2010 Mitsubishi Lancer: problems, recalls and reliability
6 recalls and 52 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (26% of complaints); the 2012 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2020
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 52 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“While driving the car we began hearing a rattling noise. We took it to the dealer to get it checked. They informed us that the control member was beginning to rust out causing the control arms to become loose. This is the exact problem related to a recall in other states for this car.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Aug 2023
“All mitsubishi lancer evolution x models are having problems with the ayc acd pumps, this affects the stability and the handling of the vehicle specially in bad weather conditions because the system doesn't work properly in case of a slippery or bad road. The problem with this pumps begin with it's location because it receives dirt,water, snow and other elements that harm the pump. This should have a recall from mitsubishi because it failed due to a bad design and location of it and it can cause serious problems for drivers specially in bad weather conditions, I will like this concern could be taken in consideration for all of us that are mitsubishi lancer evolution owners, thanks”Owner report · Steering · Feb 2021
“My ABS and asc lights have been on for a while. Took it to a mechanic and was told it wasnt a problem, just a faulty electrical system. One day, I was coming off an exit ramp trying to brake so I could turn but my brakes wouldnt engage so I slam on my brake and they locked up and my car slid and crashed into a median. Tired to steer away but it wouldnt turn.”Owner report · Steering · Apr 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 2010 mitsubishi lancer. While driving highway speeds, the sun roof assembly fractured without warning. There were no injuries. The manufacturer was notified. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was not available.”Owner report · Visibility · Dec 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2010 mitsubishi lancer. While driving approximately 70 mph, the vehicle suddenly shut off. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the bolts to the I-beam connecting rod became loose and damaged the engine block. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer (kelly mitsubishi, 536 state ave, emmaus, pa) was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 186,000.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2010 mitsubishi lancer. While driving various speeds, the ABS and acs warning indicators illuminated. The contact was concerned for her safety and called wantagh mitsubishi at (516) 785-4300 (located at 3460 sunrise hwy, wantagh, ny 11793) and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 6,409. *tt”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 2018
“Sunroof exploded for unknown reason. Vehicle was in motion on the highway. Traffic was light. No vehicle in front of me.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2017
“Tl* the contact owns a 2010 mitsubishi lancer. While driving various speeds, the windshield wipers failed to operate without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure recurred several times. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Nov 2016
“Tl* the contact owns a 2010 mitsubishi lancer. While the vehicle was in park, the gear shifter failed to shift from the park position. In addition, the contact noticed fluid leaking from the clutch. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the clutch and the slave cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact was aware of NHTSA campaign number: 13v446000 (power train), but the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 113,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2016
“2010 mitsubishi lancer. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle fails emissions due to service engine warning light indicates catalytic converter/sensor circuit slow response malfunction also passenger windows and key fob battery problems. *smd the consumer stated the dealer advised that the 02 sensors and the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The passenger's window was inoperable. The rear passenger window was slow to open. The key fob also is inoperable. Updated 06/21/2017*js”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2016
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 4 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 6 campaigns
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Lancer, Lancer Evolution, and Outlander; 2009-2011 Lancer Sportback, Lancer Rilliart, and Lancer Sportback Ralliart; and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles. The affected vehicles, manufactured with 4B1 engines, have an engine pulley and belt arrangement for turning the alternator, the cooling fan and the power steering pump (if equipped). These pulleys may experience unusual wear and allow for belt detachment.
Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the drive belt with a rubber belt. Drive pulleys that are excessively worn will be replaced. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on October 15, 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-009.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Sportback, 2008-2013 Outlander, and 2011-2016 Outlander Sport vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The front lower control arms may detach due to the front cross member corroding from salt water exposure such as from road salt use.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front cross members. Depending on the level of existing corrosion, either a sealing/anti-corrosion agent will be applied or the front cross member will be replaced with a new one. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began August 7, 2020. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-20-003.
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.
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.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2010 Outlander, 2008-2010 Lancer, 2009-2010 Lancer Evolution, and 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles equipped with sunroofs. The sunroof glass may detach from the sunroof assembly, becoming a road hazard to other vehicles.
Remedy: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 27, 2018. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-18-003.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to July 6, 2010, 2009-2010 Outlander vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to August 27, 2010, 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to June 8, 2010, and 2010 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to August 4, 2010. The affected vehicles have an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. Due to a manufacturing error, the voltage inside this ECU may be unstable.
Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected ECU, free of charge. The recall began on June 15 ,2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-002.
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Lancer vehicles manufactured March 16, 2009, to March 30, 2011, 2010-2011 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to December 1, 2010, 2010-2011 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to January 7, 2011, 2009-2011 Outlander vehicles manufactured February 10, 2009, to June 22, 2011, and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to November 19, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the blower motor may fail.
Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-003.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2010 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Lancer by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?
NHTSA has 52 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns on record for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer. The most complained-about area is engine (26% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 70,000 miles or less.
Does the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer have open recalls?
6 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleys. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.