2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Problems & Reliability

Hey there, fellow car enthusiasts! If you’re anything like me, you probably have a soft spot for the Mitsubishi Lancer. This compact car has been a staple on the roads for years, offering a blend of style, performance, and affordability. But, like any vehicle, it’s not without its quirks and issues. Today, we’re diving into the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer to uncover some of the common problems owners have faced and to give you a sense of its overall reliability. Whether you’re considering buying one or just curious about how it holds up over time, this post is for you. Now, let’s be real—no car is perfect, and the 2012 Lancer is no exception. From transmission troubles to electrical gremlins, we’ll explore the nitty-gritty details that every potential owner should know. But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom. We’ll also highlight the areas where the Lancer shines, proving that it can still be a dependable ride for many. So, buckle up and join me as we take a closer look at what makes the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer tick, and whether it’s a car you can count on for the long haul.
Body Components

Parts Assessed:

Windows, power locks, manual locks, doors, trunk, tailgate, mirrors, power and manual seat controls, seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defects.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake lines, brake master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake, brake sensors, regenerative braking system (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Sticky Temperature Knob

Analysis:

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer seems to have a few quirks, with one of the more common issues being a sticky temperature knob. While this might not be a deal-breaker, it can be a bit annoying when you’re trying to adjust the climate control smoothly. Overall, the Lancer is generally reliable, but little things like this can pop up from time to time.

Parts Assessed

Air conditioning compressor, AC condenser, AC evaporator, heater core, blower motor, automatic climate control system, refrigerant leaks, HVAC electrical components, temperature sensors, ventilation system.

Reported Problems:

  • The clear coat paint may peel

Analysis:

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer has a few issues, with one of the more common problems being the peeling of the clear coat paint. While this doesnt affect the cars performance, it can be a bit of a bummer if youre particular about keeping your ride looking fresh. Overall, the Lancer is generally reliable, but its worth keeping an eye on the paint job if youre considering this model.

Parts Assessed

CV joints, driveshaft, axles, differential, limited-slip differential (if applicable), traction control system, electronic stability control (ESC), four-wheel-drive (4WD) components, all-wheel-drive (AWD) components, transfer case, driveline vibration.

Reported Problems:

  • The automatic transmission may fail prematurely

Analysis:

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer has had some issues with the automatic transmission failing prematurely, which can be a bit of a headache for owners. While the car generally offers a decent driving experience, this particular problem can affect its overall reliability. If you’re considering a Lancer from this year, it’s something to keep in mind and maybe discuss with a mechanic.

Parts Assessed

Infotainment system, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen display, phone pairing, backup camera, rear entertainment system, head-up display, instrument cluster, digital gauges.

Reported Problems:

  • Airbags May Not Deploy as Expected

Analysis:

The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer has had some issues with airbags not deploying as expected, which is a significant safety concern. While this problem doesn’t affect every vehicle, it’s something to be aware of if you’re considering buying a used Lancer from that year. Overall, it’s important to check if any recalls or repairs have been addressed to ensure the car’s reliability and safety.

Parts Assessed

Radiator, radiator hoses, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, engine coolant reservoir, overheating prevention system, intercooler (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Alternator, battery, ignition switch, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, engine control module (ECM), electronic ignition system, auto stop/start function, battery cables, engine wiring harness, fuse box, relays, starter motor.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Engine rebuilds, cylinder head, head gasket, timing chain, timing belt, camshaft, crankshaft, connecting rods, turbocharger or supercharger (if applicable), valve train, piston rings, oil control system, engine knocking, engine misfires.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, exhaust pipes, oxygen (O₂) sensors, resonator, exhaust leaks, emissions control system.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, fuel gauge sensor, evaporative emissions system, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve, charcoal canister, fuel filter, fuel tank, vapor leaks.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

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Onboard Electronics

Parts Assessed

Cruise control, keyless entry system, push-button start, wiper motor, warning lights, power mirrors, interior lighting, exterior lighting, dashboard indicators, electronic parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), alarm and security system, remote engine start, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Dashboard rattles, squeaks, wind noise, door seals, weather stripping, water leaks, air leaks, excessive road noise, suspension noise, drivetrain noise, exhaust rattles, engine bay noises.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Paint durability, clear coat protection, rust prevention, corrosion resistance, body panel alignment, door seals, window trim, plastic trim, metal finishes, fading, cracking, peeling.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Struts, shocks, control arms, sway bars, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, power steering pump, power steering fluid leaks, electronic power steering (EPS), steering rack and pinion, steering linkage, alignment issues, torsion bars, springs, air suspension (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Transmission rebuild, transmission replacement, torque converter, transmission solenoids, gear selector, gear shifting, transmission control module (TCM), transmission fluid leaks, clutch (manual transmission), automatic transmission valve body, CVT (continuously variable transmission) components, dual-clutch transmission (DCT) components.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Conclusion

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