2012 Mitsubishi Lancer problems
The Mitsubishi Lancer is an automobile produced by the Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors since 1973.
The Lancer has been marketed as the Colt Lancer, Dodge Colt, Plymouth Colt, Chrysler Valiant Lancer, Chrysler Lancer, Eagle Summit, Hindustan Lancer, Soueast Lioncel, and Mitsubishi Mirage in various countries at different times, and has been sold as the Mitsubishi Galant Fortis in Japan since 2007. It has also been sold as Mitsubishi Lancer Fortis in Taiwan with a different facelift than the Galant Fortis. In Japan, it was sold at a specific retail chain called Car Plaza.
Between its introduction in 1973 and 2008, over six million units were sold. There have been ten generations of Lancers.
Mitsubishi ended production of the Lancer in August 2017 worldwide, with the exception of Taiwan and China. An extensive facelift was given to the car by Pininfarina's Chinese offices.
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Common 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, several common problems have been identified:
- Brake Failure: Some early production models have experienced issues with the brake pedal becoming hard, preventing the vehicle from stopping effectively. This is caused by a defective brake booster vacuum check valve, affecting the booster operation. Replacing the faulty valve is crucial to ensure proper brake function and safety.
- Engine Stalling: Owners have reported instances of the engine stalling or cutting off, particularly when accelerating from a standstill or cruising at a constant speed. This intermittent issue can be challenging to diagnose but is often linked to a faulty MAP sensor or a clogged throttle body. Replacing the MAP sensor and cleaning the throttle body can help resolve this problem.
- Slow Fan Speed and Ventilation Loss: Some Mitsubishi Lancers have experienced issues with slow fan speed and ventilation loss, indicating problems with the blower motor or the resistor controlling its speed. Checking the resistor for damage and replacing the blower motor if necessary can restore proper airflow and ventilation inside the cabin.
- Automatic Gearbox Problems: Automatic gearbox issues have been reported, manifesting as hesitant gear changes, slipping gears, or rough shifting. These problems can stem from internal mechanical failures like worn-out clutch packs, solenoid malfunctions, or fluid leaks. Addressing these gearbox issues may require professional diagnosis and repair to prevent further damage to the transmission system.
- Rust Issues: Rust problems have been noted in certain Mitsubishi Lancer models, particularly those imported from regions with different road salt standards. Rust typically develops on the vehicle's exterior surfaces, compromising structural integrity if left untreated. Regular inspections and preventive measures like applying rust inhibitors can help mitigate the risk of rust formation.
These common problems with the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer highlight the importance of regular maintenance, prompt repairs, and professional assistance to ensure the longevity and performance of the vehicle.
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Mitsubishi Lancer problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Engine problems
- Steering problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer complaints
The NHTSA has received 19 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer.
2024-02-01
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-12
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA32U2FU9CU
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS
- Summary: 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 highway. My vehicle was last inspected in April of 2023 with no warning signs of there being an issue. I've recently done some research and gathered information regarding models from 08-10 Mitsubishi lancers having the exact same issue. I contacted my dealer about the issue and they stated there are no current recalls on my year vehicle. Although they also started that the part number on my subframe is the same part number that failed on the 09-10 models. There should be a recall on 2012 Mitsubishi lancer subframe(front cross member) I hope this issue is resolved! I was fortunate to not have been injured! My vehicle has not currently been inspected after the accident because I had it towed back to my house after the accident because I was unsure what to do about the situation. The vehicle is available to be towed to be inspected if need be. A police officer did pass me and checked to make sure I was alright while I was stranded in the middle of the road while waiting for a tow truck.
2023-03-17
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-16
- VIN: JA32U2FU7CU
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: 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. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.
2021-09-08
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-13
- VIN: JA32U8FW9CU
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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 (with noise and notice) then quickly turn off and not come back on. This happens on and off also. I did some research and I believe it is a belt issue.
2021-06-28
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-01
- VIN: JA32U2FU2CU
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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 June, 2021, when, once again, the computer started reading a P0420 code. Having only 30,000 - 40,000 miles, on it, and seeing no leaks in the exhaust or anything else that should cause a catalytic converter to go bad prematurely, there is clearly something else causing this issue.
2021-06-28
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-18
- VIN: JA32U2FU2CU
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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 1/2 mile from the station the engine stalled, the vehicle slightly jerked, and the the engine died. At this point, I shifted into neutral and cruised a couple hundred feet to a safe pull-off point. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the battery was completely dead and would not hold a charge when jumped. This prompted me to check the alternator where I noticed the loose belt and broken tensioner which I had repaired at my own expense the following day.
