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ProblemsByVinFile / 2008-MITSUBISHI-LANCER-EVOLUTIONNHTSA data synced 1 day ago
Mitsubishi
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems
The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has 59 NHTSA owner complaints and 4 active recall campaigns on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, and what a working mechanic would actually do about it.
The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has 59 NHTSA owner complaints and 4 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 36 complaints, typically surfacing around 49,392 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution owner complaints by model year
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
4
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2008 Lancer Evolution?
Acceptable — with caveats
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average
4 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Buying a used 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
powertrain — 36 owner reports
· tends to show around 49,392 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
body — 5 owner reports
· tends to show around 3,033 mi · ~$1,500 to fix
fuel system — 4 owner reports
· tends to show around 42,286 mi · ~$1,200 to fix
steering — 3 owner reports
· tends to show around 94,000 mi · ~$700 to fix
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 4 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 7.2/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
powertrain (~$2,500) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
Ask anything about your 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
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Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2008 Lancer Evolution· powertrain
I started my car and the awc service light came on. I came to a controlled stop, and restarted the car per the instructions in the vehicle manual. Upon restart, the same service light came on. After the dealer ran a diagnostic, it was found that the high pressure pump for the…
This is report of a known failure by Mitsubishi motor corp. At 50,800 miles on 12/17/2013 my cars super-active center differential (s-acd) started blinking at me. It would not allow changing of the settings anymore for tarmac/gravel/snow. Immediately there after, the driver…
Acd/ ayc pump failure, one time I was doing fluid inspection on my car when I notice the cars atf fluid reservoir in the trunk is losing oil. Looked at the floor found some red oil dripping. It may have seem that pump may have been failing to hold pressure and lose oil. Possible…
Due to cold weather here in mn, my sawc pump has failed(all wheel drive control unit, hydraulic pump fails due to cold weather). I've researched and many people with the same make and model have had issues of the same. Bought the car in feb 2013, used with 38kmiles. Im afraid…
Had a problem with your 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
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If the drive belt detaches, the battery may discharge, resulting in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Failure of the clutch master cylinder reduces the ability to shift the vehicle into or out of gear, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
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
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.
Fix: 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.
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.2 out of 10 based on 59 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
The 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 7.2/10 — around the segment average; 4 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 36 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 49,392 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.2 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 59 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 49,392 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 36 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 49,392 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 49,392 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 59 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Mitsubishi/Lancer Evolution.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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