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2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering sun/moon roof assembly and belts and associated pulleys. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “AWD active center differential 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.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

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.

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.

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.

POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION

Campaign #13V446000 · Sep 19, 2013

Issue: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured from December 12, 2007, through March 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the clutch master cylinder can fail.

Risk: Failure of the clutch master cylinder reduces the ability to shift the vehicle into or out of gear, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected clutch master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2013. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's campaign number for this recall is SR-13-009.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

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

Reported to NHTSA

AWD active center differential pump failure

POWER TRAIN

18 NHTSA complaints · 2013-04 → 2021-02

“EVERY MITSUBISHI LANCER EVO X KEEPS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH OUR ACD/AYC PUMP FAILURE THAT WILL COST ME/OWNER A STAGGERING 2000 TO 3000 DOLLARS TO FIX”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10515037
“ACTIVE YAW CONTROL PUMP THAT IS PART OF THE CAR'S ALL WHEEL CONTROL SYSTEM IS FAILING. PUMP IS NOT COVERED BY MANUFACTURER POWER TRAIN WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH IT'S PART OF THE POWER TRAIN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10609478
“"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 →

ABS/ASC brake pump failure and warning lights

SERVICE BRAKES

10 NHTSA complaints · 2011-03 → 2020-05

“MY COMPLAINT IS ON THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE PUMP/MOTOR ON 2010 MITSUBISHI LANCERS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11182884
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11231192
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11323112

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sunroof, wiper, and sun visor failure

VISIBILITY

5 NHTSA complaints · 2010-10 → 2019-01

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MITSUBISHI LANCER. WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE SUN ROOF ASSEMBLY FRACTURED WITHOUT WARNING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11172765
“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
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MITSUBISHI LANCER. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS FAILED TO OPERATE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10935102

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Fuel odor entering passenger cabin

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

3 NHTSA complaints · 2011-07 → 2012-07

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10466886
“THE SMELL OF GAS FUMES WHILE DRIVING COMING FROM A 2010 MITSUBISHI EVOLUTION TOURING. THIS HAPPENS EITHER WITH THE AC ON OR OFF, WHILE STANDING IN TRAFFIC OR DOING THE SPEED LIMIT OR DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10416790
“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 →

Clutch and transmission engagement failure

POWER TRAIN

5 NHTSA complaints · 2012-02 → 2016-11

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10448775
“INDICATED POSSIBLE CLUTCH FAILURE/CLUTCH PEDAL STICKING ISSUES TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP. CLUTCH WENT OUT BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10558268
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MITSUBISHI LANCER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK, THE GEAR SHIFTER FAILED TO SHIFT FROM THE PARK POSITION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10920538

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine recall repair parts unavailable

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

17 NHTSA complaints · 2014-10 → 2015-03

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 MITSUBISHI LANCER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V562000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10676601
“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)”
— 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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10664462

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 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.

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 Evolution 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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