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 2.4L.
The 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer 2.4L is a passenger car powered by a 2.4-liter engine paired with an Automatic (AV-S6) transmission. It delivers an EPA-estimated 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway and requires 4.5 quarts of 5W-20 API oil. With 19 owner complaints—primarily engine-related—and one recall, this model year sits well below the Lancer’s 2003 peak of 311 complaints, marking it as a relatively dependable entry in the nameplate’s 1996–2017 history.
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 | 179.9 in |
| Overall width | 69.3 in |
| Overall height | 58.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.9 in |
| Curb weight | 3120 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 60.2 / 59.8 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 61/39 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 23 / 30 / 26 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Passenger volume | 93 cu ft |
| Cargo volume | 12 cu ft |
| Recommended fuel | Regular Gasoline |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent published road-test results.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | GT 2.4L I-4 | 8.30 sec | 16.40 sec | 168 hp | FWD |
| 2010 | Sportback GTS Hatchback 2.4L I-4 | 7.60 sec | 16.00 sec | 168 hp | FWD |
| 2009 | GTS 2.4L I-4 | — | 15.70 sec | 168 hp | FWD |
| 2009 | GTS 2.4L I-4 | 7.20 sec | 15.90 sec | 168 hp | FWD |
| 2017 | SEL 2.4L I-4 | 7.80 sec | 16.00 sec | 168 hp | AWD |
| 2017 | SEL 2.4L I-4 | 8.00 sec | 16.20 sec | 168 hp | AWD |
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 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer represents a notable improvement in the model's reliability trajectory. Following a period of elevated complaints and recalls from 2008–2011 (ranging from 85–121 complaints and 4–9 recalls annually), the 2012 model-year data shows only 19 complaints and 1 recall—a sharp decline that aligns with a broader downward trend continuing through 2017. By comparison, the 2002–2003 period recorded complaint levels of 155 and 311 respectively, with active NHTSA investigations, whereas the 2012 Lancer recorded zero investigations. The top complaint categories for 2012 were engine-related issues (4), followed by power train (2) and visibility/wiper concerns (2), with 3 crash-related complaints and zero fire complaints reported. TSB volume at 88 also reflects a moderation from the peak 132 recorded for the 2010 model-year. The 2012 Lancer thus appears positioned near the low end of the generation's complaint arc, suggesting relatively fewer systemic issues than surrounding years, though buyers should note engine and powertrain items remain the primary areas of owner dissatisfaction within this specific model year.
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 23 city / 30 highway / 26 combined mpg.