I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2008 MITSUBISHI LANCER THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING THE LIGHT STATING SLOW DOWN APPEARS ON DASHBOARD I HAVE TO PULL OFF THE ROAD TURN OFF ENGINE AND WAIT BETWEEN 10 TO 20 MINS BEFORE IM ABLE TO DRIVE AGAIN THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING ON THE 2008 ,2009 AND 2016 FROM MY UNDERSTANDING ITS THE TRANSMISSIONS THAT WE…
2008 Mitsubishi Lancer powertrain problems
moderate 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
I OWN A 2008 LANCER WITH TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS WON'T GO INTO 3RD OR 4TH GEAR AND DEALER WONT FIX IT. *TR
UNDERDRIVE PULLEY OIL LEAK DEFECT FOR ALL 2008 LANCERS WITH 4B11 ENGINE. *TR
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. 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.
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