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2012 Mitsubishi

Lancer

Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L

Mitsubishi Lancer: best and worst years
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer (photo 1 of 2)

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2012.

PhotoDicky0615CC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Compact CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Manual 5-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
148
Power to weight
0.047 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.94
Cyl
4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
33 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
24 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
28 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$2,200EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
SmartWay certified
Yes

Dimensions & capacity

Length
180 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Width
69 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Height
59 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Wheelbase
104 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Curb Weight
3,120 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/5/2026
Pass. Vol
93 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Cargo Vol
12 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
No
Lane-departure warning
No
Recalls
1
Owner complaints
19
Reported injuries
1
Theft rate
0.6 per 1,000 produced (CY 2012 federal data)

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • POWER TRAIN23%
  • ENGINE19%
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8%
  • STEERING8%
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL8%
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER8%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 26 total.

Mitsubishi Lancer: best and worst years

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

84 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Nov 21, 2025ELECTRICAL SYSTEMTECH TALK 289

    Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications.

  • Jul 23, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEMTSB-16-54-001REV

    This Technical Service Bulletin instructs the dealer to update the Hands Free Module software to improve the Bluetooth connection when certain devices are connected to Wi‐Fi.

  • Jun 3, 2024POWER TRAINTSB-24-23-004

    Service Manual Revision - This Technical Service Bulletin provides corrections to the description of special tools used to install the oil seal within the Automatic Transaxle sections of the applicable Service Manuals.

  • Jul 21, 2023POWER TRAINTSB-23-22-001

    This Technical Service Bulletin provides service manual corrections and additional information for the transaxle assembly removal and installation of the roll stopper bracket.

  • Jul 21, 2023EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUALDEALER LETTER

    This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.

  • Apr 24, 2023STRUCTURETSB-23-00-004

    This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.

  • Apr 24, 2023EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUALTSB-23-00-001

    This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more than 1.5 percent of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or 100 lbs.

  • Mar 7, 2023ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGTSB-11-66-001REV

    This Technical Service Bulletin contains technical information and troubleshooting for the accessory Remote Engine Start system for affected vehicles.

  • and 76 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
5 yr / 60k mi
Powertrain
10 yr / 100k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr
EV battery
10 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.