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2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer carries 6 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering frame and members and belts and associated pulleys. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “AWD ACD/AYC hydraulic pump failure.” Mitsubishi publishes short, conservative intervals: oil every 7,500 miles normal / 3,750 severe, and — unlike many rivals — an explicit CVT fluid replacement schedule rather than a 'lifetime fill' claim. Read the severe-service column honestly: stop-and-go city trips, short hops, and hot climates all qualify, and they describe how most Mirages actually live. The 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty stays intact only with documented on-schedule service.

6 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Campaign #20V279000 · May 18, 2020

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

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

Campaign #18V069000 · Jan 26, 2018

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Campaign #18V071000 · Jan 26, 2018

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

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

Campaign #14V562000 · Dec 9, 2014

Issue: 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.

Fix: 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.

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR

Campaign #15V233000 · Apr 20, 2015

Issue: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Lancer vehicles manufactured March 16, 2009, to March 30, 2011, 2010-2011 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to December 1, 2010, 2010-2011 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to January 7, 2011, 2009-2011 Outlander vehicles manufactured February 10, 2009, to June 22, 2011, and 2011 Outlander Sport vehicles manufactured August 26, 2010, to November 19, 2010. In the affected vehicles, the blower motor may fail.

Risk: Failure of the blower motor may reduce the performance of the windshield defroster, diminishing the driver's visibility and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace a suspect blower motor, free of charge. The recall began on June 15, 2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-003.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Campaign #15V232000 · Apr 20, 2015

Issue: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to July 6, 2010, 2009-2010 Outlander vehicles manufactured January 12, 2009, to August 27, 2010, 2010 Lancer Sportback vehicles manufactured June 17, 2009, to June 8, 2010, and 2010 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured July 14, 2009, to August 4, 2010. The affected vehicles have an electronic control unit (ECU) that controls the head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. Due to a manufacturing error, the voltage inside this ECU may be unstable.

Risk: Unstable voltage could result in intermittent failure of the vehicle's head lights, tail lights, and windshield wipers. If the headlights and/or windshield wipers fail, the driver could have reduced visibility. If the tail lights fail, the vehicle could be less visible. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected ECU, free of charge. The recall began on June 15 ,2015. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-15-002.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer.

Reported to NHTSA

AWD ACD/AYC hydraulic pump failure

POWER TRAIN

19 NHTSA complaints · 2013-04 → 2021-02

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10536142
“TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT AND I RECEIVED A "SERVICE AWD SYSTEM" MESSAGE. CAUSED BY THE ACD/AYC PUMP BEING FAULTY WHICH IS APPARENTLY A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS AS CORROSION HAPPENS TO THE EXPOSED PUMP”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10549457
“"4WD SYSTEM SERVICE REQUIRED" WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO FIND THAT THE ACD PUMP HAVE FAILED. PAID $3,000 BECAUSE IT'S NOT A WARRANTY PART”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10512745

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Transmission and clutch failure

POWER TRAIN

9 NHTSA complaints · 2012-02 → 2018-03

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION. WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC STOP, THE CONTACT MOVED THE CLUTCH IN ORDER TO ACCELERATE BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10448775
“THE TC-SST IN THE RALLIART SHOWED SIGNS OF SLIPPAGE AND MISSING GEARS. AT ONE POINT DURING OPERATION THE TRANSMISSION HAS GEARS COMPLETELY MISSING LEADING TO ROAD SAFETY ISSUES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10745960
“FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED ON 12/6/10 WHEN THE CAR HAD 11,000 MILES ON IT. SOMETIMES WHEN PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL, THE ENGINE REVS UP BUT THE CAR DOESN'T MOVE. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 25 TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN NOVEMBER 2009”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10490039

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel odor entering cabin through vents

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

4 NHTSA complaints · 2011-07 → 2012-07

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A SMELL OF FUEL EMITTED THROUGH THE VENTS AFTER DRIVING FOR APPROXIMATELY TWENTY MINUTES. THE SMELL BECAME MORE PROFOUND WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS TURNED ON”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10467073
“WHILE DRIVING HOME IN 100 DEGREE WEATHER WITH A 3/4 FULL GAS TANK THERE WAS SUDDENLY A STRONG FUEL SMELL COMING FROM THE FRONT AIR CONDITIONING VENTS. THE A/C SYSTEM WAS IN RECIRCULATE MODE. THE SMELL WAS SO STRONG THAT I STARTED TO GET DIZZY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10466886
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MITSUBISHI LANCER EVOLUTION GSR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, AN EXTREMELY STRONG ODOR OF FUEL EMITTED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10415242

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

ABS/ASC hydraulic pump and brake failure

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES

10 NHTSA complaints · 2011-03 → 2020-05

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11182884
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11323112
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT WAS A PASSENGER IN THE VEHICLE AS THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING 35 MPH. THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED TO ATTEMPT A TURN BUT DID NOT RESPOND AND THE DRIVER ENGAGED THE PARKING BRAKE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10392356

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine cooling recall parts unavailable

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

17 NHTSA complaints · 2014-10 → 2015-03

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 14V562000 (ENGINE) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10689987
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BURNING FUMES WERE EMITTED INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V562000 (ENGINE). HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED WERE NOT AVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10651376
“I CONTACTED MITSUBISHI OF LIBERTYVILLE ON 10/28/14. I WAS LOOKING TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT TO TAKE CARE OF THE RECALL. THEY TOOK MY INFORMATION, AND TOLD ME THE PART(S) HAD TO BE ORDERED AND THAT THEY WOULD CONTACT ME WHEN THE PART(S) HAD ARRIVED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10664462

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sunroof shattering or detaching while driving

VISIBILITY

3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-04 → 2019-01

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MITSUBISHI LANCER. WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11172765
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11122780
“SUNROOF EXPLODED FOR UNKNOWN REASON. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY. TRAFFIC WAS LIGHT. NO VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10971796

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 7,500 mi

Replace every 7,500 miles normal / 3,750 severe. Mirage's 1.2L three-cylinder holds barely over 3 quarts — small sumps punish stretched intervals. 0W-20 on most recent models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

CVT Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Mitsubishi schedules CVT fluid replacement — commonly every 60,000 miles normal / 30,000 severe (check your year's table). Use only the specified CVT fluid (J4/CVTF-J4 family); generic ATF destroys the belt-and-pulley unit.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Tire Rotation

Every 7,500 mi

Rotate with every oil change. Light Mirages are easy on tires but the economy-focused OEM rubber wears fast when neglected.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect pads, rotors/drums, and lines at each service — Mirage G4 retains rear drums, which need periodic adjustment checks.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 2-3 years per the schedule. Cheap job, big ABS-unit insurance.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Spark Plugs

Every 60,000 mi

Iridium plugs commonly every 60,000 miles on the Mirage's 3A92 and Lancer's 4B11 — verify your year's table, as some engines list up to 105,000.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Mitsubishi's schedule replaces the engine air filter every 15,000 miles — shorter than most brands, and a 5-minute DIY on the Mirage.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Drive Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles and replace on cracking. The Mirage's single serpentine belt also drives the A/C — a failure strands the car's accessories at once.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace every 15,000 miles, behind the glovebox. Often skipped at quick-lube visits — worth checking if airflow feels weak.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement

Every 60,000 mi

First change around 60,000 miles, then roughly every 30,000-45,000 per the schedule. Mitsubishi long-life coolant or equivalent OAT for your year.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually after year 3. Small-battery economy cars have little reserve — the first cold snap finds a weak one.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

21 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

5

complaints mentioning a crash

2

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer reflects Mitsubishi's published service intervals. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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