2010 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
42/100
#12 most-complained of 20 Outlander years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander carries a Caution verdict, ranked 12th worst of 20 model years, with a complaint index of 42. NHTSA lists 60 complaints, 10 recall campaigns, and no do-not-drive recalls, with Engine problems making up the largest share at 35%.
- Complaints
- 60
- Recalls
- 10
- Crashes / fires
- 4 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 2 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 21.5
- 20 city / 25 hwy
Top 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine21 (35%)
- Electrical System7 (12%)
- Other7 (12%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (12%)
- Brakes6 (10%)
- Transmission & Powertrain6 (10%)
- Visibility & Wipers6 (10%)
- Airbags5 (8%)
- Structure & Body4 (7%)
- Fuel System1 (2%)
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in front-end collisions, including one reported at highway speeds and one crash caused by a drunk driver.
- Severe vibration through the whole vehicle above 40 mph during snowy conditions, with the cause not visible in the wheels or rims.
- A third-row seat anchor broke at low mileage, which the dealer treated as non-warranty despite it being a safety component.
- Headlights dimmed whenever the A/C compressor cycled on, a problem that persisted after the battery was replaced.
- Dashboard lights and gauges flashed on and off while driving and the radio shut off unexpectedly.
- TPMS sensors came loose and fell into the tire, causing air loss, and recurred a second time months later.
2010 Mitsubishi Outlander recalls
10 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 Outlander fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 25 MPG
- Combined
- 21.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,375
- 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 Outlander years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander reliable?
- Compared with other Outlander model years, 2010 earns a Caution verdict. It ranks 12th worst out of 20 years tracked, with a complaint index of 42 and 60 NHTSA complaints.
- Why is the 2010 Outlander rated Caution instead of based purely on complaints?
- Its verdict is capped to Caution because it has 10 recall campaigns requiring a dealer visit, even though its complaint index alone is moderate.
- What is the biggest problem area on the 2010 Outlander?
- Engine complaints make up 35% of all reports, the largest share of any category, with a median failure mileage of 62,000 for the model year overall.
- Does the 2010 Outlander have any do-not-drive recalls?
- No. NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the 2010 Outlander, but none are classified as do-not-drive.
- Which Outlander years are better than 2010?
- Years like 2005, 2006, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2019, and 2025 carry Good or Best verdicts with lower complaint indexes than the 2010 model's 42.