Model year record

2012 Mitsubishi Lancer

1 recall campaign on file for this model year. 26 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 18V069000

Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys

Component: Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Vehicles affected: 141,053
Reported to NHTSA: 2018-01-26
Owners notified: 2018-03-27

Defect description

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.

Safety risk

If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Manufacturer 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.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

Component	Complaints	Median mileage
Power train	6	60,000 mi
Engine	5	100 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	2	24,830 mi
Steering	2	4,000 mi
Vehicle speed control	2	24,000 mi
Visibility/wiper	2	26,000 mi
Air bags	1	86,000 mi
Electrical system	1	55,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor	1	80,839 mi
Structure: frame and members	1	65,000 mi
Suspension	1	123,000 mi
Unknown or other	1	55,000 mi
Wheels	1	—

The 2011 model has about half as many complaints as this one. The 2013 model has 3 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.