RoadVitals

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
51
Latest Aug 3, 2023
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
6
Latest May 18, 2020
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
6
4 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 51 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer, most frequently naming the engine, brakes and visibility categories. 6 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 110 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Engine2134.4%
  • Brakes711.5%
  • Visibility69.8%
  • Electrical58.2%
  • Exterior lighting46.6%
  • Driver assistance46.6%
  • Powertrain (other)46.6%
  • Steering34.9%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

6 campaigns cover this model year

View all 6

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
20V279000

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS; SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM

May 18, 2020
141,200 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A detached front control arm can result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.Manufacturer number SR-20-003View on NHTSA.gov
18V069000

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS

Jan 26, 2018
141,053 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: If the drive belt detaches, the battery will discharge and the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.Manufacturer number SR-18-001View on NHTSA.gov
18V071000

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Jan 26, 2018
56,641 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: If the sunroof glass detaches from the assembly while driving, it can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.Manufacturer number SR-18-003View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 51
Filed Aug 3, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID
11536394
Incident
Aug 2, 2023
Driver assistanceElectricalEngine
Filed Sep 20, 2022

The car started flashing a warning sign and loosing power. When trying to accelerate it stops. Eventually it puts the car into a limp mode and will stall altogether. This happens any long distance trip. My car year and model is not the only Lancer being effected by this computer glitch. It’s very dangerous due to the fact that the cars loosing power while you’re driving. It doesn’t matter if you’re in the middle of the highway it will just stop working. All research I have done points to an error within the computer that tells the car when to cool down the transmission. I have seen many blogs, forums and actually know another Lancer owner who’s model is a 2012 and has the exact same issue. I don’t know why this hasn’t been addressed yet when it’s affecting more than just one Lancer here or there. Bad for the engine bad for the transmission bad for my travel. And the worst part is that any mechanic is unable to detect the issue unless the car is actively coding. I’ve had this car for 3 years now and I feel it’s a big safety concern and needs to looked into. First occurrence was on a trip down to a local lake car stalled on the side of a highway this was in 2018. Now any trip further than over 30 miles or more the car will throw this code it looks like a gear and it has a exclamation point in the middle. It’s progressively getting worse and effecting the over all performance more each time I wish to travel. Please find out why this issue is occurring in multiple years of the same model of car because it inconvenient and dangerous. I would hate for myself and my kids to get killed in an accident due to not being able to get out of the way of a bigger vehicle or a truck.

NHTSA ID
11485374
Incident
Jul 1, 2018
Driver assistancePowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Feb 22, 2021

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

NHTSA ID
11397295
Incident
Feb 22, 2021
Engine
Filed Jun 25, 2020

WARNING MESSAGE "TOO HOT SLOW DOWN" APPEARS WHEN INCLINING UPHILL IN ABOVE 70 DEGREES (F) AT 45MPH OR MORE. TRANSMISSION BEGINS TO LOSE POWER, DECELERATION OCCURS, TEMPERATURE GAUGE READS NORMAL ON DASHBOARD MENU, VEHICLE TRANSMISSION RUNS ON HIGH RPM ABOVE 3000, TRANSMISSION SOUNDS ARE LOUDER THAN NORMAL, AND WHEN VEHICLE REACHES COMPLETE STOP, VEHICLE WARNING MESSAGE DOES NOT GO AWAY. WHEN VEHICLE IS MANUALLY SHUT OFF, MESSAGE WILL STILL APPEAR. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS TURNED ON TO ELECTRICAL ONLY, MESSAGE WILL STILL APPEAR. AFTER 5 MINUTES OR MORE IN POWER OFF, VEHICLE WILL RESTART LIKE NORMAL, MESSAGE IS CLEARED, AND GAUGES FOR TEMPERATURE AND OIL PRESSURE IS NORMAL RANGE. NO ERROR CODES ARE DISCOVERED WHEN PULLING CODES WHEN ISSUE OCCURS. EMISSIONS IS OKAY AND VEHICLE IS REGULARLY MAINTAINED ACCORDING TO VEHICLE'S SUGGESTED MAINTENANCE PLANS. ISSUE HAS BEEN A RECURRING ISSUE FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS AND THE DEALERSHIP HAS NOT RESPONDED WITH A SUGGESTED RESOLUTION OR ADVISEMENT ON THE ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ID
11330819
Incident
Jun 11, 2016
Mileage
161,000 mi
Exterior lightingVisibility
Filed Jun 9, 2020

THE MITSUBISHI DEALER TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T FIX ONE OF THE RECALLS BECAUSE IT WAS AN "AFTER MARKET PART". *TR

NHTSA ID
11328035
Incident
Jun 8, 2020
BrakesDriver assistanceSteering
Filed May 3, 2020
Crash reported

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.

