This is a Technical Information Notice informing dealers and parts managers about possible causes after a customer complains that the engine will not start while using the remote start system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Mitsubishi Lancer engine problems
severe 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 22 engine complaints filed for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 5 model years of Mitsubishi Lancer we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 22.
Engine accounts for 26% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 6 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Technical Service Bulletin contains technical information and troubleshooting for the accessory Remote Engine Start system for affected vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This TSB provides revisions to the Removal and Installation procedures for the rocker cover due to changes in the quantity of mounting bolts for vehicles equipped with 4B1 series engine. (Service Manual Revision)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Technical Information Notice provides additional instructions to dealers when replacing the Valve Cover Gasket due to a customer concern of oil leaking.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Technical Information Notice was sent to dealers informing that a recall campaign was released on July 22, 2020 (SR-20-003) for the Crossmember Corrosion.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer has a documented cruise control switch defect that poses a fire risk even when the vehicle is parked, off, and unattended. Multiple owners report vehicle fires that damaged garages and homes; one fire burned a home to the ground. NHTSA Campaign 14V562000 addresses this, but many owners struggled for months getting parts to actually fix it.
Exhaust manifolds crack without owner modification or abuse. Cracks let exhaust fumes and carbon monoxide enter the cabin, especially at idle or when windows are closed. Replacement costs around $2,000. Mitsubishi initially claimed no awareness of the issue despite thousands of online complaints.
Other engine problems include loose connecting rod bolts that damaged the engine block and caused sudden shutdown at 186,000 miles. Some owners report burning or gas fumes from the engine bay that mechanics couldn't trace. One owner's Service Engine light stayed on even after the recall repair was completed.
Drive belt pulleys show premature wear from a build material defect, risking belt detachment. Multiple recall campaigns (14V562000) created frustration when parts remained unavailable for extended periods, leaving owners unable to get repairs completed despite recall notices.
Same Mitsubishi Lancer engine reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Cruise control switch fire hazard
Defective cruise control switch creates risk of vehicle fire, including while parked and off. Fires documented in garages, resulting in home destruction.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle catches fire while parked, turned off, unattended; Fire starts under hood or engine compartment; No warning before ignition
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V562000 (Engine); Mitsubishi issued recall; parts unavailable for extended periods delaying repairs
Exhaust manifold cracks
Exhaust manifolds develop cracks in normal driving conditions without modification. Crack allows exhaust fumes and carbon monoxide to enter cabin.
Symptoms owners cite: Crack visible in exhaust manifold; Exhaust fumes enter cabin with windows up; Carbon monoxide odor when AC on or windows closed; Fumes cause dizziness
Repairs/costs cited: Manifold replacement $2,000; owners report Mitsubishi initially denied awareness of widespread issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mitsubishi dealership confirms crack but cannot explain cause; company claims no prior complaints despite thousands of owner reports online
Connecting rod bolt looseness and engine damage
Bolts securing I-beam connecting rods become loose, damaging engine block and causing sudden engine shutdown during highway driving.
When: 186,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle suddenly shuts off while driving at highway speed (70 mph); Engine block damaged
Repairs/costs cited: Engine not repaired; damage diagnosed by independent mechanic
Service Engine light remains after recall repair
Service Engine warning light stays illuminated even after recall remedy completed under NHTSA Campaign 14V562000, indicating repair did not resolve underlying condition.
Symptoms owners cite: Service Engine warning light illuminated; Light persists after recall repair
Codes mentioned: P0000 (or unspecified; no codes pulled)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V562000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); recall remedy performed but failed to clear warning
Burning fumes from engine bay
Burning or gas fumes emanate from engine compartment, occurring regardless of AC operation, traffic conditions, or driving speed.
When: 70,000 miles reported in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Burning fumes or gas smell while driving; Occurs with AC on or off; Occurs at idle or highway speeds; Cause not determined by mechanics; Dizziness reported from fume exposure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V562000 (Engine) issued; parts shortage prevented repair completion
Drive belt wear and detachment
Drive belt pulleys experience unusual wear due to build material defect, risking drive belt detachment.
Symptoms owners cite: Drive belt pulleys wear prematurely; Potential drive belt detachment
Repairs/costs cited: Recall parts unavailable
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Mitsubishi lancer. The contact stated that the service engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 14v562000 (engine and engine cooling) but the service engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that the recall remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The…
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Mitsubishi lancer. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v562000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Mitsubishi lancer. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign numbers: 14v562000 (engine and engine cooling) and 12e012000 (exterior lighting). The contact stated that the parts needed were unavailable to repair the vehicle under the recall remedy. The dealer was unable to inform when the parts would become available. The manufacturer was not notified of…
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Mitsubishi lancer. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v562000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Mitsubishi lancer. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign id number: 14v562000 (engine and engine cooling) and stated that the part needed for the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was unable to inform the contact when the part would become available. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The VIN was unavailable. The contact had not…
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Mitsubishi lancer. The contact received notifications for NHTSA campaign id numbers: 14v562000 (engine and engine cooling) and 12e012000 (exterior lighting) however, the parts for the recall repairs were not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the delay. The…
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Mitsubishi lancer. The contact received a notification for recall NHTSA campaign number: 14v562000 (engine and engine cooling). However, the part needed was unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Mitsubishi lancer. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14v562000 (engine and engine cooling). However, the part needed to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Mitsubishi lancer. The contact received notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14v562000 (engine) and stated that the part needed was unavailable to perform the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Mitsubishi lancer. The contact stated that burning fumes were emitted into the vehicle. The contact received a notice for NHTSA campaign number: 14v562000 (engine). However, the parts needed were not available. The contact mentioned that the manufacturer had exceeded the reasonable amount of time for repair. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were…
Had engine trouble with your 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer?
It's a meaningful issue. 22 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 22 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 109,800 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Mitsubishi/Lancer.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.