This Technical Service Bulletin provides service manual corrections and additional information for the transaxle assembly removal and installation of the roll stopper bracket.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2010 Mitsubishi Lancer powertrain problems
moderate 23 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 23 powertrain complaints filed for the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
Among the 8 model years of Mitsubishi Lancer in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Powertrain accounts for 27% 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 powertrain 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 is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a service newsletter (Tech Talk) that was sent out to dealers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The dominant failure in this 2010 Lancer cluster is the ACD/AYC hydraulic pump—the component that controls power distribution between front and rear axles and manages steering stability in the S-AWC all-wheel-drive system. Owners report the pump corrodes and fails between 30,000 and 50,000 miles, triggering a "4WD System Service Required" warning and disabling all traction control modes. When this pump fails, the vehicle loses active yaw control and all-wheel-drive functionality entirely, which owners say changes handling and steering response dramatically. Repairs cost $2,000–$3,000 out-of-pocket because Mitsubishi excludes the pump from powertrain warranty coverage, calling it a "luxury feature" despite its role in vehicle control. A technical service bulletin was issued to delay pump activation, but owners say this only postponed failure, not prevented it.
Secondary concerns include CVT transmission hesitation (engine revving without power delivery), premature clutch and clutch master cylinder failure, timing chain wear at low mileage, and one well-documented case of catastrophic engine damage (piston rod ejection and fire) that Mitsubishi declined to investigate or cover. A Ralliart owner also reported dual-clutch transmission slippage and complete loss of gears. Owners consistently state these issues are documented in online forums and appear to be systemic rather than isolated failures.
Same Mitsubishi Lancer powertrain reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
ACD/AYC Pump Failure (Active Center Differential / Active Yaw Control)
The hydraulic pump that controls power distribution between front and rear wheels and manages yaw correction corrodes internally or fails prematurely. Owners report this occurs frequently within 30,000–50,000 miles and triggers a '4WD System Service Required' or 'Service AWD System' warning on the dash. The pump fails due to exposure to road salt and moisture causing internal corrosion and seal shrinkage, particularly in cold climates. When the pump fails or enters self-protection mode, the vehicle loses S-AWC functionality, disabling traction control settings (Tarmac, Gravel/Rain, Snow modes) and dramatically altering handling, traction, and steering response.
When: 30,000–50,000 miles; failures reported as early as 11,000 miles; symptoms often emerge in warmer weather (above 60°F) after winter exposure
Symptoms owners cite: Warning light: '4WD System Service Required' or 'Service AWD System' displayed on dash; Loss of all-wheel drive functionality and active yaw control; Disabled traction control mode selection; Altered handling, traction, and steering behavior; Vehicle instability at highway speeds above 40 mph; Flashing TARMAC display; inability to change drive mode via AWC switch
Codes mentioned: C161E (Active Center Differential)
Repairs/costs cited: Pump replacement costs $2,000–$3,000 out-of-pocket; some owners report rebuild as temporary option. Multiple owners cite this as a known, widespread problem in online forums.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mitsubishi issued TSBs to delay ACD pump activation; denies warranty coverage on the grounds that the pump is not required for safe operation, despite owners' evidence that loss of AWD functionality compromises handling and safety. One owner reported software update performed at dealership as potential remedy; ECU flash mentioned in one case as temporary fix. Mitsubishi refuses to honor powertrain warranty claims (5-year/60,000-mile or basic 36,000-mile depending on model); refers to pump as a 'luxury feature' not covered by powertrain warranty.
CVT Throttle / Acceleration Hesitation
Owners report the continuously variable transmission fails to respond normally to throttle input. Engine revs up but the vehicle does not move, or power delivery is delayed or absent. This occurs intermittently during normal driving and has been reported to occur as many as 25 times over vehicle ownership. Dealership service centers acknowledge knowing the problem but refuse to repair it unless the failure occurs during test drive.
When: First incident reported at 11,000 miles; has recurred approximately 25 times over vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs but vehicle does not move when gas pedal is pressed; Power delivery hesitation or complete loss of response to throttle; Intermittent nature of failure makes diagnosis difficult at dealership; Problem widely reported in online forums for 2008–2010 model years
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership service centers have declined repair; owners cite this as a known issue discussed extensively online but not formally addressed by manufacturer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mitsubishi acknowledged the issue to one owner but offered no promise to repair. Dealership service advisors admit familiarity with the problem but will only address it if the failure reproduces during a test drive.
Clutch / Clutch Master Cylinder Failure
The clutch fails prematurely or the clutch master cylinder malfunctions, preventing proper engagement and disengagement of the clutch. One owner reports clutch pedal sticking; another reports fluid leaking from the clutch. In one case, the gear shifter would not move from the Park position due to clutch-related failure. A safety recall (NHTSA Campaign 13V446000) was issued for faulty clutch master cylinders, but affected owners report that Mitsubishi denied warranty coverage and refused to acknowledge the defect as part of the same assembly, despite shared fluids and lines.