NHTSA ID
11323112
Incident
Apr 7, 2019
Mileage
115,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jun 26, 2019

HELLO NHTSA, I HAVE A 2011 MITSUBISHI LANCER RALLIART SPORTBACK. I HAVE JUST CAME ACROSS A CRACK IN MY EXHAUST MANIFOLD WHICH IS CAUSING EXHAUST FUMES TO ENTER THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE IF MY WINDOWS ARE UP. I DON'T SEEM TO BE THE ONLY PERSON WITH THIS TYPE OF CAR/ENGINE THAT HAS A CRACK IN THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. MY CAR IS NOT MODIFIED IN ANY WAY THAT EFFECTS THE PERFORMANCE THAT COULD CAUSE SUCH A CRACK TO HAPPEN. THIS ALSO APPEARS TO BE THE CASE FOR SEVERAL THOUSAND OTHERS. I HAVE BROUGHT MY VEHICLE INTO MITSUBISHI WHO HAS CONFIRMED THE CRACK AND HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO EXPLAIN TO ME WHY OR HOW THIS HAPPENED. I HAVE BEEN TOLD FROM MY LOCAL MITSUBISHI DEALERSHIP AND THE NEXT CLOSEST ONE THAT THEY CAN REPLACE THE MANIFOLD FOR $2K. I HAVE CONTACTED MITSUBISHI USA WHO HAS TOLD ME THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD SHOULDN'T CRACK AND HAS GOTTEN NO OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE ISSUE. THERE ARE SEVERAL THOUSAND POSTS WITH PHOTO PROOF THAT I AM NOT ALONE WITH THIS ISSUE. MITSUBISHI HAS HAD A SIMILAR ISSUE WITH THEIR ALL WHEEL DRIVE PUMP WHERE THERE WAS A DEFECT OF SOME SORT AND EXTENDED THE WARRANTY TO 100,000K. I HAVE ALREADY HAD MY ALL WHEEL DRIVE PUMP FAIL AND REPLACED UNDER THAT WARRANTY. WHEN I SPOKE WITH MITSUBISHI USA A SUPERVISOR NAMED JENNIFER INFORMED ME TO PUT IN A COMPLAINT HERE. SINCE MITSUBISHI HAS NOT HAD ANY INTERNAL TESTING ON THE MANIFOLD GOING THIS ROUTE MAY SPEED THE PROCESS UP. THIS ISSUE IS QUITE SERIOUS SINCE WITH THE CRACK - PHOTO ATTACHED: IT CAUSES CARBON MONOXIDE TO ENTER THE CABIN IF THE WINDOWS ARE UP OR IF THE AC IS ON AND THE CAR IS AT A STAND STILL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

NHTSA ID
11222806
Incident
Jun 23, 2019
Mileage
93,000 mi
Brakes
Filed Feb 27, 2019

MY COMPLAINT IS ON THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE PUMP/MOTOR ON 2010 MITSUBISHI LANCERS. IV READ ALOT AND TALKED TO ALOT OF PEOPLE ABOUT THIS ISSUE WHERE AT ANYTIME THE CAR ENDS UP HAVING A LOW OR BAD BATTERY, AND OR ANY OTHER ISSUES CAUSING LOWER THEN NORMAL VOLTAGE. IT SENDS A CODE TO THE ABS MODULE CAUSING IT TO FAIL. MAKING YOUR ABS AND ENGINE LIGHT COME ON THE DASH. WITH THAT FAILURE IT STORES THE CODE AND EVEN AFTER THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ARE FIX YOU STILL CAN NOT CLEAR THE ABS/BRAKE CODE. THE ONLY FIX TO GET RIDE OF THE LIGHTS AND TO GET YOUR ABS PUMP/MOTOR WORKING AGAIN IS TO REPLACE IT WITH A BRAND NEW UNIT COSTING ALMOST $3,000 DOLLARS TO MITSUBISHI. HEARING FROM OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS ISSUE, IT IS A DEFECT FROM MITSUBISHI. THIS PROBLEM OCCURED TO ME WHEN MY CAR WAS IS PARK RUNNING, BUT HAVE SEEN IT HAPPEN TO OTHER PEOPLE JUST DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD OR HIGHWAY ( IN MOTION & STATIONARY ) ALSO WITH OUT THIS FIX YOU CANT NOT GET YOUR VEHICAL PASSED IN A STATE INSPECTION

NHTSA ID
11182884
Incident
May 15, 2018
Mileage
200,000 mi

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

TECH TALK 289

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; SEAT BELTS

Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications.

TSB-23-22-001

POWER TRAIN

This Technical Service Bulletin provides service manual corrections and additional information for the transaxle assembly removal and installation of the roll stopper bracket.

DEALER LETTER

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.

TSB-23-00-001

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This Technical Service Bulletin reviews the regulations that require a label showing the reduction in load carrying capacity be affixed to vehicles when the total net weight of accessories is more than 1.5 percent of the vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or 100 lbs.

TSB-23-00-004

STRUCTURE

This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.

DEALER LETTER

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Mitsubishi Lancer by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2017601—
2016302153.5
2015231149.2
2014160149.1
2013501—
2012191042.3
2011343045.0
2010Viewing516052.9
2009988054.2
2008915052.0
2007230—
2006377053.2
2005246265.5
2004807260.1
20031996156.0
20021484056.5
2000100—
1996100—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.