Are engine problems common on the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer?

Yes. NHTSA lists 22 engine complaints for the 2010 Lancer, which is 43% of all 51 complaints filed for that model year, the highest share of any year shown in the data.

Is there a recall for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer engine?

Yes, two related recalls: 14V562000, covering the drive belt on 2008-2011 Lancer and related models, and 18V069000, covering the belt tensioner on 4B11/4B12 engines. Dealers replace the belt or tensioner free of charge under both.

At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2010 Lancer?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints is 93,000 miles.

Did the engine recall cause any fires or crashes?

NHTSA data for this engine complaint area on the 2010 Lancer shows 1 fire report and 0 crashes among the 22 complaints.

Was the 2010 Lancer engine recall repair effective?

Some owners reported that after the drive belt recall repair, the service engine warning light stayed on, and others noted long waits due to unavailable replacement parts.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 22 engine complaints for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer, 43% of all 51 complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 93,000 miles. Most reports trace to recall 14V562000 over drive belt/pulley parts being unavailable, plus a separate belt tensioner recall 18V069000.

Engine complaints: 22; 43% of 51
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 93,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report burning fumes entering the cabin, linked to the drive belt system covered under recall 14V562000.
Multiple owners state that after receiving the 14V562000 recall notice, the replacement parts were unavailable at dealers for an extended period, leaving the drive belt issue unresolved.
Several owners describe the drive belt pulleys wearing unevenly, which can cause the belt to detach.
One owner reports that after the recall repair was performed, the service engine warning light stayed illuminated, indicating the fix did not fully resolve the underlying issue.
A fire was reported in one case tied to the drive belt/engine cooling recall.

When 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer engine complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 29, 2014, latest Sep 20, 2022.

22 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2014 to Sep 2022; peak Nov 2014 (5).

Engine recalls for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer

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.
NHTSA 14V562000Sep 12, 2014Engine165,923 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleys
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.
Risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

Engine complaints by Lancer model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20053 (13%)
20064 (11%)
20070 (0%)
200817 (19%)
200929 (30%)
201022 (43%)
201111 (32%)
20128 (42%)
20132 (40%)
20141 (6%)
20155 (22%)
20166 (20%)
20170 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

Are engine problems common on the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer?: Yes. NHTSA lists 22 engine complaints for the 2010 Lancer, which is 43% of all 51 complaints filed for that model year, the highest share of any year shown in the data.
Is there a recall for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer engine?: Yes, two related recalls: 14V562000, covering the drive belt on 2008-2011 Lancer and related models, and 18V069000, covering the belt tensioner on 4B11/4B12 engines. Dealers replace the belt or tensioner free of charge under both.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up on the 2010 Lancer?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for engine complaints is 93,000 miles.
Did the engine recall cause any fires or crashes?: NHTSA data for this engine complaint area on the 2010 Lancer shows 1 fire report and 0 crashes among the 22 complaints.
Was the 2010 Lancer engine recall repair effective?: Some owners reported that after the drive belt recall repair, the service engine warning light stayed on, and others noted long waits due to unavailable replacement parts.