When: Early in vehicle ownership; one failure at approximately 4,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch pedal sticking; Fluid leaking from clutch system; Gear shifter stuck in Park position; Clutch failure requiring replacement
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $2,700 out-of-pocket for clutch replacement that should have been covered under warranty. Slave cylinder replacement also required in one case. Clutch and slave cylinder replacement confirmed by independent mechanic in one narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 13V446000 issued for clutch master cylinder defects. Mitsubishi denied warranty coverage in at least one case, claiming the component was not part of the same assembly, despite shared fluids and lines. One owner pursued arbitration and is seeking refund for out-of-pocket repairs.
Timing Chain Premature Wear / Failure
The timing chain requires premature replacement due to what the owner characterizes as a manufacturing defect. One owner reports timing chain failure at relatively low mileage and notes that online forums document similar failures in other 2008–2010 model-year Lancers. The owner states that Mitsubishi redesigned the timing chain for 2012+ models, suggesting the earlier design was flawed. Failure of the timing chain can damage other engine components.
When: Low mileage; specific mileage not stated but described as premature relative to normal service life
Symptoms owners cite: Timing chain wear requiring replacement; Potential damage to other engine components as a result
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain replacement required; specific cost not provided. Online forums document similar failures in 2008–2010 models.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Timing chain design was changed for 2012+ models, suggesting the earlier design was problematic. No recall or TSB mentioned by owner; manufacturer response not documented.
Injector / Spark Plug / Piston / Engine Block Failure
One owner reports a cascade of engine failures attributed to a bad fuel injector. The injector failure caused cylinder failure, constant valve tick, blown spark plugs, and piston meltdown. The piston rod shot through the block, causing an engine fire. After the dealership reset the computer module (erasing diagnostic data) due to battery failure, no further investigation was performed. The owner purchased a replacement engine, but after 20,000 miles the same issue recurred. Mitsubishi has refused to take responsibility for replacing the replacement engine.
When: Engine fire incident occurred; replacement engine failure occurred after 20,000 miles of operation
Symptoms owners cite: Constant valve tick; Blown spark plugs; Piston meltdown; Piston rod ejection through engine block; Engine fire; Recurrent failure pattern in replacement engine
Repairs/costs cited: Owner purchased complete replacement engine; original failure diagnosis lost when dealership reset ECU. Replacement engine developed the same issue after 20,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mitsubishi refused to take responsibility for replacement engine failure, despite the pattern suggesting a systemic defect. No support offered for diagnosis or repair.
Transfer Case Whining Noise / Lockup Risk
The transfer case emits a loud whining noise during forward driving that increases in volume with speed. The owner attributes this to wear on the gears caused by faulty design. The owner warns that the transfer case has a high probability of locking up, which would cause all wheels to stop spinning and create a serious accident hazard.
When: Occurs during normal forward driving
Symptoms owners cite: Loud whining noise from transfer case that increases with vehicle speed; Gear wear; Risk of transfer case lockup
Repairs/costs cited: No repair or cost information provided by owner.
TC-SST Transmission Slippage / Missing Gears (Ralliart)
The TC-SST dual-clutch transmission in the Ralliart variant exhibits slippage and missing gears during operation. At one point, the transmission completely lost gears, creating a road safety hazard.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slippage; Missing gears during operation; Complete loss of gears leading to loss of drive
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mitsubishi refused to service the transmission, stating there was nothing wrong with the vehicle.
Synthesized from 23 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
First incident occurred on 12/6/10 when the car had 11,000 miles on it. Sometimes when pressing the gas pedal, the engine revs up but the car doesn't move. This problem has happened about 25 times since I purchased the vehicle in november 2009. The vehicle issue has been reported to Mitsubishi corporate and the vehicle has been taken in to dealership service centers several times. The service…
The s-awc (super all-wheel control) light came on and was taken to the dealership that same day. Mitsubishi flashed the ECU and the problem was fixed. I recently noticed the light blinking while the vehicle is being operated. I contacted my local dealership and they informed the part is not covered by drive train warranty and my vehicle is not covered because it older than 3 years. The vehicle…
4wd service required light appeared. Lights stays on for a few days. Went to Mitsubishi dealer service and awc pump has failed. Im at 50,000 miles and car is 4 years old, so im with in the 5yr/60k mile drivetrain warranty, and warranty will not cover it. It is obviously a drivetrain problem. Let alone it has happend frequently to these cars. *tr
Transfer case in this car omits a loud whining noise when driving forward. Noise increases in volume the faster the car is going. This whine is due to the wearing of the gears because of a faulty design. When the transfer case whine happens, it has a high probability of locking up which will cause all wheels to stop spinning potentially causing a serious accident and possibly death. *tr
Tl* the contact owns a 2010 Mitsubishi lancer. While the vehicle was in park, the gear shifter failed to shift from the park position. In addition, the contact noticed fluid leaking from the clutch. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the clutch and the slave cylinder needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 23 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 22 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 33,000 and 49,000 miles, with the median around 45,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 33,000; a quarter make it past 49,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.