Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 15,000 mi | Cabin Air Filter (replace) |
| Every 30,000 mi | Brake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Drive Belt (replace) |
Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2012 Lancer Sportback 2.4L.
The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback is a passenger‑car built on the Lancer platform and powered by a 2.4‑liter engine that utilizes 4.5 qt of 5W‑20 API oil and is paired with an AV‑S6 automatic transmission; its EPA ratings of 22 mpg city, 28 mpg highway and a combined 25 mpg underscore its balanced efficiency for a midsize sedan. Across the 2004‑2014 model span the Lancer line recorded 19 owner complaints overall, with the engine identified as the most frequent trouble area and a single recall issued for this generation. Within that decade‑long window, complaint frequency peaked at 16 in 2014 and fell to a low of three in 2013, positioning the 2012 model near the more reliable end of the spectrum. Consequently, researchers can regard the 2012 Sportback as a comparatively stable year in the Lancer’s reliability chronology.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 35 · 520 CCA battery, OE oil filter MZ690116. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine oil filter | MZ690116 alt MZ690072 |
| Engine air filter | 1500A023 alt 1500A086 |
| Fuel filter | 1770A268 alt 1770A274 |
| Spark plug | 1822A079 alt 1822A069 |
| Battery | SC34CMP |
| Front wiper blades | 8250A186 alt MZ693021 |
| Serpentine belt | 4451A114 alt 4451A115 |
| Thermostat | 1305A803 alt 1305A802 |
| Cabin air filter | 7803A004 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S6) |
| Overall length | 180.7 in |
| Overall width | 69.3 in |
| Overall height | 59.4 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in |
| Curb weight | 3097 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 60.2 / 60.2 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 59/41 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 22 / 28 / 25 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Recommended fuel | Regular Gasoline |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 4.5 qt of 5W-20 API engine oil. Torque lug nuts to 65-80 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 29.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 1.3 Pints |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 1.1 Pints |
| Engine Oil | 5W-20 · API |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 4.5 qt |
| Power Steering Fluid | Genuine Mitsubishi PS fluid |
| Power Steering Fluid | Use Mitsubishi PS fluid |
| Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts | 15-21 ft-lbs |
| Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts | 15 ft-lbs |
| Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts | 32-40 ft-lbs |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | 29.0 ft-lbs |
| Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs | 12 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 65-80 ft-lbs |
| Transfer Case Fill Plug | 23.0-25.0 ft-lbs |
| Transfer Case Drain Plug | 23.0-25.0 ft-lbs |
| Front Wheel Hub | 166-202 ft-lbs |
| Rear Wheel Hub | 107-129 ft-lbs |
| Front Wheel Hub | 107-129 ft-lbs |
| Rear Wheel Hub | 107-129 ft-lbs |
| Front Wheel Hub | 166-202 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-3-4-2 |
| Curb Idle Speed (No Load) | 700 rpm |
| Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load) | 100 rpm |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Refrigerant Capacity | 1.06-1.14 lbs |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | 46 |
| Oil Capacity | 2.40-3.00 oz |
| Standard BCI Group Number | 35 |
| Standard BCI Cranking Performance | 520 cca |
| Regulated Fuel System Pressure (Without Vacuum) | 45.0-50.0 psi |
| Engine Compression | 145 |
| Engine Oil Pressure | 4.3 psi @ Idle, 43-100 psi @ 3500 rpm psi |
| Intake Valve Lash | Hydraulic in |
| Exhaust Valve Lash | Hydraulic in |
| Torque to Knuckle | 89-111 ft-lbs |
| Torque to Knuckle | 52-66 ft-lbs |
| Torque Caliper to Bracket | 28-36 ft-lbs / 48-62 ft-lbs |
| Torque to Knuckle | 38-48 ft-lbs / 67-81 ft-lbs |
| Torque Caliper to Bracket | 28-36 ft-lbs |
| Torque to Knuckle | 39-44 ft-lbs |
| Torque Caliper to Bracket | 28-36 ft-lbs |
| Torque to Knuckle | 67-81 ft-lbs |
| 1 | 15 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90 | 15 ft. lbs |
| 1 | 26 ft. lbs. | 26 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90 degrees. | 90 degrees |
| 3 | 90 degrees.; Do not re-use old bolts. Apply an appropriate amount of engine oil to top and bottom surfaces of washers and threaded portion of bolts. | 90 degrees |
| 1 | 25-27 ft. lbs. | 25–27 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 3 | 90 degrees; Do not re-use old bolts. Apply an appropriate amount of engine oil to top and bottom surface of washers and threaded portion of bolts. | 90 degrees |
Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Coat bolt threads with clean engine oil.
| 1 | 25.0-27.0 ft. lbs. | 25–27 ft. lbs |
| 2 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 3 | 90 degrees | 90 degrees |
| 1 | 30 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90 | 30 ft. lbs |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
| Every 15,000 mi | Cabin Air Filter (replace) |
| Every 30,000 mi | Brake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Drive Belt (replace) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The federal record shows a generation that started with 8 complaints and 28 TSBs in 2004, then saw complaints drop to 3 in 2013 before rising to 16 in 2014, while TSBs surged to 79 and 74 in those later years and investigations appeared (one each in 2013 and 2014). The 2012 model year sits between these data points, and its top complaint area is the engine with 4 reports, followed by power train (2) and visibility/wiper (2), along with 3 crash complaints and no fire complaints. Although the data does not specify root causes, the generation’s trend of increasing TSBs and the emergence of investigations in subsequent years suggests that some issues became more recognized over time. The absence of recalls is a positive sign, but the concentration of engine complaints and the crash incidents in the 2012 model warrant caution. A pre-purchase inspection focused on the engine and powertrain is advisable, but overall the 2012 Lancer Sportback appears to be a reasonable buy if those systems check out.
All 19 complaints on record, top 8 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
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… 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…
Showing 5 of 88 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| TECH TALK 289 | 2025-11-21 | Electrical System | Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics… |
| TSB-16-54-001REV | 2024-07-23 | Electrical System | This Technical Service Bulletin instructs the dealer to update the Hands Free Module… |
| TSB-24-23-004 | 2024-06-03 | Power Train | Service Manual Revision - This Technical Service Bulletin provides corrections to the… |
| TSB-23-22-001 | 2023-07-21 | Power Train | This Technical Service Bulletin provides service manual corrections and additional… |
| DEALER LETTER | 2023-07-21 | Equipment | This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
4.5 qt of 5W-20 SM API, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 22 city / 28 highway / 25 combined mpg.