2012 Mitsubishi Lancer — Full Specifications
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The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is a saloon/sedan offered with 3 engines (2L 4-cyl, 2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 34 mpg (UK) / 28 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 23–34 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Mitsubishi Lancer workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Related 2012 listings: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback.
Compared with the 2011 Mitsubishi Lancer: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 34 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It holds a 4★ overall NHTSA rating (none is on record for the 2011 model).
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl · 2L 4-cyl turbo · 2.4L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (AV-S6) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Length | 4245 mm |
| Width | 1610 mm |
| Height | 1326 mm |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 93 cu ft (2,633 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 12 cu ft (340 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 34 combined / 30 urban / 40 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 28 combined / 25 city / 33 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 197 g/km |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,400 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 7 configurations for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer across 3 engines (2L 4-cyl, 2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 19 to 28 mpg (US), or 23 to 34 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (25/33) | 197 | $2,400 |
| 2L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 34 | 28 (24/33) | 197 | $2,400 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM6) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (18/25) | 276 | $4,100 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 19 (17/23) | 291 | $4,350 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (22/28) | 221 | $2,700 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (23/30) | 212 | $2,600 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 30 | 25 (22/30) | 221 | $2,700 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 93 cubic feet (about 2,633 litres) and luggage volume at 12 cubic feet (about 340 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
Running Costs: 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer at 34 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,070 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,400 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Engine and engine cooling (1), Power train (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Engine and engine cooling — campaign 18V069000, reported 26 January 2018. Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Power train — campaign 13V446000, reported 19 September 2013. Risk: Failure of the clutch master cylinder reduces the ability to shift the vehicle into or out of gear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer. The most-reported areas are Power train (12), Engine (5), Steering (2). Complaints include 3 reported crashes, 1 reported injury. That is close to the median of 26 complaints across the 8 Mitsubishi Lancer model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Transmission & drivetrain (1 recall campaign · 12 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Engine cooling (1 recall campaign) — Check coolant level, look for leaks and make sure the temperature stays steady in traffic.
- Engine (5 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Steering (2 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
At 34 mpg (UK) combined it sits close to the 33 mpg average for Mitsubishi models in our database.
Of the 8 Mitsubishi Lancer model years we cover, the 2012 ranks 4th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (34 mpg UK combined, against a high of 36 mpg). See every Mitsubishi Lancer year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer have?
EPA lists 3 engines for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer: 2L 4-cyl, 2L 4-cyl turbo, 2.4L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl with a automatic (av-s6).
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer?
The most efficient configuration returns around 34 mpg (UK) combined, or 28 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 23 to 34 mpg.
How much does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,400 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 4 stars, with 4 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns that include the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Engine and engine cooling (1), Power train (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer?
Among the 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Power train (12 complaints), Engine (5 complaints), Steering (2 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 93 cubic feet (about 2,633 litres) and luggage volume at 12 cubic feet (about 340 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.