2010 Mitsubishi Lancer

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.

Mitsubishi Lancer
Pictured: 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer SE sedan -- 02-04-2012 2. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
4dr Sedan FWD De/Se, 4dr Sedan FWD Gts, Evo X 4dr Sedan AWD Gsr/Mr, Ralliart 4dr Sedan AWD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
26 combined · 23 city / 31 hwy
Length
179.1–180.7 in
Curb weight
2,921–3,594 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
7 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • Few owner complaints41 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 140 for similar models.

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer is a compact car offered with 3 engines (2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl and 2.0L 4-cyl turbo) and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 180 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 104-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,921 lb (4dr Sedan FWD De/Se).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 31 highway), 10% better than the 2010 compact car average of 23.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,600 a year in fuel.

It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 41 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.

What changed for 2010

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2009 Lancer — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Lancer →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–2.0L
Engine–2.4L

Built in: Mizushima, Japan

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2010 Lancer configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Sedan FWD De/Se179.9 in69.3 in58.7 in103.9 in60.2 / 59.8 in2,921 lb61/39
4dr Sedan FWD Gts179.9 in69.3 in58.7 in103.9 in60.2 / 59.8 in3,042 lb61/39
Evo X 4dr Sedan AWD Gsr/Mr179.1 in71.3 in58.3 in104.3 in60.6 / 60.2 in3,594 lb56/44
Ralliart 4dr Sedan AWD179.9 in69.3 in58.7 in103.9 in60.2 / 60.2 in3,461 lb60/40
Sportback Gts 4dr FWD180.7 in69.3 in59.4 in103.9 in60.2 / 60.2 in3,098 lb59/41
Sportback Ralliart 4dr AWD180.7 in69.3 in59.4 in103.9 in60.2 / 60.2 in3,572 lb59/41

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Lancer2.0L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive23 / 30 / 26+10%$2,600342
Lancer2.0L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive22 / 31 / 25+6%$2,700355
Lancer2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive22 / 29 / 25+6%$2,700355
Lancer2.4L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 28 / 23-3%$2,900386
Lancer Sportback2.4L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S6)Front-Wheel Drive21 / 27 / 23-5%$2,900386
Lancer Sportback2.4L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive20 / 27 / 22-9%$3,050404
Lancer2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM6)All-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20-15%$4,100444
Lancer Sportback2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM6)All-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20-18%$4,100444
Lancer Evolution2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AM6)All-Wheel Drive17 / 22 / 19-19%$4,350468
Lancer Evolution2.0L 4-cyl turboManual 5-spdAll-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 18-24%$4,550494
Spend $1,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23.6 MPG2010 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2010 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2010 Mitsubishi Lancer (this car)26 MPGNot rated7
2010 Toyota Corolla30 MPGNot rated15
2010 Honda Civic42 MPGNot rated8
2010 Toyota Camry34 MPGNot rated8
2010 Nissan GT-R17 MPGNot rated0
2010 Toyota Prius50 MPGNot rated10
2010 Mazda 328 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (7)

Structure › Frame And Members · May 18, 2020

NHTSA campaign 20V279000 · 141,200 vehicles

Problem
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.
Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly · Jan 26, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V071000 · 56,641 vehicles

Problem
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 · Jan 26, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V069000 · 141,053 vehicles

Problem
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.
Electrical System · Apr 20, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V232000 · 53,396 vehicles

Problem
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 · Apr 20, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V233000 · 76,958 vehicles

Problem
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts And Associated Pulleys · Sep 12, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V562000 · 165,923 vehicles

Problem
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.
Power Train › Manual Transmission · Sep 19, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V446000 · 10,474 vehicles

Problem
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

41Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
0Injuries reported
70,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Power Train11
Engine9
Electrical System5
Unknown Or Other5
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)5
Service Brakes4
Exterior Lighting3
Engine And Engine Cooling2
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
15/08: 116/03: 116/07: 116/08: 116/09: 116/11: 216/12: 217/01: 217/04: 317/06: 117/09: 118/03: 218/06: 118/07: 118/08: 119/01: 119/02: 219/06: 219/07: 120/05: 120/06: 221/02: 122/09: 123/08: 115/0816/0816/1217/0618/0619/0119/0721/02max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Power Train — 11 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  3. Engine — 9 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Electrical System — 5 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 70,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Lancer years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2017 Lancer30181.9 inNot rated06
2016 Lancer30181.9 inNot rated230
2015 Lancer29180.7 inNot rated226
2014 Lancer28180.7 inNot rated221
2013 Lancer28179.9 inNot rated111
2012 Lancer28179.9 inNot rated219
2011 Lancer28179.9 inNot rated428
2009 Lancer25179.9 inNot rated764
2008 Lancer24179.9 inNot rated450
2007 Lancer26179.9 inNot rated22
2006 Lancer26180.7 inNot rated435
2005 Lancer26180.7 inNot rated317

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mitsubishi. How we calculate this →