2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-20. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Engine
What's wrong, in plain English: Engine problems range from stalling to fire. 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.
What could happen: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2012 LANCER RALLIART.
- Book a repair at any authorized Mitsubishi dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 18V069000 (manufacturer code SR-18-001).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-888-648-7820.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Useful for owners
- OBD2 code reader — see what the car's computer is reporting
- 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart owner's manual
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (4).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (4)
12/13/2018 · Transmission / drivetrain
THE AWD DIFF. ACTUATOR PUMP IS OUT.
05/24/2017 · Transmission / drivetrain
AFTER 53000 MILES, MY HYDRAULIC UNIT FAILED, WHICH WILL COST ME ABOUT $2000 TO FIX, I'M NOT SURE WHY SUCH UNIT EXPOSED TO THE ENVIRONMENT WITH NO PROTECT SHIELD, FEELS THEY DESIGNED IT TO FAIL IN 5 YEARS.
12/13/2016 · Transmission / drivetrain
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 MITSUBISHI LANCER RALLIART. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 TO 65 MPH AND CHANGING LANES, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO DOWNSHIFT FROM SIXTH TO FIFTH GEAR; HOWEVER, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DISPLAYED "TRANSMISSION SERVICE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT". THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FOR…
10/08/2013 · Transmission / drivetrain
THE 2012 LANCER RALLIART WAS PURCHASED NEW. IT IS EQUIPPED WITH A TC-SST(TWIN CLUTCH- SPORTRONIC SHIFT TRANSMISSION). AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER OWNING THE VEHICLE, IT CONSTANTLY "SLIPS" INTO GEAR. WHETHER THE CAR IS IN AUTOMATIC MODE, OR IN MANUAL MODE. THE SOUNDS COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD CONSTANTLY MAKE ME CRINGE. AT TIME OF FAILURE, I WAS DRIVING 55-6…