YearToAvoid

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander Engine Problems

Engine complaints make up 21 of 60 total complaints (35%) for the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander, with a median failure mileage of 111,668 miles. Two engine-related recalls cover drive belt and belt tensioner defects on this model year.

Engine complaints
21
35% of 60
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
111,668 mi
Related recalls
2

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the vehicle failing to start, later traced by a dealer to the electronic timing and control system needing replacement.
  • Multiple owners describe receiving recall notice 14V562000 for the drive belt and pulleys but being unable to get the repair done because dealers had no parts in stock, sometimes for months.
  • One owner reported the drive belt and pulley issue could lead to vehicle stalling and loss of control if not repaired.
  • One owner noted transmission slipping and an abnormal sound when shifting into second gear while waiting on the recall part.
  • Several owners said dealers placed them on waiting lists with no estimated date for parts to complete the recall repair.

When 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jun 10, 2014, latest Apr 16, 2019.

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander engine complaints: complaints filed per month7Jun 2014Dec 2014Dec 2015Jun 2017Feb 2019
21 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jun 2014 to Apr 2019; peak Nov 2014 (7).

Engine recalls for the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander

  1. 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.

  2. 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 Outlander model year

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

  1. 20052 (11%)
  2. 20061 (5%)
  3. 20073 (2%)
  4. 200811 (19%)
  5. 20098 (17%)
  6. 201021 (35%)
  7. 201126 (45%)
  8. 20123 (14%)
  9. 20135 (19%)
  10. 20144 (9%)
  11. 201515 (29%)
  12. 201629 (20%)
  13. 201710 (20%)
  14. 201814 (25%)
  15. 20194 (14%)
  16. 20202 (6%)
  17. 202219 (9%)
  18. 20237 (15%)
  19. 20245 (19%)
  20. 20253 (20%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander?
NHTSA lists 21 engine complaints for the 2010 Outlander, which is 35% of the 60 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there an engine recall for the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Yes. Recall 14V562000 covers the drive belt on 2008-2011 Outlander vehicles, and recall 18V069000 covers the belt tensioner on 2008-2012 Outlander vehicles with the 4B11 or 4B12 engine.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?
NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 111,668 miles for engine-related complaints on the 2010 Outlander.
Did the 2010 Outlander engine recall cause crashes or injuries?
NHTSA records show 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to the engine complaints for this model year.
What was the biggest complaint about the engine recall repair?
Many owners reported that dealers lacked the parts needed to complete the drive belt recall repair, leaving them on extended waiting lists.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.