2021-03-12
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-03-06
- VIN: JA32U2FU1CU
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: 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 DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS FRACTURED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORROSION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 123,000.
2021-01-16
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-01-05
- VIN: JA32W8FV6CU
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: THE AYC/ACD PUMP FAILURE
2020-06-11
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-05-05
- VIN: JA32U2FU7CU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I WENT TO ACCELERATE TO KEEP UP WITH MY TRAFFIC AND MY CAR WAS SLOW TO ACCELERATION. WHILE STILL DRIVING I WENT TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY, TOOK AN EXIT AND AFTER STOPPING AT STOP SIGN WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE GAS TO GO THE CAR DIDN'T RESPOND TO GO BUT THEN JERKED AND ACCELERATED VERY SLOWLY. THERE'S WAS A RECALL ON THE CVT TRANSMISSIONS FOR LANCERS BUT YEARS 14-16 FOR THIS SAME ISSUE BUT BECAUSE MY CAR DOESN'T FALL INTO THAT RECALL MY DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING I COULD DO. I'VE BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AND THIS ISSUES IS ONLY GETTING WORSE TO THE POINT WHERE AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 60MPH CAUSES AN TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING ALERT WITHIN 10-15 MINS ON THE HIGHWAY AND ALONG WITH SLOW ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND ALSO STOPPING AT STOP SIGNS THE CAR DOES NOT ACCELERATE RIGHT AWAY. *TR
2020-04-27
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-04-27
- VIN: JA32W5FV2CU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: SST TRANSMISSION WILL SHIFT OUT OF GEAR WHILE DRIVING LIKE IT IN NEUTRAL. THEN WHEN YOU PULL OVER ONLY WAY TO GET IT SHIFTING GEARS IS TO TURN CAR OFF WAIT 10 SEC AND TURN BACK ON . THEN DRIVES NORMAL AGAIN. BEEN DRIVING LIKE THIS FOR TWO YEARS CAR HAS 60000 MILES
2019-09-09
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-07
- VIN: JA32U8FW3CU
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MITSUBISHI LANCER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30-40 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED; HOWEVER, THERE WAS A HESITATION BEFORE THE VEHICLE RESPONDED. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STALL. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WAS A RATTLING SOUND UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO EXPRESSWAY MITSUBISHI (LOCATED AT 5511 E INDIANA ST, EVANSVILLE, IN 47715, (866)437-9750) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,839.
2019-01-12
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-01
- VIN: JA32U2FU8CU
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: WINDOW WIPER WILL FAIL IN MIDDLE SWIPE. WHEN TURNED OFF AND BACK ON, IT MAY START AGAIN HOWEVER IT SOMETIMES GETS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WIPING MOTION. OUTLANDER SPORT FROM YEAR 2011-2016 HAD A CURRENT RECALL FOR WIPER LINKAGE CORROSION (784902762095). THE MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT MODEL AND THE LANCER MODEL SHARE MANY COMMON PARTS.
2018-11-12
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-01-01
- VIN: JA32U1FU2CU
- Components: POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: EL CARRO CUANDO VA SUBIENDO CUESTA LARGAS NO ACCELERA SE QUEDA SIN FUERZA Y DICE QUE BAJE LA VELOCIDAD SI EL SOLO LO BAJA Y NO PERMITE ACCELERAL Y EL MOTOR TIENE UN RUIDO QUENO ES NORMAL NI LO HACIA ANTES
2018-08-29
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-04
- VIN: JA32U2FU8CU
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: THE WIPER MOTOR WILL FAIL RANDOMLY, THE BLADE WILL JUST STOP MOVING. WHEN THE WIPER IS TURNED OFF AND THEN BACK ON, IT WILL START WORKING AGAIN BUT THEN FAIL AGAIN. THIS OCCURS WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY OR MOVING. THERE IS A RECENT RECALL FOR THE 2011-2015 MITSUBISHI OUTLANDER SPORT MODEL (RECALL NUMBER 16V792000) WITH "INTERNAL CORROSION OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR AND THE POSSIBLE FAILURE OF THE MOTOR." WHICH HAS THE SAME WIPER COMPONENTS AS THE LANCER MODEL.
