2 reports).
Does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 1 recall on record for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.