The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer has 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 141,053 vehicles. Recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA, most often about the power train. Last updated July 5, 2026.
Recall campaigns
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING18V0690002018-01-26141,053 affected
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.
Complaints by component
POWER TRAIN
6
2crashes
ENGINE
5
1crashes
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2
1crashes
STEERING
2
1crashes
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2
VISIBILITY/WIPER
2
AIR BAGS
1
1crashes1injuries
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
1
Total complaints26
What owners report
Verbatim reports filed with NHTSA, lightly edited for readability and with personal
information removed.
“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 of the vehicle. Luckily I was coming to a stop sign and not traveling on the…”
“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 of the vehicle. Luckily I was coming to a stop sign and not traveling on the…”
“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 of the vehicle. Luckily I was coming to a stop sign and not traveling on the…”
“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. The contact was informed that there was a huge hole in the sub frame. The local dealer was not contacted.…”
“Nhtsa safety report 06/2021 — while driving approximately 45-50 mph, the abs warning light and traction control light suddenly came on the display so I reduced speed and had planned to proceed to the next service station which was approximately 1.5 miles away. However, when I was approximately…”
“Approximately may, 2020, prior to getting the vehicle inspected, code p0420 indicated a faulty catalytic converters. At this time, the vehicle had an estimated 170,000 miles on it so I replaced the catalytic converter, not thinking much of it. The we’re not further issues for about a year until…”
“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. This has been a ongoing thing since I got the car a few months ago. Also, my battery light will come on…”
“Tl* the contact owns a 2012 mitsubishi lancer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the traction control warning light illuminated before the vehicle made a sharp right turn and became difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to a nearby independent mechanic where it was…”
Recall, complaint, and investigation records from official NHTSA datasets (FLAT_RCL,
FLAT_CMPL, FLAT_INV), synced weekly. Counts reflect NHTSA records for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer as of
July 5, 2026. Complaint narratives are consumer-submitted and unverified. This page
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