2012 Mitsubishi Lancer: owner complaints and recalls
Analysis of 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA and 1 recall campaigns. Updated 2026-07-25.
19
Complaints
1
Recalls
3
Crash reports
0
Fire reports
1
Injuries
105.3
Severity index
Severity index 105.3 - High. This weights crashes, fires, injuries and fatalities per 100 complaints; see methodology.
What actually fails
| Component | Complaints | Share of complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 6 | 31.6% |
| ENGINE | 5 | 26.3% |
| STEERING | 2 | 10.5% |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2 | 10.5% |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 2 | 10.5% |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 2 | 10.5% |
| WHEELS | 1 | 5.3% |
| STRUCTURE | 1 | 5.3% |
The single most-reported system is POWER TRAIN, cited in 6 of 19 complaints (31.6%). One complaint can name several systems, so these shares overlap and do not total 100%.
Complaints filed per year
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 | 3 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
Complaint volume is broadly steady year over year.
Recall campaigns
| Campaign | Reported | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18V069000 | 26/01/2018 | 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 t |
Source. US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration public complaint and recall APIs (api.nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-07-25. Complaints are unverified consumer reports; volume is influenced by how many units were sold and how long the vehicle has been on the road. Not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer.