Mitsubishi Lancer, representative photo
Representative model. Photo: SsmIntrigue, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2012 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Recall campaigns
2
Park-it warnings
0
Complaints
26
Latest campaign
Jan 26, 2018

Recall summary by component2

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
ComponentCampaignsLatestCampaign IDs
Engine and engine cooling1Jan 26, 2018
Power train1Sep 19, 2013

Safety recalls2

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h
0Park-it warnings
0Fixable over the air
Jan 26, 2018Latest campaign
Jan 26, 201818V069000

Engine and engine cooling: engine gasoline

If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

DetailsHide details for campaign 18V069000
What's wrong
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.
Risk
If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-001.
Filed under
Lancer, Lancer Sportback
Campaign
NHTSA 18V069000 · Jan 26, 2018
Sep 19, 201313V446000

Power train: manual transmission

Failure of the clutch master cylinder reduces the ability to shift the vehicle into or out of gear, increasing the risk of a crash.

DetailsHide details for campaign 13V446000
What's wrong
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured from December 12, 2007, through March 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the clutch master cylinder can fail.
Risk
Failure of the clutch master cylinder reduces the ability to shift the vehicle into or out of gear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected clutch master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2013. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's campaign number for this recall is SR-13-009.
Filed under
Lancer Evolution
Campaign
NHTSA 13V446000 · Sep 19, 2013

Merged from NHTSA model names: Lancer, Lancer Sportback, Lancer Evolution. Not every vehicle of a model year is affected by every campaign.

To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Buying a used 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer? Recalls cover the model; a history report checks one car's title, odometer and accident records. VinAudit history report → Sponsored · disclosure

Owner complaints by component26

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h
26Complaints filed
3Involving a crash
0Involving a fire
1Injuries reported
ComponentShareComplaints%CrashesFiresInjuries
Power train1246200
Engine519100
Steering28100
Visibility/wiper28000
Vehicle speed control28000
Fuel/propulsion system28100
Wheels14100
Structure14000
Suspension14000
Electrical system14000
Unknown or other14000
Engine and engine cooling14000
Air bags14101
Seats14000
Electronic stability control (ESC)14000

An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number, merged from NHTSA model names Lancer, Lancer Evolution, Lancer Ralliart.

Latest reports

  • Steering

    “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…”

    Filed 02/01/2024 · ODI 11569336
  • Structure

    “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.”

    Filed 03/17/2023 · ODI 11512320
  • 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.”

    Filed 09/08/2021 · ODI 11432087

Other Mitsubishi Lancer model years

Other Mitsubishi models

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer recall questions

How many recalls does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer have?

NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. The most recent, 18V069000 (reported January 26, 2018), concerns engine and engine cooling. Not every vehicle is covered by every campaign; check a specific car by VIN.

What is the most common complaint about the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer?

Power train is the most-reported component, named in 12 complaints out of 26 filed with NHTSA (46%). Across all complaints, owners reported 3 crashs and 0 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

Check a specific Mitsubishi by VIN

0/17
Free · No signup · US-market vehicles, 1981+