Photo: OSX / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer: common problems and reliability
An average Lancer year.
23 owner complaints, most about power train. 1 recall.
Should I buy a 2012 Lancer?The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer has 23 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are power train and engine.
Safety record for the 2012 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Lancer years only. How we score it
Is 2012 a good year for the Lancer?
Across the 17 Lancer model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (2000) to 311 (2003). With 23 complaints, the 2012 Lancer sits below the model's median of 37.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2012 Lancer
engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleys
Campaign 18V069000Mitsubishi 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.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided between the standard Lancer models and the high-performance Evolution variants. For standard Lancers (ES, GTS, Aspire, etc.), owner feedback is generally positive regarding reliability, practicality, and low-cost ownership.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Lancer. See the full Lancer owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Lancer listings typically run $7,490–$10,213 across 2010 to 2017 model years.
Other Lancer model years
Compare every Lancer year side by side to see how 2012 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Lancer against its rivals
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