Lancer Evolution (2008)
Engine Reliability Ratings
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Unidentified Engine
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Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (4)
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.
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.
MITSUBISHI IS RECALLING MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 LANCER EVOLUTION, RALLIART, AND SPORTBACK RALLIART VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TURBOCHARGED ENGINES. THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FUEL RETURN PIPE IS ATTACHED TO THE ENGINE, IN COMBINATION WITH FREQUENT VEHICLE OPERATION AT CERTAIN ENGINE REVOLUTIONS, MAY RESULT IN A RESONANCE THAT, IF CONTINUED OVER TIME, MAY CAUSE A STRESS CRACK TO DEVELOP AT THE FIXED PORTION OF THE FUEL PIPE.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2008-2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems?
The 2008-2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has accumulated 59 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Transmission, Electrical System, Body/Trim. As with any used vehicle, an inspection before buying and a vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution engine is most reliable?
The 2008-2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was offered with 1 engine option. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Unidentified Engine has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2008-2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution a good used car?
The 2008-2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution can be a sound used car depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 59 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008-2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have?
The 2008-2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has 59 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2008-2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
There are 4 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2008-2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
Before buying a used Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Transmission, Electrical System, Body/Trim, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the Lancer Evolution have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 59 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: moderate. Last updated: 2026-05-23.