2010 Mitsubishi Outlander Problems & Complaints

Average1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Outlander at the same age

Owners have filed 60 complaints about the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That is about average for the Outlander at the same age. The most reported problem area is the engine & cooling (19 complaints, typically around 99,000 miles). 10 recalls cover this model year.

60complaints
10recalls
4crashes
0fires
2injuries
0deaths

Most common 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander problems

  • Engine & cooling~99,000 miles
    1932%
  • Other / not specified~60,000 miles
    712%
  • Brakes~88,000 miles
    610%
  • Electrical system~88,000 miles
    610%
  • Transmission & drivetrain~150,000 miles
    610%
  • Windows, wipers & sunroof~115,000 miles
    610%
  • Air bags~14,000 miles
    58%
  • Suspension~75,000 miles
    47%
  • Wheels & tires~19,000 miles
    35%
  • Seats~120,000 miles
    23%
  • Lights~12,000 miles
    23%
  • Speed control & acceleration~150,000 miles
    23%
  • Stability & traction control~120,000 miles
    23%
  • Body & structure~75,000 miles
    23%
  • Seat belts~5,000 miles
    12%
  • Steering~9,000 miles
    12%
  • Fuel & propulsion system~150,000 miles
    12%

Share of the 60 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Mitsubishi Outlander complaints by model year

’03’04’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’22’23’24’25116521921125584660582226455314551572931217502615
Owner complaints per model year, Mitsubishi Outlander. Colour = our verdict for that year (red: avoid, orange: caution, green: better than average, blue: too new).

Best Outlander years: 2012, 2013, 2019. Years to avoid: 2022, 2016, 2023, 2024, 2025. Compare all years →

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander recalls (10)

Structure › Frame and members

NHTSA recall 20V-279 · May 18, 2020 · 141,200 vehicles

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,…

Remedy: 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…

Visibility › Sun/moon roof assembly

NHTSA recall 18V-071 · Jan 26, 2018 · 56,641 vehicles

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.

Remedy: 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.

Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys

NHTSA recall 18V-069 · Jan 26, 2018 · 141,053 vehicles

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.

Remedy: 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.

Visibility › Windshield wiper/washer › Motor

NHTSA recall 17V-461 · Jul 20, 2017 · 100,082 vehicles

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.

Remedy: 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 › Linkages

NHTSA recall 16V-791 · Oct 31, 2016 · 100,082 vehicles

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…

Remedy: 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.

Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm

NHTSA recall 16V-458 · Jun 23, 2016 · 194,674 vehicles

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,…

Remedy: 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…

Show 4 more recalls

Electrical system

NHTSA recall 15V-232 · Apr 20, 2015 · 53,396 vehicles

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…

Remedy: 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.

Visibility › Defroster/defogger/HVAC system › Fan/motor

NHTSA recall 15V-233 · Apr 20, 2015 · 76,958 vehicles

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,…

Remedy: 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.

Engine and engine cooling › Engine › Gasoline › Belts and associated pulleys

NHTSA recall 14V-562 · Sep 12, 2014 · 165,923 vehicles

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.

Remedy: 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.

Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections

NHTSA recall 14V-366 · Jun 25, 2014 · 203 vehicles

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.

Remedy: 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.

What 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander owners say

Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander. The contact stated that the engine stalled more than once and was becoming a hindrance. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to arrow Mitsubishi (3995 s 1st st, abilene, tx 79605, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that a flange for the drive belt was needed. The vehicle remained parked at the dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 111,668.

112,000 miles · Mar 2018

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander. While the engine was idling, the odor of exhaust fumes was present in the cabin of the vehicle. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer, sendell motors of greensburg, pa, was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 62,000.

Exhaust system · 62,000 miles · May 2017

Brakes

Vehicle displays ABS/asc warning/service required. My mechanic says it's the ABS pump, which will cost over $2000 in parts/labor to replace. According to someone who works at a local Mitsubishi dealer, the 2010 ABS pumps are flawed - many vehicles have had the pump replaced. My mechanic said it's safe to drive, but advises to take extra care in heavy rain/snow/ice. Meanwhile the service light remains on. I already replaced the rear tire ABS sensor (almost $1000) because the vehicle would hesitate when taking my foot off the brake. )probably related to the problem with the pump.) I don't think it's right that Mitsubishi knows there is a problem and it's an expensive fix. They are putting their bottom line before customers' safety. I don't know how NHTSA mandates recalls, but I'd love to see this issue resolved via recall. Thank you.

55,000 miles · Jul 2016

After my ABS, TCS, and check engine lights came on, I started to research what my problem was. Come to find out the ABS pump motor is getting low voltage resulting in poor braking and overall driveability in any weather. In my research I found that this is a very common problem with many Mitsubishi's around this year. I was completely fine with replacing the parts because the car isn't safe for my children, but when looking into the cost of replacement of such a small part, I (along with many other people) can not afford to spend ~$2000 to make our cars safe. If this has truly been a problem for so long why hasn't Mitsubishi handled it yet. Until I can find a cheap replacement or if Mitsubishi cares about their customers safety, I will be driving my 2010 Outlander with no ABS or traction control. Which is very unsafe.

120,000 miles · Feb 2019

Electrical system

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander. After the vehicle was started, one of the front headlights failed to operate intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front headlight bulb needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 15V232000 (electrical system); however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 12,000. Updated 09/18/15

12,000 miles · Jan 2011

I am having electrical issues that I thought were just in my steering column but now I am finding other issues throughout the vehicle. 1.) the steering wheel volume control either does not work or increases when the decrease button is pushed. 2.) the stick control for signaling will not lock the high beams on so if you need the extra light you would have to hold the stick back manually. 3.) the interior dome light will not always turn on/shut off.

75,000 miles · Dec 2017

2010 Mitsubishi Outlander engines & fuel economy

EngineTransmissionDriveMPG city / hwy / combined
2.4L 4-cylCVTFWD21 / 27 / 24
2.4L 4-cylCVT4WD21 / 25 / 22
3.0L 6-cyl6-speed automaticFWD19 / 25 / 21
3.0L 6-cyl6-speed automatic4WD18 / 24 / 20

EPA ratings. Class: SUV.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander a good car?

Based on 60 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Outlander rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as a typical year of the Outlander at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.

What is the most common problem with the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander?

The engine & cooling — 19 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year, most often about exhaust system. Next are the brakes (6) and electrical system (6).

How many recalls does the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander have?

There are 10 recalls for the 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander, the most recent from May 18, 2020 (frame and members). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.

What are the best and worst years of the Mitsubishi Outlander?

The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2012, 2013 and 2019. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2022, 2016, 2023, 2024 and 2025. See the full Mitsubishi Outlander years comparison.

At what mileage do 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander problems happen?

The median mileage reported in complaints is about 62,000 miles; 40% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.