2010 Mitsubishi Lancer: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 85 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated12.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
12.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer has 85 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Mitsubishi
- Model
- Lancer
- Model year
- 2010
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 85
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 28
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Electronic Stability Control (Esc). Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer?
The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission and drivetrain for signs of wear or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect electronic stability control system.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission and drivetrain for signs of wear or failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect electronic stability control system.
- Check for any outstanding safety recalls before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and engine, with a moderate number of electronic stability control issues. Crash-related complaints are low relative to total complaints, but the overall confidence in this data is low due to limited sample size.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints account for the largest share of reported issues.
- Engine problems are the second most common complaint category.
- Electronic stability control complaints are notable, with 11 reports.
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Engine Problems
- Electronic Stability Control (Esc)
All 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 28 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 25 | — | 2 | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 9 | 3 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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…
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 …
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 PU…
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 SOU…
THE MITSUBISHI DEALER TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T FIX ONE OF THE RECALLS BECAUSE IT WAS AN "AFTER MARKET PART". *TR
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…
I HAD SOME WARNING LIGHTS COME ON FOR THE ASC AND ABS SYSTEMS BEING DISABLED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THE ABS PUMP WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED FOR OVER $3000. I LOOKED ONLINE AND FOUND SEVERAL OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ISSUE OF THE BRUSHES IN THE ABS PUMP …
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION. WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS ABOVE 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE BECAME VERY UNSTABLE AND 'FOUR WHEEL DRIVE DISABLED' DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NIMAY MITSUBISHI (1011 KENNEDY AVE, KILOMETER 2.5, 787-622-0200) WHERE IT WAS D…
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…
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 TH…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MITSUBISHI LANCER. WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NO…
2010 LANCER RECALL NUMBER SR-18-003. WHILE DRIVING FROM TEXAS TO CALIFORNIA AFTER GETTING OUT OF THE SERVICE THE SUNROOF BLEW OUT AND RIPPED AWAY AT FROM THE CAR WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH AND IT WAS IN A CLOSED AND LOCKED POSITION. CALLED MITSUBISHI AND THEY SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED UN…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MITSUBISHI LANCER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS EXAMINED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE BOLTS TO THE I-BEAM CONNECTING ROD BECAME LOOSE AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE BLOCK. THE VEHICLE W…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MITSUBISHI LANCER. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ABS AND ACS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED FOR HER SAFETY AND CALLED WANTAGH MITSUBISHI AT (516) 785-4300 (LOCATED AT 3460 SUNRISE HWY, WANTAGH, NY 11793) AND AN APPOINTMEN…
ON-DASH WARNING LIGHT OF "4WD SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED" CAME ON. THIS WARNING IS INDICATIVE OF A ACTIVE CENTER DIFFERENTIAL (ACD) PUMP FAILURE, GENERALLY DUE TO CORROSION FROM TREATED WINTER ROAD SURFACES AND/OR THE INABILITY TO HANDLE COLD-WEATHER CLIMATES. CAR WAS PREVIOUSLY SER…
BAD INJECTOR CAUSED CYLINDER FAILURE OR VALVR CONSTANT VALVE TICK. BLOWN SPARK PLUGS CAUSED PISTON MELTDOWN CAUSING FOR THE PISTONG ROD TO SHOOT THROUGHT THE BLOCK CAUSE A FIRE TO THE ENGINE.. LUCKLY I STOP THE FIRE TOOK IT TO A DELAERSHIP TO VERIFY THE CAUSE OF THE DAMAGE BUT TH…
MY LANCER 2010 HAS ONLY 30,400 ORIGINAL MILES, THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON, THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE LIGHT IS ON, STABILITY CONTROL DISABLED BY THE ANTI LOCK LIGHT ON, SOMETIMES THE LIGHT GOES OFF AND TURNS ON WHEN TURNING SHARP RIGHT, AND SOMETIMES THE LIGHT COMES ON WITH THE V…
2010 MITSUBISHI LANCER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE FAILS EMISSIONS DUE TO SERVICE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT INDICATES CATALYTIC CONVERTER/SENSOR CIRCUIT SLOW RESPONSE MALFUNCTION ALSO PASSENGER WINDOWS AND KEY FOB BATTERY PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER …
2010 MITSUBISHI LANCER (RED) CLEAR COAT PROTECTION OVER PAINT BEGAN PEELING 3 YEARS AGO. SINCE, THE CLEAR COAT PROTECTION HAS SPREAD FROM HOOD TO ROOFTOP, AND AROUND WINDSHIELD. MANY DISCUSSION THREADS HAVE ADDITIONAL OWNERS COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM.
SUNROOF EXPLODED FOR UNKNOWN REASON. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY. TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT. NO VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer.
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 85 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (28 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (25 complaints). #3: Electronic Stability Control (Esc) (11 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 85 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer. A major recall area is STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer?▾
The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Mitsubishi Lancer reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.