Does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, the most recent reported on January 26, 2018 (Engine and engine cooling: engine, gasoline, belts and associated pulleys). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer?

Owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (6 complaints), followed by engine (5).

How many 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer complaints mention a crash or fire?

3 of 19 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer recalls and problems

1 recall and 19 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer recalls

Engine and engine cooling: engine, gasoline, belts and associated pulleys

NHTSA campaign 18V069000 · reported January 26, 2018 · Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. · 141,053 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: 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. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-001.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Power train6
Engine5
Fuel/propulsion system2
Steering2
Vehicle speed control2
Visibility/wiper2
Air bags1
Electrical system1
Engine and engine cooling1
Structure1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Feb 1, 2024 · Power train · crash reported
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…

Mar 17, 2023 · Structure · 65,000 miles
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 was not contacted. The vehicle was not…

Sep 8, 2021 · Engine
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 light will come on (with noise and…

Jun 28, 2021 · Engine
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…

Jun 28, 2021 · Engine
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…

Lancer model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2009	8	98	11	3
2010	6	51	5	1
2011	3	34	1	0
2012	1	19	3	0
2013	0	5	0	0
2014	0	16	3	2
2015	1	23	5	0

Across all years, the 2003 Lancer has the most complaints (199). All Mitsubishi Lancer years →

Questions

Does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, the most recent reported on January 26, 2018 (Engine and engine cooling: engine, gasoline, belts and associated pulleys). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer?: Owners have filed 19 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (6 complaints), followed by engine (5).
How many 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer complaints mention a crash or fire?: 3 of 19 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received February 1, 2024.