2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
90/100
#2 most-complained of 11 Lancer Evolution years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has 36 owner complaints and 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 90 out of 100 — #2 highest of 11 Lancer Evolution model years (verdict: Avoid). The most reported problem area is transmission & powertrain (26 complaints, 72% of the total).
- Complaints
- 36
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 18.5
- 16.5 city / 22 hwy
Top 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain26 (72%)
- Brakes19 (53%)
- Fuel System3 (8%)
- Other3 (8%)
- Engine2 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (6%)
- Structure & Body1 (3%)
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 14V562000Sep 12, 2014Engine165,923 vehicles
Engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:belts and associated pulleys
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.
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. 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.
- NHTSA 13V446000Sep 19, 2013Transmission & Powertrain10,474 vehicles
Power train:manual transmission
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (Mitsubishi) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 Lancer Evolution vehicles manufactured from December 12, 2007, through March 5, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the clutch master cylinder can fail.
Risk: Failure of the clutch master cylinder reduces the ability to shift the vehicle into or out of gear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Mitsubishi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected clutch master cylinders free of charge. The recall began on November 12, 2013. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820. Mitsubishi's campaign number for this recall is SR-13-009.
- NHTSA 09V435000Nov 5, 2009Airbags29,353 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive
Mitsubishi is recalling model year 2008-2009 lancer and lancer evolution vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of 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 district of columbia. In areas where heavy road salt is used in the winter, a long term exposure to a mixture of melted snow with salt thrown up by the other vehicles on the road may cause a water-salt mixture to adhere to the front impact sensors.
Risk: This coating over time may cause corrosion of the sensor. In the event of a vehicle crash of the type that would deploy the airbags this type of short-circuit may cause a delay in the deployment of the airbags which could result in driver or passenger injury.
Remedy: Dealers will install new front airbag sensors that have improved corrosion resistance. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 27, 2009. Owners may contact mitsubishi customer relations department at 1-888-648-7820.
See all 4 recalls for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution →
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 16.5 MPG
- Highway
- 22 MPG
- Combined
- 18.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $4,325
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2008 compared with other Lancer Evolution years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution a reliable year?
- Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution ranks #2 of 11 among Lancer Evolution model years (Complaint Index 90/100, verdict: Avoid). It has 36 complaints and 4 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
- The most reported problem areas are transmission & powertrain (26 complaints), brakes (19 complaints), and fuel system (3 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 45,000 miles.
- Does the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have any recalls?
- Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, most recently reported 2014, covering engine, transmission & powertrain, airbags, and fuel system.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
- EPA rates the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution at 18.5 MPG combined (16.5 city / 22 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,325. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.