- The problem
- 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.
- The risk
- If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The fix
- 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.
Engine & cooling
2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Engine problems
Owners have filed 6 complaints about the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 32% of all its complaints, most recently on September 8, 2021. They describe 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.
- Complaints
- 6
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes
- 1
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Deaths
- 0
Engine recalls for the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
Engine complaints
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 on. This happens on and off also. I did some research and I believe it is a belt issue.
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 slightly jerked, and the the engine died. At this point, I shifted into neutral and cruised a couple hundred feet to a safe pull-off point. Upon inspection of the...
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vehicle, the battery was completely dead and would not hold a charge when jumped. This prompted me to check the alternator where I noticed the loose belt and broken tensioner which I had repaired at my own expense the following day.
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 P0420 code. Having only 30,000 - 40,000 miles, on it, and seeing no leaks in the exhaust or anything else that should cause a catalytic converter to go bad prematurely, there is clearly something else causing this issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 mitsubishi lancer. While driving approximately 30-40 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, there was a hesitation before the vehicle responded. The vehicle did not stall. Additionally, there was a rattling sound underneath the vehicle in close proximity to the engine. The vehicle was taken to expressway mitsubishi (located at 5511 e indiana st, evansville, in 47715, (866)437-9750) where it was diagnosed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,839.
Received vehicle at 10km, after 2 oil changes, at 16000km miliege dropped from 700km on a tank of gas to 300km tank of gas. At 24000km heavy transmission and engine noises occurred. Gears slipping out while accelerating causing rpms to shoot up to 6000-7000 while vehicle not moving. Timing belt and pulleys not working properly causing to much engine noise. Metal grinding and whistling sound coming from under carriage of vehicle. Rear differential and cv joint problem. Reported problem to dealership and techincians...
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each time I go in. Their response is its just tire noise and your vehicle is running smoothly each time. Now at 68,000 km, rear differential is gone, engine barely holding up, suspension on driver side is is lower than passenger side. Wheel bearing noises present. 4X4 awc system isn't working. Vehicle is dragging and is at quarter efficiency. On time with service and oil change, keep bringing up same complaints and reported back that its just tire noise. All 4 tires changes, brakes changed and rotors. Now that things are breaking down. Dealership at bank street mitsubishi denies doing any negligence over the course of 4 years and saying our techs wouldn't have missed those problems. Vehicle taken to 6 local mechanics and all reporting same problem, taken to other mitsubishi dealerships and reported negligence on technicians and mechanics from bank street mitsubishi that these issues should have been done in the past since they are defects. Called mitsubishi canada. Manager there says our techs are one of the best at that location. Now they want to void warranty due to their mistakes since parts need to be replaced. Service manager doesn't want high invoice bills. While repairing parts, techs damaging others. And not reporting it. Making costumers pay for techs mistakes. Issue still on going. Manager and techs avoiding accountability for their actions.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 mitsubishi lancer. The contact stated that when the accelerator was depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and stalled with no warnings. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the mechanic stated that the central computer needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 100. The approximate current mileage was 28,000.
Mitsubishi Lancer engine complaints by year
Lancer engine problems, every yearSource: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data