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.
This page covers 9 recalls, 60 owner complaints and EPA fuel economy for the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander.
20–22 mpg combined
10.7–11.8 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
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 2 tested variants for this model year.
For the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander, engine complaints make up the largest share of what owners report, with issues ranging across stalling, rough running, and loss of power. The visibility and wiper system draws a notable cluster of reports as well, owners describe windshield wipers freezing in the upright position after being switched off, and several report sunroof problems including the glass shattering or the panel detaching while driving. Powertrain complaints round out the top three, touching on transmission and drivetrain behavior. A separate thread running through the complaint set involves structural corrosion, owners describe severely rusted control arms and cross members, with some noting the deterioration had progressed to the point of compromising the parts' integrity.
60
Total Complaints
4
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander has 9 recalls, the most serious involving the front suspension control arm, which can detach from the vehicle and cause a sudden, complete loss of steering and directional control.
On the mechanical side, vehicles equipped with a 4B11 or 4B12 engine have a drive belt tensioner that can crack and release the accessory belt, causing the battery to drain and the engine to stall while driving. There is also a power steering concern specific to vehicles that received a replacement 6-speed automatic transmission during prior service: a fluid leak in the steering system can reduce or eliminate power assist, making the wheel significantly harder to turn. Sunroof-equipped vehicles face a separate hazard where the glass panel can detach while driving and become a road hazard for other vehicles.
Several recalls cluster around visibility. Water intrusion near the windshield can corrode the wiper linkage or the wiper motor itself, either of which can cause the wipers to stop working entirely. A failing blower motor can reduce the windshield defroster's ability to clear the glass. An electrical issue can also cause intermittent failure of the headlights, taillights, and windshield wipers together.
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.
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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 →
What the fix does
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
Water can enter the wiper motor through its breathing hole after leaking between the hood and windshield, causing internal corrosion and potential motor failure.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the wiper motor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Water seeps between the hood and windshield, corroding the front wiper link ball joint. This corrosion can cause the wiper link to separate, making the wipers stop working.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a rubber boot on the ball joint to block water entry and inspect the wiper motor crank arm for damage, replacing it if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front cross member can corrode from salt water exposure in certain regions, potentially causing the front lower control arms to detach.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the front cross member and either apply a sealing/anti-corrosion agent or replace it with a new sealed one 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.
At a glance
What can fail
The power steering pressure tube sits too close to the transmission converter housing. Contact between these parts can puncture the tube, causing power steering fluid to leak.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the power steering pressure tube and return tube at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.