2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission & Drivetrain leads by volume: 12 of 26 complaints (46%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (1) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 48 in 2011 to 26 in 2012.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | vs. 2012 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 2,400–4,300 | 2,250–4,100 | 2,250–4,100 | 2,250–4,100 | 2,250–4,100 | |
| Combined MPG | 18–26 | 19–28 | 19–28 | 19–28 | 19–28 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 16–23 / 22–31 | 17–25 / 22–33 | 17–25 / 22–33 | 17–25 / 22–33 | 17–25 / 22–33 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 342–494 | 317–468 | 317–468 | 311–470 | 311–470 | |
| Complaints filed | 82 | 48 | 26 | 9 | 23 | |
| Recalls issued | 7 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 2 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 5 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 4 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | |
| Injuries reported | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Transmission & Drivetrain: 12 of 26 NHTSA complaints (46%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer get?
EPA rates it 19–28 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer?
EPA estimates $2,250–$4,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (10)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 24 mpg | 33 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | $2,250 (low) | 317 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (AV-S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 25 mpg (high) | 33 mpg (high) | 28 mpg (high) | $2,250 (low) | 317 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 3 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 22 mpg | 30 mpg | 25 mpg | $2,500 | 355 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Automatic (AV-S6) | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 23 mpg | 30 mpg | 26 mpg | $2,400 | 342 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (AM6) | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 18 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 444 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic (AV-S6) | 4 | 2.4L | All-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 22 mpg | 28 mpg | 25 mpg | $2,500 | 355 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 23 mpg | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic (AM6) | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 17 mpg (low) | 22 mpg (low) | 19 mpg (low) | $4,100 (high) | 468 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 9 | Automatic (AV-S6) | 4 | 2.0L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Station Wagons | 24 mpg | 32 mpg | 27 mpg | $2,300 | 329 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic (AV-S6) | 4 | 2.4L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Small Station Wagons | 22 mpg | 28 mpg | 25 mpg | $2,500 | 355 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 12 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (2)
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS · Campaign 18V069000 · Jan 29, 2018
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION · Campaign 13V446000 · Oct 18, 2013
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.