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ProblemsByVin File / 2008-MITSUBISHI-LANCER-EVOLUTION
2008 · mitsubishi

mitsubishi Lancer Evolution problems

0 safety recalls. 59 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.0 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 4 categories with 3+ complaints

powertrain
36 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
body
5 reports · avg $1,500
moderate
fuel system
4 reports · avg $1,200
moderate
steering
3 reports · avg $700
moderate

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…
12/30/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10557872.0
2008 Lancer Evolution · powertrain
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…
12/24/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10557147.0
2008 Lancer Evolution · powertrain
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…
12/17/2014 · NHTSA ODI #10664740.0
2008 Lancer Evolution · powertrain
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…
12/12/2013 · NHTSA ODI #10555812.0

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Common questions

Is the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.0 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.

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. 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. 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 aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 8 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with mitsubishi. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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