Lancer Evolution (2008)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution Unidentified Engine
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Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
On a used 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the transmission and drivetrain (40), the electrical system (24) and the body and structure (5). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 40 owner complaints on the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution about the transmission and drivetrain.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 24 owner complaints on the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution about the electrical system.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 5 owner complaints on the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution about the body and structure.
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 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.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2008-2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution complaints?
Owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008-2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. The systems they name most often are the transmission, the electrical system and the body and trim.
Is the 2008-2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 59 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008-2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2008-2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution have?
NHTSA has 59 owner complaints on file for the 2008-2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2008-2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls covering some 2008-2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the transmission, the electrical system and the body and trim, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and 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: 2026-10-12.