2018-01-30
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-22
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA32U2FU1CU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: ANOTHER DRIVER RAN A STOP SIGN, I HIT THEIR VECHILE HEAD ON. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
2016-06-16
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-03-20
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JA32V2FW8CU
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: RECEIVED VEHICLE AT 10KM, AFTER 2 OIL CHANGES, AT 16000KM MILIEGE DROPPED FROM 700KM ON A TANK OF GAS TO 300KM TANK OF GAS. AT 24000KM HEAVY TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE NOISES OCCURRED. GEARS SLIPPING OUT WHILE ACCELERATING CAUSING RPMS TO SHOOT UP TO 6000-7000 WHILE VEHICLE NOT MOVING. TIMING BELT AND PULLEYS NOT WORKING PROPERLY CAUSING TO MUCH ENGINE NOISE. METAL GRINDING AND WHISTLING SOUND COMING FROM UNDER CARRIAGE OF VEHICLE. REAR DIFFERENTIAL AND CV JOINT PROBLEM. REPORTED PROBLEM TO DEALERSHIP AND TECHINCIANS EACH TIME I GO IN. THEIR RESPONSE IS ITS JUST TIRE NOISE AND YOUR VEHICLE IS RUNNING SMOOTHLY EACH TIME. NOW AT 68,000 KM, REAR DIFFERENTIAL IS GONE, ENGINE BARELY HOLDING UP, SUSPENSION ON DRIVER SIDE IS IS LOWER THAN PASSENGER SIDE. WHEEL BEARING NOISES PRESENT. 4X4 AWC SYSTEM ISN'T WORKING. VEHICLE IS DRAGGING AND IS AT QUARTER EFFICIENCY. ON TIME WITH SERVICE AND OIL CHANGE, KEEP BRINGING UP SAME COMPLAINTS AND REPORTED BACK THAT ITS JUST TIRE NOISE. ALL 4 TIRES CHANGES, BRAKES CHANGED AND ROTORS. NOW THAT THINGS ARE BREAKING DOWN. DEALERSHIP AT BANK STREET MITSUBISHI DENIES DOING ANY NEGLIGENCE OVER THE COURSE OF 4 YEARS AND SAYING OUR TECHS WOULDN'T HAVE MISSED THOSE PROBLEMS. VEHICLE TAKEN TO 6 LOCAL MECHANICS AND ALL REPORTING SAME PROBLEM, TAKEN TO OTHER MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIPS AND REPORTED NEGLIGENCE ON TECHNICIANS AND MECHANICS FROM BANK STREET MITSUBISHI THAT THESE ISSUES SHOULD HAVE BEEN DONE IN THE PAST SINCE THEY ARE DEFECTS. CALLED MITSUBISHI CANADA. MANAGER THERE SAYS OUR TECHS ARE ONE OF THE BEST AT THAT LOCATION. NOW THEY WANT TO VOID WARRANTY DUE TO THEIR MISTAKES SINCE PARTS NEED TO BE REPLACED. SERVICE MANAGER DOESN'T WANT HIGH INVOICE BILLS. WHILE REPAIRING PARTS, TECHS DAMAGING OTHERS. AND NOT REPORTING IT. MAKING COSTUMERS PAY FOR TECHS MISTAKES. ISSUE STILL ON GOING. MANAGER AND TECHS AVOIDING ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THEIR ACTIONS.
2014-08-05
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-07-15
- VIN: JA32V2FW9CU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MITSUBISHI LANCER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY WHEN THE CONTACT REMOVED HER FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
2013-09-23
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-01-10
- VIN: JA32U2FU0CU
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND MAKING A TURN, A SQUEAKING NOISE EMITTED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER SIX TIMES FOR THE SAME MALFUNCTION. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE OR DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,000.
2013-09-18
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-04-25
- VIN: JA32U1FU2CU
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND STALLED WITH NO WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CENTRAL COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100. THE APPROXIMATE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 28,000.
2013-08-29
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2013-08-28
- VIN: JA32U2FU0CU
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY RAN OUT OF GASOLINE FUEL. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE LOW FUEL IN THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FUEL GAUGE READING THREE QUARTERS OF A TANK FULL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST, WHICH CONFIRMED THAT THE FUEL SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL SENSOR BUT THE REPAIR DID NOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE CONTACT STATED THE FUEL SENSOR WAS REPLACED TWICE. NONE OF THE REPAIRS REMEDIED THE DEFECTIVE FUEL GAUGE FAILURE. THE CONTACT DID NOT CALL THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,830.
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer.
2018-01-26
- Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
- Summary: 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.
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