The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer scores 6.6/10 at Carivo, ranking #1259 of 1310 sedans, with 1 NHTSA recall on record and an estimated $3,281/year fuel cost.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 6.6/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Value at 7.5/10, while Reliability at 6.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 6.0/10 for reliability, this sedan trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 7.1/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.2/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.1/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $12,480–$15,448, 16 MPG, seating 5, the Mitsubishi Lancer sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. At 7.5/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 14 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer sits in the middle of the field. Until its performance and technology and reliability scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer ranks #1259 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 4% of the segment. Its 6.6/10 overall score is 0.9 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $12,480 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 55%.
$0 — 1 campaign on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Lancer Year Should You Buy?
Across the Lancer model years we've scored, the 2012 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
✗ Where it falls short
Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
Fuel economy at 16 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer (1 on record)
The following recall campaign has been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Engine and engine cooling / Engine / Gasoline / Belts and associated pulleys 26/01/2018 · 18V069000
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…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
Is the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?
We rate the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer's reliability 6.0/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 1 NHTSA recall campaign on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer have?
1 NHTSA recall campaign matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer worth buying?
It scores 6.6/10 overall, ranking #1259 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 4% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer cost?
The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer starts at $12,480 and ranges up to $15,448 across trims (MSRP when new). At 16 MPG, expect roughly $3,281/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Lancer years should you avoid?
No standout weak years: across the 4 Lancer model years we've scored, every year lands within half a point of the best (6.8/10). Pick on price and condition rather than year.
What problems does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer have?
The documented issues for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Engine and engine cooling (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Mitsubishi Lancer
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Similar Sedan to Consider
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Mitsubishi models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
2012 model shown
