The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is a wagon that came with a choice of 2.0L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl engines. At 14 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
| Body style | Compact Cars, Small Station Wagons |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl (turbocharged versions available) |
| Transmissions | Manual 5-spd, Automatic (AV-S6), Automatic (AM6) |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 17–25 city / 22–33 highway / 19–28 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,400–$4,350 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 317–468 grams per mile |
| Curb weight (NHTSA test vehicle) | 3,139 lb |
| Gross vehicle weight rating | 3,969–4,509 lb |
| Versions tested by EPA | 10 configurations: Lancer, Lancer AWD, Lancer Evolution, Lancer Sportback |
| Age | 14 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data; weights from NHTSA crash-test records. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
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.
Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 19 complaints about the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer with NHTSA. 3 reports involved a crash. Owners reported 1 injury.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, by version tested.
| Version | Overall | Frontal crash | Side crash | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Dr, AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | 12.1% |
| 5 Hb, AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | 12.1% |
| 5 Hb, FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | 12.1% |
| 4 Dr, FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | 12.1% |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP). Ratings from different model years or rating systems aren't directly comparable.
Manufacturers have filed 88 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications.
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
Service Manual Revision - This Technical Service Bulletin provides corrections to the description of special tools used to install the oil seal within the Automatic Trans
This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
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It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Yes. We buy 2012 Lancers that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Data retrieved October 2026.
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