Model year guide

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 124 on record.

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints19
Combined25 mpg
Typical price$9,508

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer recalls 1

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys NHTSA Campaign #18V069000 · 26/01/2018

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.

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Wheels
Inspect wheels for bends, cracks and curb rash, and feel for vibration at highway speed.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer MPG & running costs

Combined25 mpg
City22 mpg
Highway30 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,600

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer worth?

Low
$6,300
Typical price
$9,508
High
$12,700

From 124 comparable 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,000
Depreciation (5 yrs)$6,200
Total$19,200
Per mile$0.26

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($9,508) with the same model 4 model-years older ($4,550), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer trims & engines on record

Trims
ES · DE · SE · GT · Ralliart
Engines
2.0L · 2.4L

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles on record

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer ESJA32U2FU1CU030493 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer ESJA32U2FU3CU022685 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer GTJA32U8FW9CU009475 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer DEJA32U1FUXCU010639 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer DEJA32U1FU4CU012080 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer DEJA32U1FU6CU005616 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer SEJA32V2FW2CU006928 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer DEJA32U1FU3CU025869 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer ESJA32U2FU7CU029414 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer ESJA32U2FU4CU030827 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer GTJA32U8FW6CU013449 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer GTJA32U8FW2CU014713 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer DEJA32U1FU9CU024869 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer DEJA32U1FU8CU024507 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer DEJA32U1FU0CU026283 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer ESJA32U2FU6CU028335 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer ESJA32U2FU2CU019583 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer SEJA32V2FW9CU018297 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer ESJA32U2FU9CU011514 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer GTJA32U8FW6CU030364 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer GTJA32U8FW7CU025299 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer SEJA32V2FW5CU006714 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer ESJA32U2FU8CU023833 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer ESJA32U2FU2CU007126

Other Mitsubishi Lancer model years

2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

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

Based on 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, engine, visibility/wiper.

What gas mileage does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer at about 25 mpg combined (22 city / 30 highway).

How much is a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer worth?

Comparable 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer listings run roughly $6,300–$12,700, typically around $9,508 (from 124 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.