This TSB provides revisions to the Removal and Installation procedures for the rocker cover due to changes in the quantity of mounting bolts for vehicles equipped with 4B1 series engine. (Service Manual Revision)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Mitsubishi Lancer engine problems
severe 15 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 15 engine complaints filed for the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 5 model years of Mitsubishi Lancer in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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 Technical Information Notice provides additional instructions to dealers when replacing the Valve Cover Gasket due to a customer concern of oil leaking.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Technical Information Notice was sent to dealers informing that a recall campaign was released on July 22, 2020 (SR-20-003) for the Crossmember Corrosion.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Advanced Technical Information Notice was sent to dealers informing them of the upcoming recall being released for the inside and outside surfaces of the front cross members used on certain vehicles, if exposed long term to snow melt water and anti-freezing agents, may corrode due to insufficient performance of the rust protection.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is a Technical Service Bulletin sent to dealers. This Bulletin updates the Intake and Exhaust section of the affected Service Manuals, to correct the exhaust manifold and turbocharger assembly removal and installation procedure.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2008 Lancer engine cluster shows four distinct failure patterns. First, drive belt and pulley problems dominate the complaint set: owners report squeaking at 100,000+ miles, torn belts, and loose pulleys leaking oil. The crankshaft pulley seal wears and allows the pulley to come loose. Repair shops have replaced belts, pulleys, and tensioners per recall instructions, yet belts have failed again within days. One owner was charged extra for a damaged pulley replacement during recall work.
Second, MAP sensor and throttle body fouling causes repeated no-start and stalling. A dealer acknowledged this as a manufacturing defect. One owner's vehicle required dealer cleaning at least three times while under warranty; the engine light stayed on 98% of the time, and the car needed 4–5 start attempts to turn over.
Third, one report documents engine fire under the hood during normal driving, resulting in total loss.
Fourth, NHTSA recall 14V562000 (engine/engine cooling) triggered service light warnings at 119,000–133,000 miles. The critical issue: parts have been on back order for extended periods with no confirmed delivery dates. Multiple owners report dealers unable to schedule repairs, and Mitsubishi customer service proved inaccessible. Several owners state the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable timeframe for recall completion.
Same Mitsubishi Lancer engine reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Drive Belt and Pulley Wear
Drive belt premature failure, squeaking noise, and belt tearing. Pulley seal deterioration causes pulley to loosen and leak oil. Owners report belt replacement required within days of prior repairs.
When: 100,000+ miles; recurring within days of repair
Symptoms owners cite: Periodic squeaking noise while driving; Torn or damaged drive belt; Oil leakage from loose pulley; Noise from under hood
Repairs/costs cited: Drive belt replacement, pulley replacement, drive belt tensioner replacement cited. One owner charged for damaged pulley replacement during recall work. Repair shops able to complete work using recall instructions, but parts failed again shortly after.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2008 Lancer has NHTSA recall 14V562000 for engine/engine cooling. Many owners report parts on back order for extended periods with no delivery timeline. Some owners flagged as not qualifying for recall despite symptoms matching recall description.
MAP Sensor Fouling and Throttle Body Deposits
MAP sensor and throttle body accumulate deposits causing repeated stalling and hard starting. Described by dealer as manufacturing defect. Engine control module unable to clear codes without repeated dealer cleaning.
When: During warranty period; multiple occurrences
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle breakdown and no-start condition; Service engine light on 98% of the time; Engine cutting off repeatedly; Takes 4-5 attempts to restart vehicle; Stalling during operation
Codes mentioned: Service engine warning light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer cleaning of MAP sensor and throttle body required multiple times (at least 3 occasions). Dealer initially charged for cleaning; Mitsubishi credited cleaning cost but not tow charges. Owner had to call dealer mechanic to site multiple times.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged manufacturing defect. Mitsubishi waived cleaning charges but held owner responsible for towing. Vehicle still under warranty at time of failures.
Engine Fire Under Hood
Single report of fire originating under hood during normal driving. Burning smell preceded visible fire. Vehicle declared total loss by fire department.
When: During normal highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell from under hood; Fire visible under hood; Fire spread requiring fire department intervention
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle burned and declared total loss. No repair attempted.
Service Engine Light - Recall Campaign 14V562000 Delays
Service engine warning light illumination triggered recall notification 14V562000 (engine/engine cooling). Widespread parts shortage preventing recall completion. Multiple owners unable to obtain repair for extended periods despite dealer notification.
When: 119,000 to 133,000+ miles; light illuminates intermittently or stays on
Symptoms owners cite: Service engine warning light illumination; Engine warning indicator on during driving at 40 mph; Light on continuously
Codes mentioned: NHTSA Campaign 14V562000
Repairs/costs cited: Recall parts unavailable for extended periods. Dealers unable to provide delivery timelines. Some owners did not experience actual vehicle failure but unable to complete recall due to parts shortage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V562000 issued for engine and engine cooling. Parts on back order across multiple dealers with no confirmed availability dates. Some owners report manufacturer exceeded reasonable timeframe for recall repair.
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi lancer. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number: 14v562000 (engine and engine cooling) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer stated that the part was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the delay. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi lancer. The contact stated that the service engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign id number: 14v562000 (engine and engine cooling) and stated that the part was not available for several months. The dealer did not give a specific date when the parts would become available. The dealer informed that the part was…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi lancer. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v562000 (engine, engine cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi lancer. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14v562000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the parts for the repair were unavailable. The manufacturer was not aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi lancer. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 14v562000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The manufacturer was made aware of the delay. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Tuesday, 11/27/18, morning my car (100,00 total miles driven) started to make a periodic squeaking noise while driving on the freeway to work. I then took it to an auto repair shop that same morning to have it checked. They said that the problem was coming from my drive belt and pulleys. They referred me to the following link: https://www.cars.com/recalls/Mitsubishi-lancer-2008/. According to…
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Mitsubishi lancer. The contact received a notification for NHTSA campaign number: 14v562000 (engine). The contact stated that the part needed to remedy the vehicle was unavailable. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experience a failure.
I received a recall notice for the drive belt, however, the dealer stated that the parts are on back order. I explained that the car is making a noise and I am concerned about the safety of driving the car. Their response is that I should bring the car in to get looked at. This now involves me having to take time off from work so that I can take it there which is about 40 minutes from my home.…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer?
It's a meaningful issue. 15 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 15 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 82,446 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.