2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer carries a complaint index of 83, the third-worst of 13 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Engine problems make up 43% of complaints, and NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this model year, including engine belt tensioner and ECU issues.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 83/100
- #3 of 13 Lancer years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 51
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 5
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20.5 city / 27.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
Top 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine22 (43%)
- Electrical System9 (18%)
- Brakes7 (14%)
- Visibility & Wipers6 (12%)
- Other5 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (8%)
- Steering3 (6%)
- Airbags2 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (4%)
- Fuel System1 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Brakes reportedly fail to respond during normal driving or braking for a turn, sometimes leading to a crash into a guardrail or another vehicle.
- Some drivers report the engine revs when the gas pedal is pressed but the car does not accelerate, occurring repeatedly.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in a rear-then-frontal crash sequence, with owners injured.
- Owners report burning fumes entering the cabin tied to the engine recall, with parts unavailable for repair.
- Sun visors are described as drifting downward during use, obstructing the driver's forward view.
- Tire pressure sensors reportedly trigger warnings repeatedly even after sensor and tire replacement.
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V279000May 18, 2020Structure & Body141,200 vehicles
Structure:frame and members
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.
Risk: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
- NHTSA 18V071000Jan 26, 2018Visibility & Wipers56,641 vehicles
Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
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.
Risk: If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
- NHTSA 18V069000Jan 26, 2018Engine141,053 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleys
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.
Risk: 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.
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20.5 MPG
- Highway
- 27.5 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2010 compared with other Lancer years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2010 Lancer ranks third-worst among 13 model years with a complaint index of 83, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other Lancer years.
- What is the main problem with the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer?
- Engine issues are the top problem area, accounting for 22 of 51 complaints (43%), with a median mileage at failure of 93,000 miles.
- Does the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2010 Lancer, covering structure and body corrosion, sunroof glass, engine belt tensioner, ECU electrical failure, and HVAC blower motor issues.
- How does the 2010 Lancer compare to other years?
- The 2010 Lancer's complaint index of 83 is worse than most other years; only 2008 (92) and 2009 (100) score higher, while years like 2013 (8) and 2017 (17) rank as Best.
- Are there brake problems in the 2010 Lancer?
- Brakes account for 14% of complaints and 3 crashes, with a median mileage at failure of 48,000 miles, including reports of brakes not responding during turns.