2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer has a complaint index of 92, the second-worst of 13 model years, and is rated Avoid. It has 91 complaints, 5 recalls, and the top problem area is Suspension, Wheels & Tires at 31% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 92/100
- #2 of 13 Lancer years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 91
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 8
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 6
- Top issue
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 24
- 21.5 city / 29 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
Top 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires28 (31%)
- Engine17 (19%)
- Steering12 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain11 (12%)
- Brakes10 (11%)
- Structure & Body10 (11%)
- Electrical System9 (10%)
- Airbags7 (8%)
- Fuel System5 (5%)
- Other4 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Front cross members corrode and rust through, allowing the control arm to detach and causing loss of steering control, tied to recall 20V279000.
- Airbags fail to deploy in moderate-speed crashes, including a rollover and a collision at 25 mph.
- Brakes have pulsed uncontrollably with the ABS light on and the pedal going to the floor, followed by a failure to shift into gear.
- A burning odor and fire have come from the glove box area due to a failed blower motor assembly.
- An under-hood fire occurred while driving, with smoke and flames visible near the engine.
- The SRS warning light illuminated years before a crash in which the airbags reportedly would not have deployed.
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 20V279000May 18, 2020Structure & Body141,200 vehicles
Structure:frame and members
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 18V071000Jan 26, 2018Visibility & Wipers56,641 vehicles
Visibility:sun/moon roof assembly
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.
Remedy: 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.
- 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.
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21.5 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 24 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,700
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- 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 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer reliable?
- Compared to other Lancer model years, the 2008 ranks poorly: its complaint index of 92 is the second-highest of 13 years, and it carries an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 Lancer?
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints make up 31% of the total (28 complaints), followed by Engine problems at 19% (17 complaints) and Steering at 13% (12 complaints).
- Does the 2008 Lancer have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 2008 Lancer, covering front cross member corrosion, sunroof glass detachment, drive belt/pulley wear, airbag sensor corrosion, and a brake booster check valve defect.
- At what mileage do 2008 Lancer suspension problems occur?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 32,393 miles for Suspension, Wheels & Tires complaints on the 2008 Lancer.
- How does the 2008 Lancer compare to other model years?
- The 2008 Lancer's complaint index of 92 is worse than most other years; only the 2009 Lancer, with an index of 100, ranks worse among the 13 years with data.