NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The front cross member can corrode from road salt exposure in certain regions, which may cause the front lower control arms to detach.
What the fix does
This page covers 5 recalls, 51 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer.
20–26 mpg combined
9–11.8 L/100km
Compact Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
Engine complaints dominate the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer owner reports, with a secondary cluster around engine cooling. The most common engine-related pattern involves loss of power during driving, sometimes accompanied by the vehicle entering a reduced-power or limp mode, owners describe this happening on longer trips, often with warning lights appearing before the engine bogs down or stalls. A smaller group of engine cooling reports describes an overheating warning triggering on inclines at moderate speeds, with the transmission running at elevated RPMs and the warning persisting even after the vehicle stops. Visibility complaints make up the third-largest named category, though the reports in that group are sparse. A handful of owners also mention ABS and stability control warning lights illuminating and staying on, with some describing reduced braking response tied to those warnings.
51
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer has 5 recalls, the most serious involving a front control arm that can detach from the vehicle, causing an immediate and complete loss of steering control.
The next most serious concern involves vehicles equipped with a 4B11 or 4B12 engine: the automatic tensioner that keeps the accessory drive belt under tension can crack and release the belt entirely. Without that belt, the battery stops charging and the engine stalls, leaving the driver without power in traffic. On vehicles equipped with a sunroof, the glass panel can detach from its assembly while the car is moving and fall onto the road, creating a hazard for vehicles following behind.
Two electrical recalls round out the list. An unstable voltage condition can cause the headlights, taillights, and windshield wipers to cut out intermittently, reducing both the driver's visibility and the vehicle's visibility to others. Separately from that wiring concern, the blower motor that pushes air through the cabin can fail, which reduces the effectiveness of the windshield defroster and can leave the driver with an obscured view in cold or humid conditions.
At a glance
What can fail
The front cross member can corrode from road salt exposure in certain regions, which may cause the front lower control arms to detach.
What the fix does
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Dealers will inspect the front cross member and either apply a sealing agent or replace it with a new one, free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The sunroof glass may separate from the sunroof assembly, potentially falling onto the roadway and hazarding other vehicles.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the sunroof glass assembly at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The drive belt tensioner flange may crack, which can cause the accessory drive belt to come loose and detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the belt tensioner with an improved design at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The blower motor that circulates air through the cabin heating and cooling system may fail and stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the blower motor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The electronic control unit that operates your headlights, taillights, and windshield wipers may have unstable voltage due to a manufacturing error.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected electronic control unit at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.