2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 19
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2012
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2012: 19 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 1 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2002 | 148 |
| 2003 | 199 |
| 2004 | 80 |
| 2005 | 24 |
| 2006 | 37 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 91 |
| 2009 | 98 |
| 2010 | 51 |
| 2011 | 34 |
| 2012 | 19 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2014 | 16 |
| 2015 | 23 |
| 2016 | 30 |
| 2017 | 6 |
Known problem areas
Only 19 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
6 of 19 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-02-01
Also filed under Steering and wheels
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-06-16
Also filed under Engine and fuel/propulsion system
El carro cuando va subiendo cuesta largas no accelera se queda sin fuerza y dice que baje la velocidad si el solo lo baja y no permite acceleral y el motor tiene un ruido queno es normal ni lo hacia…
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-11-12
Engine
5 of 19 total reports mention: engine.
Visibility/wiper
2 of 19 total reports mention: visibility/wiper.
Show complaint excerpts
The wiper motor will fail randomly, the blade will just stop moving. When the wiper is turned off and then back on, it will start working again but then fail again. This occurs when the car is stationary or moving.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-08-29
Vehicle speed control
2 of 19 total reports mention: vehicle speed control.
Steering
2 of 19 total reports mention: steering.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2018-03-27Engine and engine cooling18V069000 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.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility/wiper: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 18V069000 · Engine and engine cooling
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.