2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
JMBSRCY1ACU000717
Vehicle history report for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer (VIN JMBSRCY1ACU000717). Blue, sedan, gasoline. Registered in Odesa. 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN JMBSRCY1ACU000717
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page are free.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer data →
What's a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer worth?
What comparable 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 5 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback 5 HB AWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($9,508) with the same model 4 model-years older ($4,550), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer — ranges cover the 5 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 88
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free. Showing the 10 most recent of 88.
Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications.
Bulletin TECH TALK 289 · Electrical System, Seat Belts · Nov 2025This 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.
Bulletin TSB-16-54-001REV · Electrical System · Jul 2024Service 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.
Bulletin TSB-24-23-004 · Power Train · Jun 2024This Technical Service Bulletin provides service manual corrections and additional information for the transaxle assembly removal and installation of the roll stopper bracket.
Bulletin TSB-23-22-001 · Power Train · Jul 2023This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
Bulletin DEALER LETTER · Equipment · Jul 2023This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
Bulletin TSB-23-00-004 · Structure · Apr 2023This 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 (…
Bulletin TSB-23-00-001 · Equipment · Apr 2023This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
Bulletin DEALER LETTER · Equipment · Apr 2023This Technical Service Bulletin contains technical information and troubleshooting for the accessory Remote Engine Start system for affected vehicles.
Bulletin TSB-11-66-001REV · Electrical System, Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2023This is a Technical Information Notice informing dealers and parts managers about possible causes after a customer complains that the engine will not start while using the remote start system.
Bulletin TIN-23-66-001 · Electrical System, Engine And Engine Cooling · Mar 2023Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the LANCER FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 4
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Visual System
On certain vehicles, water may drain from the windshield cowl area onto the front wiper link ball joint. Over time, this could result in corrosion and/or wear to the joint, which could result in the separation of the wiper link ball. If separation were to occur, the windshield wipers could become inoperative, which could limit the driver’s visibility under certain operating con…
Transport Canada #2018588 · Oct 2018Electrical
On certain vehicles, the flange of the drive belt automatic tensioner may crack over time due to repetitive high load operations and stress concentration. This could cause the drive belt to detach, leading to battery depletion, which would result in a loss of motive power and a loss of power steering assist. These issues could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or…
Transport Canada #2018052 · Jan 2018Airbag
On certain vehicles operated in areas of heavy road salt usage, a mixture of snow, water and road-salt solution may infiltrate between the front impact sensor and the bracket that attaches it to the vehicle. Over time, repeated freezing/thawing cycles could cause a crack to develop in the sensor case allowing water intrusion and short circuit of the sensor. In the event of a cr…
Transport Canada #2016382 · Jul 2016Lights And Instruments
Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 108 - Lighting System and Retroreflective Devices. An incorrectly manufactured turn signal lever could cause the auto-cancel function to become inoperative. The vehicle operator will, however, continue to be able to manually cancel the turn signals. Correction: Dealers will inspect and…
Transport Canada #2012001 · Jan 2012Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Mitsubishi Lancer
The Mitsubishi Lancer is an automobile that was produced by the Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi Motors from 1973 until 2024.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign #18V069000 · manufacturer #SR-18-001 · 26/01/2018Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 3 involved a crash 🚑 1 reported injury
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
🔍 Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 19
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer.
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS
The front subframe(cross member) blew out, due to excessive corrosion. Causing the control arm to dismount as well as separation of the CV axle from the transmission, while traveling down the road losing complete steer of the vehicle. Luckily I was coming to a stop sign and not traveling on the highway. My vehicle was last inspected in April of 2023 with no …
Crash · NHTSA ODI #11569336STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, and he was informed that the sub frame was rusted. The contact was informed that there was a huge hole in the sub frame. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer wa…
NHTSA ODI #11512320ENGINE
I own a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer and I have been experiencing issues with the engine. The check engine light comes on constantly then disappears for about 2 weeks and then comes back soon after. This has been a ongoing thing since i got the car a few months ago. Also, my battery light will come on (with noise and notice) then quickly turn off and not come back…
NHTSA ODI #11432087ENGINE
Approximately May, 2020, prior to getting the vehicle inspected, code P0420 indicated a faulty catalytic converters. At this time, the vehicle had an estimated 170,000 miles on it so I replaced the catalytic converter, not thinking much of it. The we’re not further issues for about a year until June, 2021, when, once again, the computer started reading a P04…
NHTSA ODI #11422587ENGINE
NHTSA safety report 06/2021 — while driving approximately 45-50 mph, the ABS warning light and traction control light suddenly came on the display so I reduced speed and had planned to proceed to the next service station which was approximately 1.5 miles away. However, when I was approximately 1/2 mile from the station the engine stalled, the vehicle slightl…
NHTSA ODI #11422594SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED BEFORE THE VEHICLE MADE A SHARP RIGHT TURN AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A NEARBY INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS FRACTURED DUE TO EXCESSIVE CORRO…
NHTSA ODI #11402623POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE AYC/ACD PUMP FAILURE
NHTSA ODI #11388508POWER TRAIN
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I WENT TO ACCELERATE TO KEEP UP WITH MY TRAFFIC AND MY CAR WAS SLOW TO ACCELERATION. WHILE STILL DRIVING I WENT TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY, TOOK AN EXIT AND AFTER STOPPING AT STOP SIGN WHILE MY FOOT WAS ON THE GAS TO GO THE CAR DIDN'T RESPOND TO GO BUT THEN JERKED AND ACCELERATED VERY SLOWLY. THERE'S WAS A RECALL ON THE CVT TRANSMISS…
NHTSA ODI #11328332+ 11 more complaints on record.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?
No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.
Are there safety recalls on the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer model year. That covers the model year, not this individual car: to see whether a specific vehicle still needs a recall repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
What is a fair price for a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Comparable 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer listings run roughly $6,300–$12,700, typically around $9,508 (from 124 comparable vehicles). The full report shows this exact VIN's valuation.
What is the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer safety rating?
NHTSA gives the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer an overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 4★, rollover 4★).
What fuel economy does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer get?
The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer has U.S. EPA estimates of 20–28 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (5 versions).
Recall data checked 7 Oct 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.