2010 MITSUBISHI LANCER

Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi

Symptoms: Shuddering or jerking during acceleration, especially from a stop, Whining or grinding noises under load, Hesitation when shifting between drive ranges, Check engine light with P0868 (line pressure low) or P0841 codes, Transmission overheating warnings

Fix: CVT fluid and filter service may buy time if caught early (2-3 hours labor), but most need transmission replacement or rebuild. Mitsubishi issued a warranty extension to 10yr/120k on some units. Replacement is 8-12 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500

Typical onset: 90,000-150,000 mi

Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1 qt per 500-1000 miles), Blue smoke from exhaust on startup or acceleration, Loss of compression in one or more cylinders, Misfires and rough running, Check engine light with P0301-P0304 misfire codes

Fix: Requires engine rebuild with new pistons and rings, or short block replacement. Root cause is often carbon buildup from lack of direct injection cleaning or aggressive driving on cold engine. Full rebuild is 18-24 hours labor.

Estimated cost: $3,800-6,000

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Squealing or chirping noise from front of engine, especially on cold starts, Belt wear on one edge or center, Visible wobble in pulley when engine is running, Battery light or overheating if belt snaps

Fix: Replace tensioner assembly and any worn idler pulleys as a set along with new belt. The tensioner spring weakens over time. 1.5-2 hours labor. NHTSA recall 13V-374 covered some units.

Estimated cost: $250-450

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: Red transmission fluid puddles under vehicle, Fluid leaking near radiator area, Low transmission fluid warnings, Transmission slipping or overheating

Fix: The rubber lines and metal fittings crack from heat cycling. Replace both cooler lines and inspect radiator-mounted cooler for cross-contamination. 2-3 hours labor plus fluid refill and flush recommended.

Estimated cost: $400-700

Typical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: Blower only works on high speed setting, No air flow from vents at any setting, Squealing or grinding noise from dashboard, Intermittent blower operation

Fix: Usually the blower motor itself or the resistor module. Motor is behind glove box, 1.5 hours labor. Resistor is 0.8 hours. Test resistor first as it's cheaper. NHTSA recall 17V-355 covered some blower motors.

Estimated cost: $200-450

Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: Clunking noise over bumps from front end, Steering wander or imprecise handling, Uneven front tire wear (inside edge), Vibration through steering wheel

Fix: Rear bushings in the lower control arms deteriorate and crack. Replace control arms as complete assemblies (bushings alone are not serviceable). 2.5-3 hours labor plus alignment.

Estimated cost: $450-750

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: Check engine light with P0455 (large EVAP leak) or P0456 (small leak), Fuel smell near fuel tank or engine bay, Difficulty filling fuel tank (pump clicks off early), Hissing sound when opening fuel cap

Fix: Common culprits are cracked purge valve, deteriorated hoses, or faulty fuel tank pressure sensor. Smoke test required to pinpoint. Purge valve is 0.8 hours, sensor is 1.5 hours (requires tank drop).

Estimated cost: $150-600