Model year guide

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 98 on record.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer at a glance

Safety recalls6
Owner complaints85
Combined24 mpg
Typical price$6,114

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer recalls 6

Structure:frame And Members NHTSA Campaign #20V279000 · 18/05/2020

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, …

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 beg…

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:gasoline:belts And Associated Pulleys NHTSA Campaign #18V069000 · 26/01/2018

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.

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 NHTSA Campaign #18V071000 · 26/01/2018

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.

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 NHTSA Campaign #14V562000 · 12/09/2014

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 …

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-…

Visibility:defroster/defogger/hvac System:fan/motor NHTSA Campaign #15V233000 · 20/04/2015

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 Outla…

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 NHTSA Campaign #15V232000 · 20/04/2015

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…

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 85 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer MPG & running costs

Combined24 mpg
City21 mpg
Highway29 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,740

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer worth?

Low
$4,000
Typical price
$6,114
High
$9,000

From 97 comparable 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$13,700
Depreciation (5 yrs)$3,950
Total$17,650
Per mile$0.24

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($6,114) with the same model 5 model-years older ($2,184), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer trims & engines on record

Trims
DE · ES · GTS · Ralliart
Engines
2.0L · 2.4L

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer vehicles on record

Other Mitsubishi Lancer model years

2010 Mitsubishi Lancer — frequently asked questions

Does the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer?

Based on 85 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are service brakes, engine, power train.

What gas mileage does the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer at about 24 mpg combined (21 city / 29 highway).

How much is a 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer worth?

Comparable 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer listings run roughly $4,000–$9,000, typically around $6,114 (from 97 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.