2010 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Jun 13, 2024 · 60 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Outlander years
More complaints than other years 5th of 23 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 60 complaints with NHTSA about the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander. That ranks 5th out of 23 Outlander model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (12 complaints, 20%), typically at around 105,334 miles. Complaints mention 4 crashes, 2 injuries. There are 10 safety recalls covering this model year.

Mitsubishi Outlander
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (fourth generation) in Leinfelden-Echterdingen. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Engine12 · ~105,334 mi
Engine and Engine Cooling7 · ~62,000 mi
Unknown or Other7 · ~56,924 mi
Electrical System6 · ~81,500 mi
Power Train6 · ~144,500 mi
Air Bags5 · ~14,000 mi
Service Brakes5 · ~88,120 mi
Visibility/wiper5 · ~84,000 mi
Suspension4 · ~75,000 mi
Wheels3 · ~19,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine1220%105,334——
Engine and Engine Cooling712%62,000——
Unknown or Other712%56,924——
Electrical System610%81,500——
Power Train610%144,500——
Air Bags58%14,000——
Service Brakes58%88,120——
Visibility/wiper58%84,000——
Suspension47%75,000——
Wheels35%19,000——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)23%104,060——
Exterior Lighting23%6,950——
Seats23%71,875——
Structure23%75,000——
Vehicle Speed Control23%135,000——
Fuel/propulsion System12%150,000——
Seat Belts12%5,100——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic12%14,000——
Steering12%8,500——
Tires12%68,805——
Visibility12%115,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2014, with 17 complaints
2010: 1201012011: 3201132012: 2201222014: 172014172015: 5201552016: 2201622017: 122017122018: 3201832019: 7201972020: 1202012021: 3202132022: 2202222023: 1202312024: 120241

n = 60 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander recalls (10)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Structure:frame and members; suspension:front:control arm:lower armMay 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.

Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleysJan 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.

Visibility:sun/moon roof assemblyJan 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.

Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:motorJul 20, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V461000 · 100,082 vehicles

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles. In the affected vehicles, water may drop between the hood and the windshield and leak into the wiper motor breathing hole. The water may cause internal corrosion of the windshield wiper motor and the possible failure of the motor.

Risk: Failure of the wiper motor can cause a loss of visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiper motor, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-17-003.

Visibility:windshield wiper/washer:linkagesOct 31, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V791000 · 100,082 vehicles

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2007-2013 Outlander vehicles manufactured September 8, 2006, to March 29, 2013. In the affected vehicles, water may enter between the hood and windshield and cause the front wiper link ball joint to corrode, possibly resulting in the wiper link separating and the wipers becoming inoperative.

Risk: Loss of wiper function can reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: MMNA will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rubber boot on the ball joint to prevent water intrusion. Additionally, they will inspect the wiper motor crank arm for excessive play, replacing it as necessary. These repairs will be done free of charge. The recall began on July 28, 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-009.

Suspension:front:control arm:lower armJun 23, 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V458000 · 194,674 vehicles

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain model year 2002-2007 Lancer, 2004 Lancer Wagon, 2003-2006 Lancer Evolution, 2003-2006 Outlander and 2007-2013 Outlander V-6 vehicles originally sold in, or ever registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. In the affected vehicles, 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 the loss of control of the vehicle, 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 that has a sealing/anti-corrosion agent applied to it. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began January 2017. Owners may contact MMNA customer service at 1-888-648-7820. MMNA's number for this recall is SR-16-003.

Electrical systemApr 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/motorApr 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 pulleysSep 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.

Steering:hydraulic power assist:hose, piping, and connectionsJun 25, 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V366000 · 203 vehicles

Problem: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2013 Outlander vehicles equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, Mitusbishi is recalling certain 2007-2012 Outlander vehicles that received replacement 6-speed automatic transmissions during servicing. The transmissions in these vehicles have insufficient clearance between the power steering pressure tube and the converter housing of the automatic transmission. As a result of the contact, the power steering pressure tube may develop a hole and leak power steering fluid.

Risk: A power steering fluid leak could result in a loss of steering assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering pressure tube and return tube, free of charge. The recall began in August 2014. Owners may contact Mitsubishi customer service at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's number for this recall is SR-14-006.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Moon roof detached while driving on the highway

Unknown or Other · received Jun 13, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11594088

Dealer wants to replace rear lower control arms due to corrosion and the car control arms were never addressed when I took it into the dealer for recall 16V458. The dealer was supposed to add a anti corrosion spray to the control arms in the front and back. The corrosion is very bad with these…

Suspension · received Aug 1, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11535688

The contact owns a 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that after turning the front windshield wipers off, the driver’s side and passenger’s side windshield wipers remained in the upright position. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the…

Visibility/wiper · received Apr 29, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11462725

High Point Mitsubishi in High Point NC preformed the recall in regards to rust forming on the underside crossmember of this vehicle. Less than 3 years later this vehicle is immovable because of the exact same reason as the original recall. The technician obviously overlooked areas of which to spray…

Suspension · received Feb 15, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11452025

The cross member is rusted through with holes in it. Dangerous to drive.

Suspension · received Aug 31, 2021 · NHTSA complaint 11431274

Other Mitsubishi Outlander years

← 2009 Outlander · 2011 Outlander →

See all Mitsubishi Outlander problems by year, every Mitsubishi model, or the Mitsubishi VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Owners most often report engine, engine and engine cooling, unknown or other problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 12 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander?

Yes, 10 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Outlander model years, the 2010 has more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.