2010 Mitsubishi Lancer problems & reliability
51 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer, alongside 6 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
2 complaints report injuries (4 injured).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles were involved in 9 fatal crashes with 6 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine → | 13 | 25% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 8 | 16% |
| Electrical System | 5 | 10% |
| Unknown OR Other | 5 | 10% |
| Exterior Lighting | 4 | 8% |
| Power Train | 4 | 8% |
| Service Brakes | 4 | 8% |
| Visibility | 4 | 8% |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 3 | 6% |
| Steering | 3 | 6% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 70,000 miles (middle 50% between 23,750 and 114,000 miles), based on 23 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“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.”
Unknown OR Other · filed Aug 3, 2023
“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…”
Electrical System · filed Sep 20, 2022
“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…”
Vehicle Speed Control · filed Feb 22, 2021
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Technical service bulletins
110 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer. The 10 most recent:
Tech Talk is a service newsletter that was sent out to dealers. It covers various topics and reviews the previous months publications.
TECH TALK 289 · Other · issued Nov 21, 2025
This Technical Service Bulletin provides service manual corrections and additional information for the transaxle assembly removal and installation of the roll stopper bracket.
TSB-23-22-001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 21, 2023
This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 3rd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
DEALER LETTER · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 21, 2023
This Technical Service Bulletin provides instructions and material safety data sheets for removal of rap-film adhesive residue.
TSB-23-00-004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 24, 2023
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…
TSB-23-00-001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 24, 2023
This is a Dealer Letter sent to dealers informing that Mitsubishi Technical Training has launched the 2nd quarterly technician quiz for 2023.
DEALER LETTER · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 21, 2023
This Technical Service Bulletin contains technical information and troubleshooting for the accessory Remote Engine Start system for affected vehicles.
TSB-11-66-001REV · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 7, 2023
This is a Technical Information Notice informing dealers and parts managers about possible causes after a customer complains that the engine will not start while using the remote start system.
TIN-23-66-001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 7, 2023
This TSB provides revisions to the Removal and Installation procedures for the rocker cover due to changes in the quantity of mounting bolts for vehicles equipped with 4B1 series engine. (Service Manual Revision)
TSB-23-11-001 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 12, 2023
This Technical Service Bulletin was sent to dealers to explain the difference between normal dew condensation, which is a natural phenomenon, and water penetration caused by improper sealing or a defective/broken part.
TSB-22-54-003 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 7, 2022
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 70,000 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.