This is a Technical Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin provides dealers with a basic description of the hands-free systems used in Mitsubishi built vehicles. The bulletin covers components and operation, system layouts showing the differences in Japan built and U.S. built vehicles, diagnostic flow charts, a list of commonly used acronyms and terms, and part numbers. The bulletin also provides a comprehensive Hands-free/FUSE Information Sheet to guide the service writer in getting complete and accurate details from the customer. With this information, dealer personnel can answer questions and conduct an efficient diagnosis to resolve customer concerns as quickly as possible.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Mitsubishi Lancer electrical problems
severe 5 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
5
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This bulletin updates the Chassis Electrical section of the affected Service Manuals to update diagnostics for ETACS-ECU CAN timeout diagnostics with DTC U0141.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. The bulletin instructs dealers to confirm a list of specific Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) if vehicle experiences the following symptoms in cold weather: the check engine light illuminating with a limited vehicle speed (failsafe mode), or the engine does not restart after driving a short distance and stopping the engine for a few minutes. Once symptoms and DTCs are confirmed, dealers should replace the following relays with anti- freezing types: ETV, A/T (CVT), injector, and starter.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. It provides dealers instructions for reprogramming the ETACS ECU with updated software to resolve the issue on certain vehicles experiencing dome light flickering when the vehicle's doors are opened or dome light is switched to "ON."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a Technical Service Bulletin, sent to dealers, providing updates to the Chassis Electrical section of the affected Service Manuals, to provide replacement instructions when installing the new ETACS ECU to replace the old ETACS ECU.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had electrical trouble with your 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer?
It's a meaningful issue. 5 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 5 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 107,500 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Mitsubishi/Lancer.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.