YearToAvoid

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2008 Lancer Evolution ranks 2nd-worst of 11 model years with a complaint index of 90 and 36 complaints, mostly transmission and powertrain issues (72% of complaints) plus brakes (53%). NHTSA lists 4 recalls, including a clutch master cylinder and fuel system fix. It carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Evolution years.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
90/100
#2 of 11 Lancer Evolution years
Verdict
Avoid
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
36
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
4
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
0
reported in complaints
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Top issue
Transmission & Powertrain
Best nearby year
2006
lowest-risk (no Good/Best year)
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
18.5
16.5 city / 22 hwy
Injuries / deaths
0 / 0

Top 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Transmission & Powertrain26 (72%)
  2. Brakes19 (53%)
  3. Fuel System3 (8%)
  4. Other3 (8%)
  5. Engine2 (6%)
  6. Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (6%)
  7. Structure & Body1 (3%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Owners report the AWC pump or AYC/ACD pump failing, triggering an AWD service-required warning light.
  • Some describe the ACD pump leaking fluid onto the ground near the rear passenger side of the vehicle.
  • Several owners report a strong fuel smell filling the cabin, especially at highway speed or in hot weather, with no visible leak found.
  • One owner reported the accelerator pedal fracturing while driving at 45 mph.
  • A tire failure was reported at highway speed, with a shop finding the rear tire had separated internally.
  • One owner noted small paint chips forming near the rear doors and quarter panels at low mileage.
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution complaints: complaints filed per month3Oct 2009Apr 2011Apr 2013Jul 2013Dec 2013Apr 2014Jul 2014Dec 2014
36 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2009 to Oct 2018; peak Jul 2013 (3).

2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution recalls

4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)025507510020052006200720082009201020112012201320142015
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2006Caution7024218.5
2007No verdict001—
2008Avoid9036418.5
2009No verdict102518.5
2010Avoid10028518.5

All Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliable?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2008 model ranks 2nd-worst among 11 Lancer Evolution model years, with a complaint index of 90 and 36 complaints, mostly tied to transmission and powertrain problems.
What problems does the 2008 Lancer Evolution have?
NHTSA complaints point mainly to transmission and powertrain issues (72% of complaints, median mileage 47,850) and brake concerns (53% of complaints), plus some fuel system and engine complaints.
Does the 2008 Lancer Evolution have any recalls?
Yes, NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2008 model, covering the drive belt/pulley system, clutch master cylinder, airbag sensors, and a fuel return pipe attachment.
What year Lancer Evolution should I avoid?
The 2010 model has the highest complaint index at 100, followed by the 2008 model at 90, both rated Avoid relative to other Evolution years.
What is the fuel economy of the 2008 Lancer Evolution?
EPA rates the 2008 Lancer Evolution at 18.5 mpg combined (16.5 city / 22 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $4,325.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.