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

- Class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4dr SUV AWD Es, 4dr SUV AWD Ls/Xls, 4dr SUV FWD Es
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 27 hwy
- Length
- 183.9 in
- Curb weight
- 3,384–3,770 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 10 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 24 MPG combined — 16% better than the average 2010 SUV - (20.7 MPG).
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- 10 recallsMore than similar models (about 4). Confirm repairs with the VIN.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 37 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 184 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 105-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,527 lb (4dr SUV AWD Es).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway), 16% better than the 2010 SUV - average of 20.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,800 a year in fuel.
It has 10 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 37 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2010
- Best combined MPG up from 22 to 24
Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Outlander →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr SUV AWD Es | 183.9 in | 70.9 in | 66.1 in | 105.1 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,527 lb | 55/45 |
| 4dr SUV AWD Ls/Xls | 183.9 in | 70.9 in | 66.1 in | 105.1 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,770 lb | 55/45 |
| 4dr SUV FWD Es | 183.9 in | 70.9 in | 66.1 in | 105.1 in | 60.6 / 60.6 in | 3,384 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outlander 2WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 27 / 24 | +16% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Outlander 4WD | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 21 / 25 / 22 | +20% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Outlander 2WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | +1% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Outlander 4WD | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +9% | $4,100 | 444 |
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 Outlander under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2010 SUV -s
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser | 15 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2010 Toyota RAV4 | 24 MPG | Not rated | 14 |
| 2010 Honda CR-V | 24 MPG | Not rated | 15 |
| 2010 Toyota 4Runner | 20 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2010 Subaru Forester | 22 MPG | Not rated | 17 |
| 2010 Toyota Highlander | 26 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
Recalls (10)
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.
Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer › Motor · Jul 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 › Linkages · Oct 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 Arm · Jun 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 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.
Steering › Hydraulic Power Assist › Hose, Piping, And Connections · Jun 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.
Not every 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2010 Mitsubishi Outlander buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 10 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Visibility/Wiper — 5 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Power Train — 4 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 88,120 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- 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 Outlander. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Outlander years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Outlander | 27 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Outlander | 28 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 6 |
| 2025 Outlander | 27 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 18 |
| 2024 Outlander | 27 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 27 |
| 2023 Outlander | 27 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 58 |
| 2022 Outlander | 27 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 10 | 229 |
| 2021 Outlander | 27 | 185 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 19 |
| 2020 Outlander | 27 | 185 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 58 |
| 2019 Outlander | 27 | 185 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 56 |
| 2018 Outlander | 27 | 185 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 93 |
| 2017 Outlander | 27 | 185 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 78 |
| 2016 Outlander | 27 | 183.5 in | ★★★★★ | 11 | 171 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mitsubishi. How we calculate this →